From the Sector

INDEX™26, the World’s Leading Nonwovens Exhibition, will take place from 19 to 22 May 2026 at PALEXPO in Geneva. With 600 exhibitors expected, INDEX™26 represents the entire value chain of the industry, from raw materials, machinery, producers of nonwovens, components to converters.

This year’s event highlights a clear trend toward high-performance lightweight materials emerging from an increasingly integrated global supply chain. From breakthroughs in engineering to innovations in raw materials, the focus remains firmly on enhancing efficiency and sustainability without compromising quality.

One of the most eagerly awaited unveilings is the introduction of RF6 technology from Reifenhäuser Reicofil. This latest generation of spunmelt production is poised to set new global standards by delivering higher throughput for the finest fibres while enabling user-friendly, low-maintenance operation.

Magnera, created from the merger of Berry and Glatfelter, will present breathable backsheet solutions with a basis weight reduced to just 8 g/m². These are combined with an ultra-soft, thin nonwoven fabric of 10 g/m² to create the lightest breathable solution to date for printed baby and adult backsheets. Magnera will also showcase its Supersoft ATB (Air-Through Bonded) fabric for backsheet applications, which reduces material consumption, lowers freight costs, and shortens delivery times without compromising comfort or quality. Supersoft combines exceptional softness with reliable technical performance, offering enhanced results through optimized thickness reduction.

In the field of raw materials, the Austrian company Borealis is introducing a new polypropylene (PP) grade for spunbond nonwovens based on its Nextension technology. This enables manufacturers to replace complex multi-layer structures with recyclable mono-material designs. Borealis HG485FB improves nonwoven production through its wide processing window and excellent spinning performance, allowing processors to push the boundaries in optimizing web properties, coverage, and strength. 

A.Celli presents its standalone VoluMAX³ line, a high-speed system for 3D embossing and perforation. A.Celli's E-Wind non-stop unwinding, inline cutting, and winding machine has been combined with the leading embossing roller from German exhibitor Saueressig. The result is a flexible, maintenance-friendly system that guarantees maximum precision, quality, and speed in the production of sophisticated surface effects at speeds of up to 600 metres per minute.

Meanwhile, Wisdom Greentech is pushing the boundaries of softness with the world’s first nonwoven material made from 0.4-denier fibres. Featuring a skin-contact layer of 100% cotton, this product is manufactured without chemical binders or ultrasonic bonding. Thanks to a patented process and Trützschler’s dual carding technology, materials finer than silk are created. Trützschler, a specialist in nonwoven technologies, has supplied Wisdom Greentech with four ATB systems to date and will also be exhibiting in Geneva this May.

Seminar programme
Structured around three critical pillars, the seminar programme provides attendees with the insights necessary to navigate an increasingly complex industrial environment. 

Strategic Market Intelligence: At the heart of the programme is an exploration of the trends shaping the global market. Drawing on EDANA’s exclusive industry intelligence, these sessions provide a data-driven overview of the dynamics redefining sectors from hygiene and wipes to filtration and construction. In an era where consumer expectations are rapidly evolving, these insights highlight how the imperative of sustainability has moved from a trend to a core business driver across the entire value chain.

Sustainability and Regulatory Resilience: As the industry faces mounting pressure to enhance resource efficiency, the programme dedicates significant focus to the dual challenges of carbon footprint reduction and end-of-life solutions. Experts will examine how to address environmental concerns while balancing the nuances of regional policies and consumer behaviors. Complementing this is an in-depth analysis of the regulatory landscape, providing manufacturers with a roadmap for aligning their operations with upcoming environmental standards and product safety requirements. This ensures that participants remain both compliant and competitive in a rapidly shifting legislative climate.

Innovation in Specialized Sectors: Beyond the broader market, sessions exploring key trends in the global Filtration sector will spotlight breakthrough applications in high-growth fields. The Geosynthetics session will challenge traditional Western construction methods, comparing them with the rapid infrastructure growth seen in regions like China to showcase how geosynthetics can revitalize modern civil engineering. Simultaneously, the Mobility seminar will position nonwovens as essential enablers for the next generation of transportation. From the lightweighting needs of electromobility to the acoustic and filtration requirements of autonomous vehicles, these sessions illustrate how versatile nonwoven materials are meeting the demands for sustainable, high-tech transportation.

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp participats at JEC World 2026, featuring a significantly expanded presence and an enhanced offering for the global composites industry.

Building on previous successes, the Alliance members will be at the core of a newly renamed and enlarged Bio-Materials Village in Hall 5. The village has grown by more than 30%, expanding from 250 m² to 333 m², and will feature 14 Alliance members and partners representing the full natural fibre composite value chain from fibre cultivation and processing through to semi-finished materials, resins, and industrial applications.

This year’s village welcomes several new members, including Norafin, which brings advanced technical nonwoven expertise using flax and hemp fibres, and innovative start-up Biofibix developing next-generation bio-based composite solutions. Another new participant is GreenPoxy by Sicomin, a leading supplier of bio-based epoxy resins that complement natural fibre reinforcement systems and enable lower-impact composite structures.

Innovations Showcase
The Bio-Materials Village will highlight several award-winning and shortlisted developments, including exhibits from JEC Innovation Award winners and finalists.

Bcomp has received the Automotive & Road Transportation Parts Award for its series-production exterior flax composite components developed for BMW, demonstrating the scalability and performance of flax reinforcements in demanding automotive applications. 

Safilin will also present its collaboration with Stratiforme on the Ecotrain project, showcasing the successful integration of natural fibre composites into rail interiors, delivering weight reduction, improved environmental performance, and industrial feasibility.

Biofibix, shortlisted among the 20 finalists of the 2026 JEC Startup Booster, will present its proprietary reinforcement technology designed to overcome one of the key challenges of natural fibre composites : structural consistency. Biofibix develops flax-based reinforcement systems that combine controlled fibre orientation with thermoplastic and thermoset compatibility, enabling improved mechanical performance and process reliability. 

Visitors will also discover the Ssuchy-Next project, an initiative focused on wind energy applications. The project explores the use of hemp-based composite solutions for a 12.6 m wind turbine blade, combining optimized fibre architecture, bio-sourced materials, and industrial manufacturing processes. Ssuchy-Next demonstrates how natural fibres can contribute to reduced carbon footprint, improved vibration damping, and end-of-life advantages, while meeting the mechanical and durability requirements of the wind energy sector.

Additional cutting-edge innovations on display will be showcased by other Alliance members and partners that include BComp, Circular Structures, DEMGY, Depestele, Ecotechnilin, Emanuel Lang Flax Composites, Flaxco, Libeco, Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale, Norafin, Safilin, Terre de Lin Technique, and many more. 

Industry Conference 
As part of the JEC Composite Exchange programme, Alliance experts will organize a round-table discussion on Wednesday 11 March at 2:00 pm Agora 5, titled:

“From Data to Applications: How Environmental and Technical Flax-Linen & Hemp Data Help Build Industrial Solutions.” The discussion will highlight how environmental metrics and technical performance data are essential tools for designers, engineers, and manufacturers in accelerating the adoption of natural fibre composites, while exploring the latest technical advances in flax-linen and hemp composites, their environmental performance, and the strategic pathways supporting the industrial deployment of bio-based composites in Europe.

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, participates in Colombiatex 2026, one of the most influential textile and apparel industry events in the Americas. The event will take place in Medellín, Colombia, from January 27 to 29. 

At Colombiatex 2026, Archroma will highlight its latest innovations designed to support more sustainable, high-performance textile production. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the company’s award-winning AVITERA® SE dyes and SILIGEN® D2W, alongside a strong portfolio of advanced solutions including BLUE MAGIC, THIOTAN® R, ERIOFAST®, ERIOPON® E3 SAVE, and TERASIL® W-VM. In addition, visitors will also be able to explore solutions from our latest partnership with HeiQ. 

“These innovations reflect our commitment to helping the textile industry meet growing demands for performance, efficiency, and sustainability,” said Gerardo Estrada, Vice President, Americas, Archroma. “Colombiatex is a key platform for connecting with partners across the Americas, and we look forward to demonstrating how our solutions can enable more planet conscious textile production.” 

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals focused on sustainable solutions, is excited to announce its debut participation in Denimsandjeans Egypt, taking place on January 19–20, 2026 at the InterContinental Citystars Cairo. 

In its first year at the show, Archroma will showcase its low-impact denim solutions, designed to help brands and mills advance sustainability without compromising aesthetics, quality or performance. 

“With Egypt emerging as a strategic denim sourcing market, there is a clear opportunity to accelerate more sustainable production. Archroma’s innovations are designed to support this growth with scalable, low impact solutions,” commented Dhirendra Gautam, Vice President, Commercial, Archroma. 

Visitors to the Archroma stand will discover a portfolio of innovative and award-winning solutions, including: 

• DENIM HALO - Archroma’s revolutionary award-winning denim pretreatment and dyeing process that gives brands and mills a simple way to produce highly sought-after distressed denim looks. It draws on a unique new chemistry, DIRSOL® RD, and a broad portfolio of textile dyes based on decades of advanced research to produce laser-friendly denim with outstanding contrast on intense black and indigo shades. 
• DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK - Archroma’s cleanest sulfur black dyestuff. Manufactured using fewer resources, it has an overall impact reduction of 57% during dye synthesis compared to standard Sulfur Black 1 liquid. 
• DENISOL® PURE INDIGO 30 LIQ - An aniline-free pre-reduced indigo that creates authentic denim colors with the same performance and efficiency as conventional indigo dye, but in a way that can reduce the risk of pollution. Furthermore, it is produced in an aniline-free** process to help enable cleaner denim production. 
• EarthColors® - A patented Archroma technology that creates high-performance biowaste-based dyes from non-edible food and agricultural waste, leaving the edible part available for consumption. EarthColors® dyes help reduce the industry’s overall impact on the water footprint. Since they upcycle waste from other industries, they also help contribute to a circular economy. 

At this year's PaintExpo in Karlsruhe (April 14–17), Barmag will present an optimized design of its paint metering pump. It impresses with its low weight, increased productivity, and extended service life. Specially developed for compact robot arms, the pump enables high-precision and economical paint application – ideal for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energies.

Paint application is one of the most demanding production steps. In order to meet increasing requirements for service life and quality, highly efficient systems are needed that create resistant surfaces. Oerlikon Barmag has been manufacturing gear metering pumps since 1985, which enable reliable and economical paint application thanks to maximum metering accuracy.

The new pump sets standards in industrial coating technology. It impresses with maximum metering accuracy and minimal pulsation – for uniform and precise paint application. The flushing system is optimized for the shortest possible flushing times, while its low weight facilitates integration into compact robot arms.

A particular highlight is that the pump combines all these advantages with high cost-effectiveness. "Our new paint metering pump combines precision and cost-efficiency in a single product. This enables us to create real added value for our customers in a wide range of industries," explains Thorsten Wagener, Sales Manager responsible for the Pumps division.

Shaping the transformation of the textile industry, the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition is set to lead the sector into the future with a strong focus on sustainable production and digital technologies. From environmentally friendly machinery to smart manufacturing systems, from energy-efficient solutions to artificial intelligence–supported applications, ITM 2026 will present a broad vision that defines the roadmap of textile technologies for the industry.

The ITM 2026 Exhibition, which will be organized in collaboration with Tüyap Tüm Fuarcılık Yapım A.Ş. and Teknik Fuarcılık A.Ş. and in partnership with Textile Machinery and Accessories Industrialists Association (TEMSAD), will welcome visitors at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center from June 9–13, 2026. Bringing together leading manufacturers of textile technologies, ITM 2026 will focus this year on the industry’s two most critical agenda items: Green Technologies and Digital Integration.

A Climate-Friendly Future in Textiles Takes Shape at ITM 2026
In line with global climate goals, the textile industry is undergoing a profound transformation. As a pioneer of this change, ITM 2026 will bring visitors a wide range of innovations—from dyeing technologies that minimize water consumption to weaving looms engineered for maximum energy efficiency. The “Green Machines” to be showcased throughout the exhibition will not only reduce carbon footprints but will also breathe new life into the circular economy with their superior performance in processing recycled raw materials.

Sustainable Production at the Center of ITM 2026
At a time when environmental responsibility is gaining increasing importance on a global scale, sustainable production in the textile industry is no longer a choice but a necessity. ITM 2026 will showcase the most tangible examples of this transformation. Durable, high-performance machines that contribute to the conservation of natural resources will form the backbone of the exhibition’s green technology vision. Energy-saving systems, solutions enabling closed-loop water usage and environmentally responsible chemical applications will strongly reflect ITM 2026’s sustainability approach. The exhibition will offer manufacturers the opportunity to explore technologies that create added value both environmentally and economically.

The Latest Technologies from Artificial Intelligence to Digital Twins 
ITM 2026 will highlight the transformative power of digitalization in textile manufacturing. Machines equipped with artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, and digital twin technologies will stand out with solutions that deliver speed, quality, and flexibility in production. Through digital integration, real-time process monitoring, increased efficiency, and reduced error rates will become achievable. Playing a critical role in the transition to smart factories, these technologies will not only be showcased at ITM 2026 but will also provide an inspiring platform for knowledge and experience sharing among industry professionals.

A Strategic Platform for Global Investors
Bringing together the world’s leading textile machinery manufacturers, industry representatives, investors, and professionals in Istanbul, the ITM 2026 Exhibition will serve as a strategic business development platform for global investors. Company owners and industry professionals will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts about the latest technological solutions needed to future-proof their facilities and to experience next-generation R&D developments firsthand. Visitors will be able to closely explore innovations developed around sustainability and digital transformation in the textile industry, enabling them to make informed decisions that shape their investments.

At Heimtextil 2026, Eastman Naia™ builds on its All-Night Comfort concept, a holistic sleep comfort platform that brings together bed sheets, comforter fill and sleepwear. This year, the concept expands with new fill solutions for comforters and the firstever Heimtextil showcase of sleepwear and loungewear made with Naia™ Renew staple fiber. Across sleep-focused home textile applications, these developments highlight the versatility and performance of Naia™ Renew circular fiber, produced from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified recycled content.

Naia™ Renew-based fill solutions expand for comforters 
Naia™ fill solutions are now offered in two forms: insulation and loose fill. In insulation, the offering includes options blended with recycled polyester and, as new additions, wool and recycled polyester, alongside a new 100% Naia™ Renew silky touch solution. In loose fill, the new options include fiber ball formats blended with recycled polyester or with wool and recycled polyester, as well as a down blend option. The expanded fill offering is designed to deliver breathable comfort, softness, effective moisture and odor management, and ease of care. Thanks to versatile blending possibilities, these solutions support all-season and cross-seasonal comfort, helping maintain a balanced sleep microclimate across different conditions and preferences.

Sleepwear debuts at Heimtextil
For the first time at Heimtextil, Eastman showcases sleepwear and loungewear made with Naia™ Renew staple fiber, confirming sleepwear as a strong application within the All-Night Comfort platform. Known for its next-to-skin softness, breathability and moisture comfort, Naia™ staple fiber is particularly well suited to garments designed for rest and relaxation.
This debut extends the concept of sleep comfort beyond bedding, reinforcing the connection between what surrounds the body and what touches the skin throughout the night. 

In a major step towards strengthening Tamil Nadu’s leadership in the global technical textiles value chain, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Textiles and Guidance Tamil Nadu, Government of Tamil Nadu on 25th November 2025 in Coimbatore to launch Techtextil India Summit scheduled from 26 – 27 November 2026 at CODISSIA, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. 

The MoU formalises the launch of the Tamil Nadu edition of Techtextil India Summit, which will be held in Coimbatore every alternate year beginning 2026. The shared objective is to create a knowledge hub for exchanging expert and technical knowledge in the segment, given its vast growth potential. 

Under this long-term partnership, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India will anchor the next phase of growth for India’s technical textiles sector by conceptualising, curating and delivering five editions of Techtextil India Summit in Tamil Nadu over the coming decades. As the country’s foremost B2B exhibition on technical textiles, nonwovens and composites – and part of the globally acclaimed Techtextil brand – the collaboration brings one of the world’s most influential platforms closer to India’s largest textile and apparel hub. 

The MoU was signed on 25th November 2025 with the Department of Textiles and Guidance Tamil Nadu, Government of Tamil Nadu in the august presence of Thiru. M K Stalin, Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and The TN Rising Investment Summit.

Expressing her thoughts at the ceremony, Smt R Lalitha, IAS, Director of Textiles, Department of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu stated: “Tamil Nadu has a well-established textile base, and this collaboration with Messe Frankfurt India will further enable the State to assume a leading position in the technical textiles sector and broaden industry linkages. With appropriate support and knowledge exchange, entrepreneurs and manufacturers can engage with advanced technical textile innovations, adopt global best practices, and reinforce Tamil Nadu’s standing as a hub for high-value, cutting-edge functional textile solutions

Reflecting on the occasion, Mr Winston Pereira, Executive Director, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd remarked: “We are truly honoured that the Department of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu, has granted us the opportunity to contribute to the State’s technical textiles growth journey. It is equally encouraging to witness the State’s proactive efforts in building a strong foundation for technical textiles through supportive schemes and infrastructure development. We are confident that, with the right knowledge and global linkages, this dynamic State can evolve from its established strengths in spinning and knitwear into high-value technical textiles, thereby creating a robust pipeline for future investments. Introducing our globally recognised brand, Techtextil, in Coimbatore will position Tamil Nadu as a focal point for global industry dialogue. We are immensely proud of this milestone and look forward to working closely with the Department of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Guidance Tamil Nadu to further drive industry participation.”

With the state’s policy-level support, the initiative is expected to strengthen industry-academia linkages, attract international stakeholders, unlock new opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and advance Tamil Nadu’s leadership in the high-growth technical textiles segment. The first two editions of the show will be hosted in a high-level confex format in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, setting the foundation for a full-scale trade fair from the third edition. 

The Coimbatore edition of Techtextil India Summit will not only provide a global platform for innovation and collaboration but also receive strong policy-level support from the Government of Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to engage key textile stakeholders across the State including MSMEs, research institutions, universities and sectoral agencies such as SIDCO, TIDCO, TANSIDCO, SITRA, PSG Tech, and Anna University.

Techtextil India and Techtextil India Summit are a part of Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network which covers the entire textile value chain, right from research, development, yarns, fabrics, clothing, fashion, contract manufacturing, home and household textiles to technical textiles, processing and cleaning technologies, while simultaneously connecting over 500,000 industry participants worldwide through trade fairs, networks and news formats. 

Heimtextil starts a new partnership with the format Hospitality Interiors Europe (HINT). With the launch, a complementary event will take place alongside Heimtextil 2027, targeting decision-makers from the hotel and high-end hospitality design sector. Both platforms create tangible synergies for exhibitors and visitors – and expand the holistic interior design offering for architecture, interior design, hospitality and the contract sector. Hospitality Interiors Europe presents itself at Heimtextil 2026 with its own dedicated lounge area. 

At Heimtextil 2027, the international hospitality and contract sector receives an additional stage: with the launch of Hospitality Interiors Europe, a parallel format is being created that specifically brings together decision-makers from (interior) architecture, project development and interior design for hospitality, as well as from the extended hospitality environment, including hotels, resorts, wellness & spa, extended stay and care facilities. 

Hospitality Interiors Europe will be staged in its own hall and will present design concepts for high-end hospitality environments. This focus strengthens Heimtextil and elevates its global offering for holistic interior design. As leading trade fair, Heimtextil stands for international reach, textile expertise and material innovation. Hospitality Interiors Europe complements this with a specialised hospitality perspective, featuring first-class product worlds and application contexts. With Strive Exhibitions – whose founders Toby Walters and Sam Murray launched Cruise Ship Interiors Expo – serving as organiser, Heimtextil gains an internationally established partner with a strong industry network. The partnership reflects the increasing significance of hospitality and contract interiors as growth engines for the global textile sector.

New hospitality hub alongside Heimtextil 2027
With Hospitality Interiors Europe, a curated platform emerges for the industry that brings together high-quality design, textile innovation and hospitality expertise. In addition to presentations by selected manufacturers, the format includes an exclusive congress programme that unites international experts and highlights key trends as well as relevant project developments in hospitality design. At the same time, the additional platform fosters industry exchange and networking between decision-makers, planners and designers from the contract sector – all within a first-class environment.

“Sam and I are truly excited to be launching Hospitality Interiors Europe in Frankfurt in 2027. HINT will become the new global meeting place for the entire hospitality design community, bringing together designers, suppliers, operators, and developers from the hotel, resort, care, wellness, and extended stay markets. Partnering with industry-leading Heimtextil gives both audiences unparalleled access to the latest products. We believe this marks the start of something truly special for the sector – a chance to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of hospitality design together”, says Toby Walters, CEO Strive Exhibitions.