From the Sector

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Amid a shifting market landscape shaped by greener consumption policies in China, the rise of home-centric lifestyles, and growing demand for multi-functional and emotionally resonant interiors[1], the fair serves as a key platform for trend-led sourcing, cross-sector collaboration, and business exchange. These developments will be reflected across four halls, from curated displays to exhibitor showcases aligned with emerging consumer preferences.

Guided by NellyRodi™ Agency, the 2027 trend directions are developed by a committee including the agency’s Founder and Trendsetter Ms Nelly Rodi, Global Creative Director Ms Cécile Rosenstrauch, and Founder and Design Director of the Interior Architects Design Mr Shen Lei. At the fair, the concept ‘BREATHE UP!’ will be brought to life through a dedicated trend area featuring curated spaces and immersive installations, offering visitors a preview of the season’s key directions.

‘BREATHE UP!’ reflects a renewed search for balance and vitality in an increasingly complex world. Inspired by the rhythm of breathing, the theme explores how design can restore emotional well-being, reconnect individuals with their surroundings, and open new creative possibilities at home. It captures a shift from purely functional living spaces towards environments that nurture both body and mind, a transition that will be echoed in product innovations presented onsite.

The concept unfolds through three key textile directions. RE-DECORATE celebrates expressive interiors, where bold aesthetics, rich textures, and artisanal craftsmanship transform the home into a stage for individuality and creativity. RE-CONNECT embraces a softer, more mindful approach, combining pared-back design with intelligent functionality to create calm, restorative spaces. RE-USE highlights circular thinking, encouraging experimentation with recycled materials and innovative processes to redefine sustainability as both practical and aesthetic. 

New zone and offerings reflect lifestyle convergence, emerging demand
In response to the continued expansion of lifestyle-driven consumption, and the growing desire for more holistic, well-being-oriented living environments, the fair will also introduce the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone, bringing together complementary categories such as carpets, wallpapers, aromatherapy, and home accessories. Featuring highlighted exhibitors such as Simple Home and Zhejiang Nine home Co Ltd, this new zone reflects the growing integration between home textiles and broader lifestyle products, as consumers increasingly seek cohesive, experience-led living environments. It also broadens the show’s offering, providing visitors with a more comprehensive resource across core home textiles and a wider range of home products.
 
Meanwhile, the fair will expand its commerce product scope, tapping into a fast-growing segment in consumer market and reflecting the increasing integration of digital shopping experiences into everyday lifestyles. With the growing adoption of e-commerce platforms and digital retail tools in brand strategies, this addition aims to help exhibitors capture emerging opportunities and reach new customer groups.
 
Aligned with China’s policy direction towards sustainable development, green consumption, and commercial refurbishment, the fair will further spotlight exhibitors specialising in contract business and eco-friendly innovations, helping to meet rising demand for low-carbon, wellness-oriented, and future-ready living spaces. These better positions the fair to connect exhibitors with buyers in the hospitality, contract, and public sectors seeking practical solutions that support sustainable operations and the ongoing upgrading of built environments.
 
Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).

• INDEX™26 officially concluded at Palexpo as a successful edition, spread over a gross exhibition space of 50’000m2, the event featured 625 exhibitors from 44 countries, fully playing their part through high-quality, prestigious stands, confirming its status as a central hub for nonwovens innovation. 
• The event attracted 11,452 visits providing an important meeting place for global decision-makers to witness the industry's evolution toward high-tech, durable, and sustainable solutions. 
• A defining theme of the edition was the integration of technical excellence and environmental responsibility, with a major focus on circular design and carbon footprint reduction as primary performance indicators. 
• Beyond the exhibition halls, the strong response to the specialized seminar programme and new immersive experiences highlighted how global collaboration and smart technologies are helping to shape a path for a circular manufacturing landscape. 

INDEX™ 26, the World’s Leading Nonwovens Exhibition, officially closed its doors today at Palexpo. In a context marked by uncertainty and continued pressure, the 2026 edition of INDEX™ concluded successfully. With a diverse range of 625 exhibiting companies from 44 countries, an important number of visitors, and an expanded international reach, the event confirmed its role as a central hub for innovation and a representative showcase of the nonwovens ecosystem. 

Driven by the strong presence of exhibitors, the 2026 edition confirmed the continued relevance of the event. With 11,452 visits, the four-day event brought together a strong mix of global decision-makers and technical experts, who came to explore the sector’s evolution from mass-produced disposable items to high-tech, durable and sustainable solutions. The professional events were well attended, establishing the exhibition as an indispensable meeting place for sharing experience and passion for the industry. Magali Fakhry Dufresne, Director of INDEX™, noted: “Despite the current geopolitical context, affecting travel conditions and budgets, the industry demonstrated a strong commitment to attend. Participants were keen to meet in person, reconnect with their peers and advance discussions. INDEXTM is a great opportunity for the young generation to discover many innovations all gathered under one roof. Once again, INDEX™ confirmed its role as a key event for the global nonwovens community every three years.” She adds: “I also would like to thank the industry, and particularly the exhibitors, for their engagement and continued commitment. Exhibitors played a decisive role in the success of the edition, with high-quality, prestigious stands that reflected the strength and ambition of the sector.” 

The defining theme of the 2026 edition was the integration of environmental responsibility and technical excellence. Industry representatives demonstrated that sustainability and performance now form a unified mission that permeates the entire value chain. A key focus was the increasing significance of reducing the carbon footprint as the industry's primary performance indicator. Exhibitors presented the latest production technologies designed to increase throughput and produce finer fibres. Circular design was a major focus of these developments, with many new materials replacing complex multi-layer structures with recyclable designs made from a single material. Furthermore, the event showcased high-performance protective textiles that meet new safety standards without the use of PFAS. 

“The INDEX™26 seminar programme and products presentations showcased developments demonstrating how companies are achieving a competitive edge by going beyond regulatory compliance. It showed that it is vitally important for companies to adapt and be agile to successfully master new market challenges such as the Iranian and other crises”, added Pieter Meijer, Chairman of the INDEX™ Advisory Board. 

Networking and immersive experiences 
The exhibition offered a consistent experience-oriented approach, as evidenced by the numerous areas dedicated to innovation and technical demonstrations. The event also strengthened its networking dimension, introducing a unique 'Women's Networking Breakfast' to build mentoring networks for the future of the community. The new immersive experience, 'Nonwovens: In Every Layer of Life', was well received, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the integral role these materials play in modern society. Over four days, Geneva provided the setting for an exhibition that remains a place of discovery for current and future technologies. 

Looking to the future 
Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA concludes: “INDEX™26 had demonstrated how innovation in the industry is now being driven by global collaboration. The synergy between automated machinery, smart chemistry, and extreme weight reduction has pointed to a promising direction for a more efficient, circular manufacturing landscape. We are already looking forward to INDEXTM29 (15-18 May 2029), to discuss the latest developments.”

FET has received the Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.

The new FET-500 Series now allows rapid, small-scale gel spinning of UHMWPE without the use of the toxic solvents typically associated with the process. This game-changing equipment will finally unlock R&D and new product development in UHMWPE yarns, which was previously blocked by the large-scale nature of UHMWPE yarn production, enabling significant savings in cost, footprint and environmental factors.

“We are proud that the Techtextil Innovation Award recognises our intensive work. It shows that we are at the forefront of technological developments supporting the textiles of tomorrow.” - Richard Slack, Managing Director.

This reinforces FET’s success in processing over 130 different polymer types in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats, collaborating with specialist companies worldwide to promote greater sustainability through innovative manufacturing processes.

From August 31 to September 2, 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will once again bring together all international players in textiles and apparel at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center.

A strategic platform for buyers
As a global sourcing hub for fashion professionals, the event will offer direct access to nearly 1,200 international textile and apparel companies across two main areas: Texworld, dedicated to fabrics and raw materials, and Apparel Sourcing, focused on finished products and accessories. These two shows stand out for their broad offering, centered on mid-range and premium segments, meeting the growing expectations of buyers seeking quality and added value. They will be complemented by the key Avantex sector, dedicated to innovative solutions for high-performance and responsible fashion. 

This 59th edition continues to build on a strategy of qualitative consolidation. In line with previous editions, the overall structure of the show remains unchanged to ensure a smooth and intuitive visitor experience: Halls 3 and 4 will bring together the full offering, organized by expertise and end use. Synergies between exhibitors from both shows will be strengthened to optimize visitor flow, with a focus on womenswear, casualwear and sportswear. Hall 2 will host Avantex exhibitors, the Trend Forums, and the conference and service areas, forming a spacious zone designed to encourage interaction.

An enriched international offer for Texworld
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris reinforces its position as a barometer of the global textile industry. Alongside major historic producing countries (China, Türkiye, India, Korea, etc.), the 2026 edition stands out for the upgrading of the expertise presented and the growing interest in new sourcing regions.

On the Texworld side, the exceptional participation of La Lainière de Picardie marks a first and highlights the value of European know-how in export markets. Specializing in high-end wool linings, this French company embodies industrial excellence, textile innovation, and a commitment to natural and sustainable materials. In a spirit of international openness, an ECO-HUB dedicated to China’s Zhejiang province will bring together around thirty exhibitors committed to 100% sustainable production. Located in Hall 4, this key area underscores the evolution of supply chains toward more responsible and traceable models, aligned with market expectations.

Apparel Sourcing: confirmed momentum and new perspectives
Following a record edition in September 2025, Apparel Sourcing continues its trajectory of qualitative growth. The interest shown by new countries, particularly Mongolia, Pakistan and Taiwan, reflects the industrial capabilities of these production regions while responding to European buyers’ demand for a broader sourcing offer.

In a continued effort to improve clarity and visibility, new pavilions dedicated to leather and jewelry will better showcase these specific finished-product sectors. Similarly, a new Outdoor area, positioned at the intersection of Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, will bring together around fifty exhibitors and offer a cross-category selection combining technical fabric manufacturers (active wear fabrics) and sportswear garment makers, meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving market.
Finally, the new Apparel Sourcing Initiatives area, an extension of the existing Texworld concept, will highlight high-value-added industrial know-how, production flexibility, and premium services offered by a selection of finished-product exhibitors.

Avantex: innovation and commitment for the fashion of tomorrow
Once again this year, the Avantex sector will confirm its role as an innovation laboratory, showcasing technological solutions and sustainable initiatives for the fashion industry. Conferences, workshops and professional meetings will enrich discussions around these key issues in a context of profound transformation within the textile sector. True to its DNA, Messe Frankfurt reaffirms its commitment to supporting and promoting industry players working toward a more responsible, transparent and competitive global model. The creation of the Texworld ECO-HUB is part of this vision.

In the end, what matters is the result: a filter that performs reliably, a membrane that remains stable in storm conditions, a composite material with precisely defined properties. But the path to achieving this is demanding. In the production of technical textiles, numerous parameters interact – and even the smallest deviations can have major consequences. 

This very challenge shaped this year’s Techtextil. Many of the exhibiting companies face the daily task of producing complex materials while maintaining consistently high quality standards. It requires a finely tuned interplay of fibers, coatings, temperature, moisture, and tension. Whether it is protective textiles, technical filters, or carbon applications: precision is not an option, but a prerequisite. And monitoring these parameters is the key to success. 

Perfect Alignment for Woven Fabrics  
Companies such as Frenzelit, Freudenberg, Friedola, Getzner, Juta, Sattler, Swisstulle, and Toray demonstrated at the trade fair just how diverse the applications of classic woven fabrics can be. At the same time, it became clear that even the slightest distortion errors can lead to functional failure and therefore waste. Mahlo’s Orthopac systems ensure that fabrics remain perfectly aligned throughout these processes – continuously, reliably, and often unnoticed in the background. 

Consistent Quality in Nonwovens 
Nonwovens are no less complex. Manufacturers such as Alkegen (Gutsche), Dyneema, Filz Fulda, Freudenberg, Johns Manville, Lenzing, Norafin, Polyvlies, Pont Aurell, Tenowo, and TWE represent materials with a wide range of properties used in hygiene products, vehicles, filters, and medical applications. 

What matters most here is one thing above all: basis weight. Even minor deviations can determine whether a product meets the required specifications or not. With Qualiscan QMS, this crucial parameter is monitored continuously – and adjusted immediately when necessary. This ensures consistent quality, even at high production speeds. 

Coatings Under Full Control 
Another key topic at Techtextil was coatings. Multi-layer materials, complex constructions, and precisely defined properties are what characterize modern technical textiles. But the more complex a material becomes, the more sensitive it is to fluctuations in the process. 

This is where Mahlo sensors provide decisive insights: they detect early on when coatings become too thick or too thin, enabling immediate corrective action. Errors do not only become visible at the end – they are prevented from being produced in the first place. 

Moisture and Temperature: Invisible but Essential 
The same applies to moisture. It is invisible, but crucial for many processes. Whether in nonwovens, felts, or drying processes, precise control saves energy, stabilizes operations, and ensures product quality. IR and microwave sensors provide the necessary real-time data.
For sensitive materials such as prepregs or thermally stabilized fabrics, temperature control becomes essential. Systems such as Optipac and Ecopac ensure that materials are processed exactly within the required temperature ranges.