From the Sector

From September 1 to 3, 2026, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations and solutions across the product areas of Nonwovens and Knitting at CINTE Techtextil China.

Nonwovens 
In the Nonwovens product area, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations. One of the highlights is the advanced Litespeed™ felting needle designed to significantly reduce insertion and removal times, thereby simplifying handling and increasing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the newly developed CB-Barb felting needle will be part of the showcase. 

For the Nonwovens Carding segment, Groz-Beckert will introduce its specialized Mounting Service. The portfolio is complemented by the innovative SiroLock™ plus wires from the Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing family. These products are designed to deliver high levels of precision, performance and reliability throughout the carding process. 

Knitting 
In the Knitting product area, Groz-Beckert will present its expanded product portfolio for the warp knitting industry. The extended range of modules offers high levels of precision, stability and efficiency during the loop formation process. 

With its comprehensive product portfolio, Groz-Beckert provides customers with integrated and precisely coordinated solutions from a single source. This approach simplifies procurement and production processes, reduces coordination effort and ensures that all components are optimally matched for reliable machine performance.

The sustainable fashion sector is facing the challenging economic situation with realism and pragmatism – this is the note on which INNATEX closes its doors on 20 July 2026. The Green Fashion community is not letting itself be discouraged by the crisis warning issued by the German Retail Federation (HDE) a few days ago. 

"The reluctance to spend among consumers, as perceived by the retail sector, is naturally a concern," says Alexander Hitzel, project manager at INNATEX. "Nobody is expecting a major breakthrough at the moment, but the industry is taking a constructive approach and is ready to implement the necessary measures. It appreciates that the trade fair is a reliable partner. We, too, recognise new challenges and are addressing them." 

Whilst the Kids section is currently showing a decline this summer, international brands' interest in INNATEX is growing. The trade fair will therefore focus more strongly on well-known and international newcomers and reorganise its offering into new clusters at the Messecenter Hofheim Rhein-Main in the future. The organiser, MUVEO GmbH, intend to further expand the Retail Summer Camp and link it more closely to strategic partnerships and campaigns. 

Green Fashion with a Future 
As part of the trade fair, the Association of German Fashion and Textile Designers (VDMD) presented its Design Award for Sustainable Collections to Vaude, Jan'n June, Wote and Sweersocean. The laudation was delivered by Dr Jürgen Janssen, Secretary-General of the German Council for Sustainable Development. He praised the award winners for remaining true to their vision. 

"We now need companies that stay on the course. The headwinds we are currently experiencing on many sustainability issues will turn around," predicts Dr Janssen. "After all, we are not just talking about costs, but also about benefits that are evident, for example, in higher quality and durability. And the fact that the use of sustainable raw materials, as well as transparency and fairness in the supply chain, receive less public attention than they did just a few years ago does not in any way mean that these issues are irrelevant, including from a business perspective. These values will regain importance. We are simply dealing with trends that are constantly changing. I am convinced that companies such as those exhibiting at INNATEX are fit for the future." 

Conscientious Companies Benefit from the EmpCo 
The "Textilwirtschaft Expert-Talk” session has now become a fixture on the INNATEX programme. In this edition, correspondent Kirsten Reinhold spoke to Ronja Hüttinger, sustainability consultant at BAM! Bock auf Morgen, about the impact of the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EmpCo) on the industry. Both agreed that EmpCo gives small and medium-sized fashion companies a strategic and financial edge over the large, conventional corporations. 

"EmpCo is about putting an end to brazen environmental lies," said Hüttinger. "Instead of sweeping generalisations, what counts now are concrete, verifiable facts. Companies that have poured their heart and soul into their products for years – those that work with natural fibres, produce fairly and recycle – have a clear advantage because they know their supply chain. This is precisely the advantage the big players don't have: they lack the evidence. Under no circumstances must the EmpCo lead to greenwashing. On the contrary, it should finally highlight the difference between genuine, conscientious work and greenwashing." 

"Industry players need to join forces" 
One of the most important ways for companies to move forward is through collaboration – that is the general consensus among fashion designers and experts. The possibilities range from partnerships between brands and retailers to charity projects and joint events. 

„When we created a T-shirt with our favourite falafel shop in Mülheim an der Ruhr, we didn't expect it to sell out so quickly," says Henry Canton of Mazine Streetwear. "People love it because it makes them feel part of a movement. Collaborations don't always have to follow the classic patterns. Alongside large campaigns, smaller, local partnerships can have just as strong an impact. What it takes above all is openness and creativity – and exchange with a community that inspires one another. That's exactly what makes INNATEX special to me." 

The INNATEX Showroom in Bern on 16 and 17 August 2026 rounds off this ordering season. The next INNATEX will take place from 16 to 18 January 2027.

At Bluezone ISKO is debuting its FW 27–28 Collection, structured around a trio of core sensory pillars: color, texture, and touch. This season, the textile leader showcases a creative vision where emotional connection and advanced technical innovation come together. The entire range is anchored by a dedicated commitment to eco-conscious material creation, utilizing patented processing technologies and high-quality Next-Gen materials powered by RE&UP. 

ISKO FW27–28 collection: Supreme Colors and beyond 
Anchoring the new season is Supreme Colors, a concept that highlights ISKO’s deep mastery of color innovation through a broad and adaptable shade spectrum spanning various product lines. Enhanced by strong yarn character, fast fading properties, and laser-compatible finishing techniques, the range delivers a high-definition visual depth alongside authentic, vintage denim characteristics. 

Building upon this color-focused story, Iconic Craft redefines fabric texture as a central design element. Bold surface treatments, multi-layered structures, and progressive finishes produce highly tactile textiles that fluidly shift from heritage authenticity to experimental, techno-inspired aesthetics. Completing the collection's sensory profile is ISKO™ Wondersoft, which prioritizes the physical hand-feel by introducing fluid, silky, and remarkably soft qualities that balance everyday durability with refined comfort. 

Capsule Collections: Four Creative Expressions 
This seasonal design philosophy comes to life across four distinct capsule collections, each exploring the overarching aesthetic theme through a unique point of view: 

• City Glam 2.0: Explores the boundaries of denim through a polished, metropolitan lens. It introduces a balance of matte and glossy finishes to add subtle luminosity and elevated sophistication while respecting denim’s classic roots. 
• D.Lite 2.0: Concentrates on lightweight fabric weights and fluid comfort. This capsule features flexible, exceptionally soft denim qualities designed for effortless movement and a relaxed aesthetic, meeting the modern demand for comfort-first apparel without losing a sleek edge. 
• Chino’s Utility: Reimagines traditional chino archetypes with a contemporary, laid-back sensibility. Classic, seasonless navy and beige baselines are updated with progressive colorways, tactile surfaces, and technical weave constructions that blend functional wear with elegant style. 
• Natural Meal: Presents an organic exploration focused on off-white and natural ecru palettes. Centered on raw authenticity, this capsule pairs clean tonal depth with distinct 
• fabric textures, offering a softer, more organic take on denim culture that highlights material character and mindful engineering. 

“Our presence at Bluezone highlights a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of what denim can be,” said Fatma Korkmaz, Product Development Manager at ISKO. “This season, we are shifting the conversation toward an immersive, sensory experience where color depth and intricate textures take center stage and blending it with the incredible circular capabilities of RE&UP, to show the industry that high-end design and environmental responsibility belong together.” 

ISKO™ Luxury by PG – H.A. HUMAN ART 
Running alongside the core range, ISKO™ Luxury by PG debuts H.A. HUMAN ART, a visionary project celebrating artisanal craftsmanship in the era of artificial intelligence. Created by Paolo Gnutti, this line returns the focus to analog, human creativity, emphasizing tactile experimentation and emotion-driven design. The concept explores eight distinct directions, spanning tailored denim structures and highly textured black surfaces to multi-colored weaves, faux-fur techniques, and innovative reverse-side prints, merging artisanal spirit with premium technical luxury

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, in partnership with the Business Coordination House (BCH), will welcome filtration professionals from across the world to FILTREX™ India 2026, taking place on 7–8 October 2026 at the Eros Hotel, New Delhi. 

Recognised as one of the leading meeting points for the filtration industry in the region, FILTREX™ India brings together decision-makers, technical experts, researchers and innovators from across the entire filtration value chain. The two-day conference and tabletop exhibition will provide a platform to explore technological advances, market developments and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping the future of filtration. 

Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 conference will feature a comprehensive programme covering some of the industry's most pressing topics, including filtration standards and regulations in India, automotive filtration, industrial filtration, clean water and clean air. The event will also provide extensive networking opportunities, enabling participants to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and discover new business opportunities. 

The programme includes keynote presentations and technical sessions delivered by internationally recognised experts from leading organisations, including MANN+HUMMEL, Ahlstrom, Camfil, Hollingsworth & Vose, UY Trienviro and Schlegel und Partner. Topics will range from next-generation filtration materials and air quality solutions to wastewater recycling technologies and the implications of evolving European chemical compliance requirements for international markets. 

"Launched in Europe in 2004, FILTREX™ has grown into a recognised international platform for knowledge exchange within the filtration industry," said Murat Dogru, General Manager at EDANA. "The Indian market continues to play an increasingly important role in the global filtration landscape, making FILTREX™ India an ideal forum for bringing together international expertise and local innovation to address shared challenges."

As global demand for effective filtration solutions continues to grow—driven by challenges related to air quality, water treatment, industrial processes and sustainable technologies—FILTREX™ India 2026 will offer participants valuable insights into the innovations and collaborations shaping the industry's future.