From the Sector

Heimtextil, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, is strategically expanding the Smart Bedding segment. A new exhibitor area will be created for the January 2026 edition: Sleep & Meet. This new format will take up around a quarter of Hall 4.0. Numerous well-known brands from the mattress sector have already registered to take part. With a clear structure and a high-quality environment, Sleep & Meet offers bedding retailers, hospitality and volume buyers direct access to relevant companies and industry participants, new product range perspectives and valuable business contacts.

Numerous strong German brands from the mattress sector will be exhibiting at Heimtextil 2026. Well-known companies such as Auping Germany, Bettwaren Stendebach, Erich Werkmeister, ergomed, Femira, Rummel and Schwarzwald Schlafsysteme are celebrating their premiere at Heimtextil 2026 and have already registered. The EuroComfort Group with Badenia, Brinkhaus, Lück and fan frankenstolz are significantly expanding their space at Heimtextil 2026.

Trade association Matratzen-Industrie e.V. will be present again
The trade association Matratzen-Industrie is also sending out a strong signal: the association will once again have its own stand at Heimtextil 2026. ‘Heimtextil offers the ideal platform to showcase the innovative strength and diversity of German mattress manufacturers internationally’, explains Martin Auerbach, Managing Director of the trade association Matratzen-Industrie.

At Chinaplas 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will present its latest technological innovations for the efficient and sustainable production of plastic films. The extrusion specialists will showcase at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from April 15 – 18 solutions that address the key challenges of today’s plastic industry: reducing resource consumption, increasing recyclability, and making production more autonomous and efficient. Meeting these demands requires advanced production technologies that Reifenhäuser already offers today.

A central focus at the show will be the use of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technologies for producing fully recyclable mono-material films with performance and cost-effectiveness equivalent to conventional multi-material structures.

Marcel Perrevort, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains: “In the flexible packaging sector, we are currently seeing a huge trend away from conventional and non-recyclable mixed material laminates towards fully recyclable mono-material composites, both for blown and cast films. Our state-of-the-art MDO stretching units enable enhanced mechanical properties for all-PE or all-PP films. Thus, PET films commonly used in material composites can be replaced. By downgauging, we also reduce production costs to a competitive level, making recyclable films a profitable choice.”

MDO for blown film lines
With the EVO Ultra Stretch MDO unit for Reifenhäuser’s blown film lines manufacturers produce all-PE mono films for applications such as high-barrier food pouches. Due to the stretch process film thicknesses of 18μm (with properties of a 25μm product) and less can be achieved, keeping production costs within the range of conventional films. With the patented integration of the MDO unit directly into the haul-off, the film is stretched in the ideal phase of the process – using the first heat – for maximum efficiency and film stability. Furthermore, the all-PE film achieves the required barrier effect with an EVOH content of less than five percent, fully meeting the criteria for recyclability. At the same time, Ultra Stretch enhances the performance of the EVOH barrier layer while reducing material usage, delivering cost and sustainability benefits.

When textiles are equipped with electronic components, conductive yarns and textile sensors, the application possibilities are almost unlimited. These high-tech textiles are a global growth market. In Stuttgart, manufacturers, users and researchers presented amazing examples of applications in construction, architecture and mobility. The appropriate standards ensure quality and safety.

In keeping with the themes of the event, participants were able to take a look behind the construction fence of the Stuttgart 21 rail project on the first day. After the tour, DITF board member Götz T. Gresser drew parallels with the market for smart textiles. Just like the completion of the underground station, the market potential for smart textiles is developing more slowly than predicted.

One important reason for this is that there is still a lot to be regulated. Standardization was therefore a key topic in the presentations on the second day of the event. Norms and standards create trust among users. They reduce the error rate in design and therefore development costs, helping to bring innovations and new technological developments into use. Kristina Müller from the German Institute for Standardization explained that consistent compliance with standards can reduce error costs in construction, for example, from the current estimated eleven percent to five percent per year. Jan Beringer from the Hohenstein Group used the example of actively illuminated high-visibility clothing to show the hurdles that need to be overcome on the way to standardization.

In addition to high-visibility equipment, workwear offers many opportunities for smart functions. Despite all safety precautions, accidents at work cannot always be avoided, explained Silke Rehm from Adresys. Smart clothing can then automatically make an emergency call and trigger an emergency shutdown of the machine.

There are suitable testing devices for monitoring and quality assurance of materials and textile surfaces. Stefan Fliescher from Textechno presented a device that has so far been exclusively used at the DITF.

The second block of presentations focused on mobility: examples included textile ideas for flight cabins of the future from Diehl Aviation, precise and therefore energy-saving heating systems for vehicles from Köstler and contactless sensor technology from Rotec, which detects when fiber ropes need to be replaced. Erhardt manufactures flexible, customized bodies for commercial vehicles They are particularly suitable for logistics in city centers and are equipped with textile sensors, for example for measuring temperature or determining the optimum load. The textile superstructures not only offer a textile surface for design, they can also communicate with their surroundings. Digital lettering shows when the vehicle is giving way or warns cyclists of blind spots when turning. Modules that are not required can be folded or rolled up to save space.

In the construction and architecture application area, solutions for climate change are in demand. TEC KNIT has developed smart shading systems made from “shape memory” polymer fibers that close or reopen depending on the temperature. Optigrün relies on smart rainwater management for greening buildings. Textile sensor technology ensures that the water is optimally distributed over the surface - digitally controlled according to the weather forecast. Michael Schneider from the Smart Textiles Hub showed how intelligent knitted fabrics installed on flat roofs detect moisture and temperature by contracting or expanding accordingly. This can also prevent damage caused by icing, for example. Christoph Riethmüller from the DITF explained that the actual state of buildings is constantly changing due to events. The charm of smart textiles is that they can adapt to these changes. In this way, it is possible to intervene before negative consequences become noticeable. This saves a lot of energy. For example, the targeted heating of walls depending on the relative humidity prevents the occurrence of mold with low energy consumption. Intelligent shading systems also ensure that rooms remain at a pleasant temperature in summer without air conditioning and that the heat remains in the room in winter.

The event was accompanied by an exhibition where participants were able to try out numerous smart products.

The annual User Forum is organized by the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), the Textile Research Institute Thuringia-Vogtland e.V. (TITV Greiz) and the Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V. (FKT).

The next SMART TEXTILES User Forum will take place on March 4-5, 2026 in Zeulenroda.

FILTREX™ 2025, EDANA’s flagship event for the filtration industry, wrapped up last week after two dynamic days of discussions, technical advancements, and industry collaboration. This 10th edition brought together more than 100 professionals to explore the latest developments in air and liquid filtration, sustainability, and regulatory challenges.

Industry Insights and Key Conversations
The FILTREX 2025 conference brought together experts from across the filtration industry to discuss innovation, sustainability, and regulatory challenges shaping the sector. The event opened with a keynote by Dr.-Ing. Frank Möbius, Senior Innovation Advisor at UnternehmerTUM and former BMW Group Manager, highlighting the role of Open Innovation in maintaining competitiveness in an evolving market.

Throughout the sessions, industry leaders addressed major trends influencing filtration. Dr. Marc Schmidt (AAF-Lufttechnik) explored how economic and social shifts are reshaping filtration markets, while Anthony Lawson (Hengst Filtration) examined the impact of evolving air quality guidelines and PFAS restrictions on filter design. Experts such as Cédric Vallet (Ahlstrom) and Christof Keppler (Gessner) presented innovations in filtration efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and the development of biodegradable filter media. Meanwhile, Dr. Pero Mićić (FutureManagementGroup AG) offered a strategic framework for future-proofing businesses against industry disruptions.

Spotlight on Sustainability in Filtration
Sustainability took centre stage at FILTREX 2025, with a dedicated round table that saw insights from Oswaldo Anaya (Freudenberg Performance Materials), Cédric Vallet (Ahlstrom), and Bruce Lorange (Hollingsworth & Vose). The discussions focused on how the industry can reduce its environmental impact while still delivering high-performance solutions. Oswaldo Anaya, Product Marketing Manager at Freudenberg Performance Materials, reflected on the event, saying, “I was glad to join this last edition of FILTREX. It confirmed the great things I’d heard from colleagues about previous events. Highly relevant and timely topics for the filtration industry, plus valuable networking in a relaxed setting.”

FILTREX™ Innovation Award 2025
A major highlight of the event was the FILTREX™ Innovation Award, which this year went to Johns Manville for its Evalith® product. Their groundbreaking recycling process transforms HVAC glass microfiber waste into compounded pellets for injection molding, turning waste into durable, second-life products. The award was presented during a Networking Evening Cocktail at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, providing an ideal atmosphere for further discussions and potential collaborations.

PFAS-Free Filtration and Industry Innovation
The closing session tackled the critical topic of PFAS-free filtration, revealing solutions like high-performance PFAS-free HEPA media and nanofiber membranes that not only enhance performance but also reduce environmental impact. Industry leaders also discussed upcoming changes in PFAS regulations and the continued push for safer alternatives in the filtration industry.

Looking Ahead
FILTREX™ 2025 firmly established itself as the key event for the filtration industry, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation. As Bruce Lorange, Global Marketing Communications Director at Hollingsworth & Vose, put it: “The recent FILTREX event in Vienna presented a unique opportunity to network, learn, see old friends, and make new ones in the filtration and nonwovens space. The quality of presentations was top-notch—informative and thought-provoking—and the venue provided the perfect backdrop for the thought leaders gathered to take our industry to the next level. A sincere thanks to the EDANA FILTREX team for arranging such an impactful event!”

The capacity crowd at the 41st annual Cornell Fashion Collective (CFC) Runway Show saw the mother of all fashion shows.

The annual event, held March 22 in Barton Hall, had one common thread – and it was not necessarily by design: Three designers asked their mothers to wear their designs on the runway. Several more designers’ mothers traveled to Ithaca to see the show, put on by the student-led organization; other designers were inspired by their grandparents.

“It’s unusual to have multiple mothers walk in one show,” said Kim Phoenix, senior lecturer in Human Centered Design in the College of Human Ecology and adviser to CFC. “Historically, a lot of moms pitch in behind the scenes to help with the sewing.”

After traveling five hours to model the collection of her son, Drew Brown ’25, Adria Brown was immediately pressed into service, practically pulling an all-nighter to help him get his design just right. Drew thanked his mom: “It was only through experiencing your embodiment of womanhood that I could produce this collection.”

Brown’s “Jadine” collection was inspired by the movement of water and used symbols from artists and intellectuals from Western Europe, West Africa and America.

Zoe Alvarez ’25 was inspired by the Flower Festival in Medellin, Colombia, where her father lives; her mother, Karen Lopez, modeled the final look in her collection. “Aflora” explored the beauty of flowers, as well as the important function they serve to support pollinators and sustain ecosystems. Each of the pieces in the collection has hidden adjustable features, like a tiered red ruffled skirt that can be unzipped to choose a mini, midi, tea length or floor length to fit the occasion.
A model displays an ensemble designed by Maria Fernanda Serra Almeida Leite ’26. , Click to open gallery view
Credit: Sreang Hok/Cornell University

A model displays an ensemble designed by Maria Fernanda Serra Almeida Leite ’26.

Her red leather jacket has a zipper under the belt, so it can be worn as a longer jacket dress to mid-thigh, or as a cropped jacket. Another look, a floral dress, is fully adjustable within a size range using a lace-up and belt buckle back closure. It’s also reversible to a solid maroon dress, and the bra top separates from the skirt, so it can be worn six different ways and fully adjusted.

“I wanted each look to incorporate functionality in a different way,” Alvarez said. “I want people to be comfortable in their clothes, and to be able to wear them in different settings and for different events. These garments are meant to be worn, cherished over a lifetime, and even passed down.”

Alvarez said her interest in adjustable clothing came from watching her mother struggle to find clothes that fit comfortably after experiencing the natural body changes that come with aging.

“I always disliked the idea of having to buy an entirely new wardrobe every time someone gained or lost weight,” she said. “That constant battle with clothing can really limit self-confidence and self- expression. It’s also just not sustainable to keep buying one time use garments.”

Zada Stuart ’25 paid homage in her collection, “Mother of the World,” which examined the exploitation of nature and sought to honor both mothers and cows for their duty of motherhood. Her designs included two cow fetuses laser-carved out of wood.

Designer Gabrielle Moore ’25 works on her model’s hair prior to the show.

Maria Fernanda Serra Almeida Leite ’26, CFC’s creative director, said her collection was inspired by her mother, and by the song of the Kiskadee bird, called “bem-te-vi” in Brazil. Her collection explored her emotional and physical attachment to the sounds of the Kiskadee bird, to Brazil and to her mother.

Gabrielle Moore ’25 was inspired by her Haitian grandfather to create “Anbla Dlo,” which imagines an underwater city off the coast of Haiti where history, mythology and fashion intertwine.

Marcus McDermott’s mother, Heidi, recounted her son’s lifelong interest in fashion. Even as a preteen, she said, he sported an orange fedora as his signature piece. Now, the senior is designing timeless menswear with an eye toward sustainability, reflected in his collection, “Immutable Beauty.”

McDermott’s collection illustrates how while one’s sense of style can change over time, certain classic pieces have an heirloom quality that never goes out of style.

“His interest in sustainability grew exponentially after a trip to Manhattan with a class where they saw how garments were mass produced,” Heidi McDermott said. “He’s now totally into material development and using organic and biologically sourced materials to make fabrics and dyes. That was definitely a Cornell influence.”

The Lenzing Group is presenting the Lenzing Young Scientist Award at the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) from September 10 to 12, 2025 for bachelor, master and doctoral students who develop innovative solutions to ecological challenges in the fiber and textile industry. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2025. The best thesis by Bachelor's and Master's students will receive a prize of EUR 3,000, while the best doctoral thesis will receive EUR 5,000.

For the fourth time, the Lenzing Group honors young researchers with the Lenzing Young Scientist Award for excellent research work in the fiber and textile sector. The Dornbirn-GFC, as a platform for international exchange of experience in the field of fibers, offers an ideal stage for this research competition. Bachelor's and Master's students can submit their scientific work under the guiding theme “Unlimited inspiration from nature: Together we research sustainable innovations based on cellulose, including regenerated cellulose fibers and films, as well as cellulose composites” and face a jury of renowned experts from the industry. The aim is to support students who inspire the industry with their research results and create a platform for networking with the textile and fiber industry.

Austrian Fibers Institute as organizer of the Dornbirn GFC
For the 64th time, the Austrian Fiber Institute is organizing the Dornbirn Fiber Congress on a non-profit basis and will provide the framework for presenting the Lenzing Young Scientist Award from September 10 to 12, 2025. The Austrian Fiber Institute, based in Vienna, was founded in 1960 by fiber producers and the Austrian textile industry to promote the market launch of fibers and their products. The Fiber Institute also offers the opportunity to exchange information and experience about fibers and supports contact with educational institutions. The GFC focuses on an international exchange of experience in close coordination with the umbrella organization CIRFS in Brussels and deals with topics relevant to the future, such as fiber innovations, sustainability and the circular economy.

Applicants for the Lenzing Young Scientist Award have the opportunity to submit their work (theses, papers, etc.) in English until June 30, 2025 to the following e-mail address: YSA2025@lenzing.com. Further information can be found online at https://www.lenzing.com/young-scientist-award.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the program for IDEA®25, a two-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference. IDEA25 will take place April 29-May 1, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.

The IDEA25 conference will bring together industry professionals to share knowledge and strategies to advance sustainable practices, highlighting the need for ongoing innovation, regulatory compliance, and incorporating eco-friendly materials to foster a more sustainable future.

The conference will include engaging sessions on various pertinent topics such as regulatory trends, data and technology, innovative and sustainable materials, hemp and natural fibers, bioplastics, equipment and processes, and integrating sustainability throughout the lifecycle of products.

Highlights of the IDEA25 Sustainability Conference

April 29:

• Navigating the Shifting Winds of Sustainability Regulations: Gain U.S. and European Union perspectives on compliance and innovation in the face of evolving regulations
• “In God We Trust… All Others Bring Data”: Learn how to craft a believable and transparent sustainability story
• Innovative and Sustainable Materials: Discover how green product development starts with greener nonwovens
• Hemp Fibers in Nonwovens: Explore the potential of hemp and other natural fibers and their applications in sustainable products

April 30:

• Cradle to Grave Bioplastics: Understand the importance of ensuring sustainability in the use of bioplastics from the beginning to the end-of-life
• Design for Sustainability: Explore the impact of product and process design on overall product sustainability, during two sessions
• Cradle to Next Life: Challenge the “to the grave” mentality and explore strategies for product reincarnation

The conference is an integral part of IDEA, the premier event for the nonwoven and engineered fabric industry. Hundreds of companies from around the globe representing the entire global supply chain will showcase their latest innovations at the exhibition. 

At this global gathering, major industry challenges such as digitalization, automation, new regulations, and the circular economy were addressed.

In 2025, Jeanologia celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of innovation in transforming the textile industry. The Spanish company commemorates this milestone with a pioneering event, the NextGen Summit, bringing together for the first time the world’s leading denim manufacturers under one roof. With a significant representation of global production, the summit has served as a platform to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of leaders from family-owned businesses in the denim industry, equipping them with the necessary tools to tackle future challenges with a sustainable, technological, and collaborative vision.

Held at Jeanologia’s headquarters in Valencia and other key textile industry locations in Spain, the event has been a pivotal meeting point where future leaders exchanged ideas and knowledge with brands and industry experts. For the first time, the sector’s leading companies gathered to discuss the industry's future, addressing key challenges such as sustainability, digitalization, and automation.

The NextGen Summit program included diverse formats designed to maximize learning and interaction, featuring inspirational talks where industry leaders shared their experience and vision, with a special focus on generational transition; interactive workshops exploring innovative solutions for industry challenges; and open debates fostering dialogue among key players in the sector.

One of the standout moments of the event was the keynote by Bart Sights, Head of Innovation at Levi’s, who inspired attendees with his disruptive vision and industry trajectory. From his early days working alongside his father as a supplier to his current role leading innovation at one of the most influential denim brands, Sights emphasized the importance of bringing bold ideas to the table. His message encouraged participants to embrace change and leverage new technologies to accelerate transformation.

Additionally, a visit to Mango’s headquarters was one of the most emotional and inspiring moments of the program, as it paid tribute to the memory of its founder, Isak Andic. During the visit, Andrés Fernández, Head of Sustainability & Sourcing, shared Mango’s vision, objectives, and action plans for sustainability, sparking a highly enriching discussion for both parties.

An inspiring session was also held at another major Spanish retailer, where participants not only gained insight into its strategic approach and vision for the future of the industry but also engaged in an open debate on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

A collaborative and digital future
Beyond learning, the NextGen Summit has been a catalyst for collaboration, creating a space where the industry can learn, share, and evolve together.
Through this event, young leaders have established lasting relationships and made concrete commitments to advance toward a more responsible and efficient model. The community formed at this summit will continue to stay connected and exchange ideas beyond the event itself, reinforcing Jeanologia’s mission to build a more collaborative and transparent textile ecosystem.

Leading computerized flat knitting innovator SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan is exhibiting at the 19th Dhaka International Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition (DTG 2025) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in cooperation with its partner Pacific Associates Ltd. Operating in Bangladesh since 1996, this is the fifteenth time the Japanese manufacturer is participating in DTG.

As the second-largest textile exporter in the world, Bangladesh is looking to upgrade its textile industry through innovation, digitalization and sustainable production. The market is therefore keen to establish effective business models that support such production. In response, SHIMA SEIKI continues its strong presence within the market through its lineup at DTG, emphasizing its core strength in cutting-edge WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology.#

Capable of knitting an entire garment in one piece without the need for linking or sewing while using only the material required to knit one garment at a time, WHOLEGARMENT® knitting is well-known for promoting sustainability in the knit factory. The company is showing its MACH2®XS153 WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine in 15L gauge which features 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI's original SlideNeedle™, capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear in all needles. SWG®091N2 “Mini”
WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine shown in 15 gauge provides opportunities in WHOLEGARMENT® knitting across a wide range of items in a compact, economical package. A different approach to WHOLEGARMENT® knitting is also presented in the form of the N.SVR®183 machine. SHIMA SEIKI’s global standard in shaped knitting, the N.SVR® series, features a special model for producing WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear using every other needle. Shown in 21 gauge at DTG, N.SVR®183 is the ideal machine for flexible, entry-level WHOLEGARMENT® production of 12-gauge items. A conventional version of the N. SVR® series will also be shown in the form of the N.SVR®122 shaping machine in 14 gauge.

Demonstrations are available on SHIMA SEIKI’s SDS®-ONE APEX4 3D design system, which supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be converted easily to machine data, allowing smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between design studio and factory. SDS®-ONE APEX4 help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.

Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2025 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month.

N.SVR®183
SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting its WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology whereby an item can be produced in one entire piece on the machine without linking or sewing. Its N.SVR®183 WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine produces WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear using every other needle in fine gauge. N.SVR®183 is equipped with the R2CARRIAGE® system and a compact, lightweight carriage for high productivity. Shown in 21G at the GMMSA Expo, N.SVR®183 is an ideal machine for flexible, entry-level WHOLEGARMENT® production, with the versatility to respond to fluctuating market demand.

N.SSR®112
Meanwhile the N.SSR®112 is a computerized flat knitting machine that offers leading technology in an economical yet reliable package. Featuring industry-leading innovations such as the R2CARRIAGE® that yields quicker carriage returns for greater efficiency, spring-type moveable sinker, DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, stitch presser and takedown comb, Made-in-Japan quality, reliability and productivity, as well as user-friendliness and cost-performance combine to satisfy the high expectations of the world’s, and India’s, fashion industry. N.SSR®112 is even capable of WideGauge® knitting whereby a number of different gauges can be knit into a single garment.

SDS®-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz®
SDS®-ONE APEX4 3D design system and APEXFiz® subscription-based design software support the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be converted easily to machine data, allowing smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between design studio and factory. SDS®-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz® help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.