From the Sector

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK reported another successful exhibition at COMPAMED 2025 in Düsseldorf, following closely on the heels of ITMA ASIA in Singapore. This was the second time that FET had exhibited at this international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector, a reflection of the company’s growing role in this sector. More than half of FET’s turnover is currently derived from the burgeoning medical market.

COMPAMED is aimed at suppliers of a wide range of high-quality medical technology components, services and production equipment for the medical industry. FET’s expanding role in the medical sector is therefore an ideal fit for this trade show.

At the exhibition, FET launched its latest ground breaking technology with the FET-500 – Gel Spinning systems for Ultra High Molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, boasting significant savings in cost, footprint and environmental factors.  With vast flexibility whilst maintaining critical consistency, the FET-500 provides the ability to prove concepts and secure medical device IP. Key benefits include removing the harsh processing chemicals that historically have been used with gel spinning technology. FET’s patent-pending process technology has enabled the process to be compact and environmentally friendly compared to industrial alternatives. 

In 2026, FET will be exhibiting at two major trade shows to continue its global drive. This begins with Techtextil, Frankfurt in April, followed by COMPAMED 2026, Dusseldorf in November.

Raccoon Media Group, organisers of ISPO the world’s most influential trade event for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries, confirms its commitment to ensuring an enduring impact by joining the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) as a Sustaining Member and revealing more details of the newly established ISPO Impact Fund.

Recognising that sustainability is non-negotiable, these announcements underscore ISPO’s long-term dedication to environmental responsibility, industry stewardship and collaborative action across the global outdoor community.

Tracy Bebbington, Managing Director, ISPO at Raccoon Media Group, said; “As ISPO enters a new era under new management and prepares for its next chapter in Amsterdam, it is essential that sustainability sits at the heart of everything we do. Joining EOCA and launching the ISPO Impact Fund reflect our belief in collective action and our responsibility to drive direct and meaningful change. We’re not just advocating for change; we are committed to making it happen. Not only that, we have appointed an external agency to closely analyse the carbon footprint of the event itself and we will make a solid commitment to being transparent about the footprint and, from day one, actively take steps to reduce it.”

“Respecting and safeguarding the natural environments in which we play “
ISPO is proud to announce its formal commitment as both a member and Sustaining Member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA).  By becoming a Sustaining Member, ISPO will provide ongoing funding and strategic support to EOCA’s mission to conserve and restore wild places, support biodiversity, and enable outdoor participation that respects and safeguards nature. The partnership further aligns ISPO’s environmental values with those championed by brands, retailers and industry associations across the sector.

Dan Yates, Executive Director of EOCA, said: “We are delighted to welcome ISPO, and the newly expanded team at Raccoon Media Group, as a member, and importantly, a Sustaining Member of EOCA. Their commitment sends a powerful message: that major industry platforms must not only showcase innovation but actively support the landscapes and ecosystems that inspire it. ISPO’s involvement will allow us to reach more organisations, fund more conservation projects, and amplify the urgency of protecting the wild places the outdoor community depends on.”

The €1 million ISPO Impact Fund 
As part of their long-term commitment to supporting positive change, ISPO is investing one million euros into a new charitable organisation, the ISPO Impact Fund. The fund will support grassroots, charitable and non-profit initiatives that originate within the sports, outdoor and winter sports communities, or that have a direct and meaningful connection to these sectors.

The ISPO Impact Fund has been established as an independent organisation to ensure transparency, structure and the highest levels of governance expected of grant awarding bodies. The three founding trustees, Hannah Lewis, Finance Director at Raccoon Media Group, Andrew Denton, CEO at the Outdoor Industries Association, and Mark Held, founding Secretary General of the European Outdoor Group are responsible for shaping the ISPO Impact Fund to ensure high standards of fairness, transparency and responsibility.

The Impact Fund will focus on three core areas:

• Nature Conservation & Environmental Stewardship - Supporting projects that protect biodiversity, restore natural environments, and reduce the environmental impact of sport and outdoor recreation.
• Equitable Access & Participation - Enabling more people - regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, income, or background to access and enjoy sport, winter sports and outdoor recreation. 
• Fair, Ethical & Responsible Supply Chains - Investing in initiatives that improve the welfare of workers throughout the supply chain and strengthen the processes through which sport and outdoor products are made, marketed and sold.

An independent advisory panel of industry experts and community representatives is currently being recruited to oversee the allocation of the €1 million fund, assessing all applications, reviewing their potential impact, and awarding grants based on clear and transparent criteria.

The team are actively recruiting members of this panel and welcome applications from the Sports, Outdoor and Winter sports industries. To apply, please contact hello@isposportsbusinessevents.com

“Our advisory panel will help ensure that the funding is fairly and appropriately allocated across projects which get more people active, protect the places in which we play and ensure products are ethically created. From local community initiatives to huge global projects, we expect hundreds of applications. It’s important that these are assessed for their impact so that funds can be carefully allocated, and more importantly actually invested correctly to impact change on an individual level.” said Andrew Denton.

The application process for the ISPO Impact Fund will open online in Spring 2026, with the awarded grants being announced in November at ISPO 2026 at RAI Amsterdam. 

Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand and the premium creator of innovative, more sustainable textile solutions, has been awarded the prestigious ISPO Award 2025 for Montura’s FW26 apparel featuring Polartec® AirCore™, the first truly air-permeable laminate engineered to keep users dry from the inside out.

Now in its fifteenth year, the globally respected ISPO Awards program honors the world’s most groundbreaking innovations across ten distinct categories, with winners selected by an international jury of esteemed industry experts. In addition to receiving the ISPO Award 2025, Polartec has also been named a Top 5 Winner in the Mixed category – a distinction that underscores the transformative potential of AirCore™. As the industry first non-PFAS proprietary hydrophobic polymer used to create a nanofiber membrane, AirCore™ stood out among hundreds of entries, reaffirming Polartec’s leadership in sustainable, high-performance weather-protection technologies.

Unlike conventional weather-protection solutions that trap heat and moisture to block the elements, Polartec® AirCore™ actively vents to keep users dry from the inside out, representing a true paradigm shift in breathable weather protection. AirCore™ delivers real air permeability (0.4–1.0 CFM), an MVTR above 25,000 g/m²/24 h, and full water repellency. Combined with exceptional stretch, reduced noise, and unmatched ventilation, AirCore™ is perfectly suited for high-output activities. Its selection as an ISPO Award 2025 winner marks a defining moment in the evolution of breathable, sustainable shell technologies.

The Ritmo PTC AirCore Hooded Anorak by Montura, available in FW26, marks the debut of Polartec® AirCore™ in the outdoor world. Engineered for performance-oriented outdoor athletes, mountaineers, trail runners, its wind and water-resistant breathable design is also ideal for ski touring and intense outdoor activities. The ultrasonically welded seams reduce bulk and chafing and ensure high flexibility, while 2-way stretch fleece inserts on the back, neck, sleeves, and hips improve flexibility and ventilation. Functional details include a fitted hood, multiple mesh pocket system, a half-length front zipper, chest pockets, and an elastic hem. Montura has also developed the Ritmo PTC AirCore pants for ski touring, which were designed as a fast and versatile alternative to alpine one-piece suits.

Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical company, announced its Trevira CS® brand’s presentation at Heimtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany, from January 13 to 16, 2026. The theme of the show: “WE CARE.” 

“WE CARE”: A Focus on Community, Sustainability, and Craftsmanship 
Trevira CS®, alongside its partners, is transforming the traditional trade show display into an active, meaningful experience at the Trevira CS Joint Booth. The theme "WE CARE" embodies a commitment to the textile industry, fire safety, mindful resource usage, and social responsibility. 

“We care about the textile industry, fire safety indoors, the communities we operate in, the mindful usage of our resources, and about you and your loved ones. At Heimtextil 2026, we are completely shifting the focus from a passive display to an active, memorable, and meaningful experience,” says Svenja Fromm, Fibers Global Communication and Brand Manager. 

Experiencing the fabric: Sensory engagement and social impact 
The core of the "WE CARE" booth is an interactive activity designed to enhance sensory engagement and support a worthy cause: 

1. Sensory enhancement: Visitors, including interior designers, decorators, and media, will be encouraged to physically touch, feel, and work with the Trevira CS fabrics, enabling a deeper understanding of essential qualities like drape, weight, and texture. Trevira CS fabric donations from various partners have been turned into pillowcases. Partner in this craftsmanship activity is hum Kissen, Sulingen, Germany. Since over 20 years, hum stands for sustainable design, high quality, and fair cooperation for cushions. That's why they only use valuable, certified materials for their hum design and outdoor cushions, which are manufactured in Germany. Their value promise: feel good in any environment! Also, pillowcases from various displays and showcases have been submitted by Trevira CS partners – all awaiting the following next step. 
2. Memorable interaction & giving back: The WE CARE highlight activity invites Heimtextil visitors to stuff these pillowcases using permanently flame-retardant fibers provided by Indorama Ventures. This hands-on process allows participants to truly appreciate the fabric's "hand" and craftsmanship. 
3. One act of kindness: All cushions created during the show will be handed over to the Lions Club Wiesbaden. They will ensure that the finished cushions are distributed to those in need within the local community, supporting two initiatives: “Herzenswärme” (Warmth of the Heart) initiative and the „IFB“ (Inklusion.Förderung.Betreuung/Inclusion.Support.Care.) initiative, which focuses on the inclusion of children with disabilities. 

Trevira CS Joint Booth Experience: Innovations in Flame-Retardancy & Design 
The Trevira CS Joint Booth will feature a diverse collection of inherently flame-retardant products for the home textiles and contract market. The exhibiting partners will showcase products across all textile applications, from spun to fancy flame retardant yarns eligible for the brand Trevira CS to from lightweight curtains to upholstery fabrics, woven and knitted fabrics as well as interior solar shading solutions.

Dedicated gallery information walls will provide unique insights into the Trevira CS brand, its sub-brands, rigorous trademark testing, various application areas, and its path forward using advanced recycled materials. 

Exhibiting Partners at the Trevira CS Joint Booth (Hall 3.1, G95) 

• Baroni Filati S.r.l. 
• FILTRADING S.R.L. 
• ILCAT S.P.A. 
• TORCITURA LEI TSU S.R.L. 
• LODETEX S.P.A. 
• MOTTURA Spa 
• PIF sarl 
• Pugi RG S.r.l. 
• Tintoria filati Sala S.r.l. 
• Selvafil S.A. 
• Hum Kissen 
• The Lion Club Wiesbaden 

Deja™: Advancing Sustainability with Recycled Materials 
Demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable path forward, Indorama Ventures will also introduce the deja™ brand family. Deja marks fibers, yarns and technical fabrics made from what is already here, thereby significantly reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact while delivering virgin-like performance. 

This sustainable product family of staple fibers, filament yarns, and technical fabrics is suitable for a broad variety of applications, including home textiles, apparel, and automotive interiors. 

Indorama Ventures and Trevira CS® invite all visitors to experience the "WE CARE" concept, to stuff a cushion, and engage with the Trevira CS partners, and its brands Trevira CS® and deja™ at Heimtextil 2026.

From February 2 to 4, 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will again bring together key players in textiles and clothing at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center. For 3 days, visitors will discover, compare and select among 1,300 suppliers who will shape the collections of tomorrow, from ready-to-wear to luxury. 
 
Crossroads for fashion professionals 
As a barometer of the international textile industry, this 58th edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will gather over a thousand exhibitors, fabric makers and manufacturers of finished products, coming from around thirty major producing countries. This diversity confirms the lasting role of European markets in global demand and highlights Paris’s strategic position as the capital of fashion, sourcing and creativity. 
 
The development of the Spring-Summer 2027 collections will remain at the heart of discussions with buyers, with creative directions revealed by the show’s artistic directors, Louis Gérin and Gregory Lamaud. Sustainability and supply chain traceability, central concerns for market players, will also be highlighted through dedicated itineraries, conferences and the Texpertise Econogy tools developed by Messe Frankfurt to identify innovations and industrial partners committed to more responsible production (Econogy Finder, Econogy Talks, Econogy Tour...). The Econogy HUB, located in the passage between Hall 2 and Hall 3, will focus on the sustainable initiatives and actions of the show’s partners. 
 
A redesigned sector layout 
While the overall structure of the show, centered around Halls 2, 3 and 4, remains unchanged from the past two editions, Messe Frankfurt France has decided to rethink the distribution of major sectors within the exhibition space. The goal is to meet the expectations of buyers who want to explore fabrics and finished products in one continuous flow while optimizing their visit. The Apparel Sourcing area dedicated to women’s wardrobes (All about her) and Texworld’s Knit offer will move to Hall 3, alongside the national pavilions. In Hall 4, Texworld’s Activewear sector will be grouped with the Casual & sport clothing area, while Print and Jacquard will be placed closer to Silky Aspects, strengthening the women’s ready-to-wear offer. Hall 2 will remain dedicated to trend forums, round tables and services areas (food, networking...) while also offering comfortable breathing zones. 

This new organization makes it easier to connect different product worlds according to their uses and types, strengthening synergies between Texworld and Apparel Sourcing exhibitors. Buyers can now move naturally from one skill to another and circulate freely between materials, accessories and finished product lines, enjoying a smoother sourcing experience with easier navigation. 
 
Areas dedicated to showcasing products and expertise 
Visitors will find several features that were highly appreciated in previous editions. Initiatives, the showcase area dedicated to craftsmanship and collective projects from industries or countries, will be accessible at the entrance of the show. As an area that highlights textile identities and the know-how of French and European training schools, it will offer an expanded view of international expertise. The Ready to Sell area, located in Hall 2 near the trend forums, will present a carefully curated selection of finished products chosen by Texworld’s artistic directors. Buyers will be able to quickly identify collection suggestions available from exhibitors, in line with the creative trends shaping the coming season. These features help make Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris both a practical and forward-looking service platform. 

Trevira CS, a leading brand of inherently flame-retardant textiles, is set to showcase its high-performance fabric solutions for the cruise ship industry at the CSI (Cruise Ship Interiors) Show in Hamburg on December 3rd and 4th. The booth's motto, "All aboard with Trevira CS," highlights the brand's commitment to safety and luxury in marine interiors. The exhibit will feature an array of some 27 IMO-tested Trevira CS fabrics specifically designed for cruise ship applications. 
 
Safety and Luxury Meet Rigorous Marine Standards 
As cruises worldwide continue to grow in popularity, the demand for luxurious and inviting textile designs which comply with uncompromising safety performance is increasing. Inherently flame retardant and easy to care for, Trevira CS fabrics comply with the strict FTP Code 2010 Resolution MSC.307(88), Annex 1, part 5, 7, 8, and 9 for various applications, such as wallcoverings, drapes and decorative fabrics, sunscreens, upholstery fabrics and bedding textiles.
 
The cruise shipping industry requires high-quality fabrics for both indoor and demanding outdoor environments. For exterior use, Trevira CS textiles offer superior performance in terms of resistance to light and weather. This is, for example, achieved through flame-retardant and UV stabilised polyester, available as staple fiber and filament yarn. Such modified filament yarns are available in nearly 30 different spun dyed colours. 
 
Recognizing the cruise industry's increasing focus on sustainability, Trevira CS also offers recycled options under the trademark Trevira CS eco. These fabrics contain at least 50% recycled materials (pre-consumer or post-consumer). All fibers and yarns used for the Trevira CS eco trademark are GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified. 

“Our trademark testing makes sure that the Trevira CS articles are made of our original Trevira® flame retardant polyester and that the textiles thereof meet the fire safety requirements of the brand and are fit to pass those of the cruise industry too. Needless to say, that also the requirements of other industries like hospitality, healthcare, rail and aviation are respected and can be met by Trevira CS® as well,” says Petra Krücken, Indorama Ventures Fibers Global Trademark Service Manager. 

Source Fashion, a leading European fashion sourcing show, returns from 13th–15th January 2026 to Olympia London with a forward-thinking content programme designed to equip the industry for a smarter, more sustainable future. Bringing together global brands, visionaries, and change-makers, the three-day agenda will explore the intersection of innovation, ethics, and commercial viability, challenging the sector to rethink how fashion is designed, made, and brought to market in the year ahead. From AI-powered production and circular business models to human rights accountability and the rise of resale, Source Fashion continues to lead the conversation on building a fashion industry that is not only fit for the future but poised to thrive in it.

Key voices and headline sessions shaping the future of fashion
Kicking off the content programme on Tuesday 13th January is a powerful panel exploring ‘Addressing the S in ESG - Human Rights, Living Wages and Supply Chain Accountability.’ Moderated by Jasmine Chua, Sourcing & Labour Editor at Sourcing Journal, the session brings together senior leaders from fashion brands and industry NGOs to unpack meaningful social responsibility in fashion beyond the buzzwords.

Next, the spotlight turns to ‘Ambition Without Action – Can Doing Good Really Drive Profitability?’ This provocative debate invites the audience to actively discuss the persistent gap between purpose and profit, exploring why, despite growing consumer pressure and boardroom rhetoric, impact-driven business models haven’t become business-as-usual. Chaired by Mark Sumner, Textile Programme Lead at WRAP, it will challenge attendees to consider, and debate, what’s really holding the industry back and invites the audience to discuss the persistent gap between purpose and profit.

One of the week’s most anticipated fireside chats follows, featuring sustainability pioneer Kresse Wesling CBE, Founder of Elvis & Kresse. In ‘Finding the Beauty in Waste’, Wesling will share her journey transforming discarded materials into luxury products, and why radical transparency, circular systems, and creative reinvention are not only possible, but profitable.

On Wednesday, Marguerite LeRolland, Senior Global Insight Manager at Euromonitor International, delivers a data-rich keynote on ‘Outlook to 2030 – what commodity shifts mean for the future of fashion.’ As fluctuating materials prices continue to impact margins and sustainability strategies, this session provides buyers with essential insights to navigate risk and seize opportunity in 2026’s complex sourcing landscape.

With demand for locally made, traceable and lower-impact products gaining momentum, the revival of British manufacturing is back in the spotlight. In the timely debate, ‘How Do We Build Back British Manufacturing?’ Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director at Source Fashion, joins Jenny Holloway, Chair of the Association of Textiles, Manufacturing and Fashion (ATMF) and CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, will unpack what it will take to restore the UK’s production footprint. From skills and investment to political will and scalable infrastructure, the discussion will explore whether British fashion manufacturing can move from niche comeback to commercial reality.

The circular economy has long been heralded as the future of fashion, but for many retailers, it remains more vision than viable business model. The panel discussion, ‘From Concept to Commerciality - Making Circularity Work’, moderated by Jasmin Malik Chua, Climate and Labour Editor at Sourcing Journal, brings together leading voices from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, VYN Shoes, N Brown, and VivoBarefoot to explore how circularity can finally move from pilot projects to scale. Together, they’ll unpack the partnerships, tools, and business models needed to turn sustainability into commercial success.

On Thursday 15th January, Source Fashion continues with a future-focused programme that explores where retail, design, and sustainability are heading next. Kicking off the day, Jack Stratten, Head of Trends at Insider Trends, delivers a compelling presentation on how second-hand has shifted firmly into the mainstream in ‘Resale Gets Relevant: How Second-Hand Moved into the Mainstream’. From consumer behaviour to new commercial models, this session uncovers why resale is now a serious strategic consideration for the world’s biggest retailers. Finally, the day concludes with an inspiring fireside chat, ‘From Catwalk to Collection - CEO of Redress on Waste-Free Design’, where Christina Dean shares how brands can collaborate with designers to turn waste into a resource and embed circular creativity from concept to collection.

From AI-enabled production and sustainable design to circularity and retail reinvention, the full Source Fashion agenda has been carefully curated to give future-focused professionals the insight, inspiration, and practical tools needed to lead with purpose.

In line with India’s growing momentum to establish itself as a global textile manufacturing powerhouse, Techtextil India 2025, the country’s foremost B2B exhibition on technical textiles, nonwovens and composites, is set to return with an expansive and future-ready edition. Scheduled from November 19 to 21, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, the 10th edition will feature over 215 exhibitors, including more than 100 first-time participants.

According to the Ministry of Textiles, India’s technical textiles exports stood at USD 2.92 billion in FY 2024–25, underscoring the sector/s growing global footprint. Packtech at 37.5% and Indutech at 28% emerged as the leading export categories, reflecting strong demand across industrial and packaging applications. With exports to the UK valued at USD 136 million, accounting for a 4.7% share, the data highlights India’s strengthening position in global value chains – setting the stage for platforms like Techtextil India that drive innovation, business and exchange of scientific knowledge for this high-growth segment. The expo will house 500+ products and 300+ brands with international participation from Belgium, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the USA.

The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, sustainability practices, focus on circularity and innovative fibers has become a necessity. Techtextil India 2025 plays a crucial role in driving this evolution by bringing together stakeholders across the value chain, fostering dialogue on policy and technology and accelerating industry-wide transformation. This year, the show takes a significant leap forward with its multi-functional approach, integrating new features under one roof — the Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia, which will be held on 18th November 2025, the launch of Sporttech Pavilion, the feature of German Pavilion and a Techtextil India conference powered by Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA). Together, these additions will enable participants to explore advanced applications of technical textiles across various sectors, including sports, automotive, defence, healthcare, construction, and sustainability.

India’s textile industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by government reforms and industry-led innovation. Acknowledging the sector’s pivotal role in the national economy, the Ministry of Textiles has recently introduced significant amendments to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, with a focus on revitalising the man-made fiber (MMF) and technical textiles segments. The revision aims to enhance ease of doing business, attract new investments and generate employment, while aligning with the government’s broader vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

These progressive measures underline the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, investment and employment generation within the sector — setting the stage for India to emerge as a global leader in high-performance textile manufacturing.

Commenting on the upcoming edition, Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, stated: “The Indian textile industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by government support, technological innovation and global demand for sustainable materials. Techtextil India 2025 will not only showcase the latest in technical textiles and nonwovens but also serve as a knowledge-driven hub connecting policy with practice. Our new initiatives – the Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia, Sporttech Pavilion, German Pavilion and ITTA Technical Textiles Seminar – align perfectly with the nation’s textile growth mission, enabling participants to explore next-generation materials, solutions and business collaborations. We are proud to support India’s vision of becoming a global textile powerhouse.”

The Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference Asia, which is known for its focus on research-driven fiber innovation, will make its India debut, just a day before the expo on 18th November 2025, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, marking a perfect prelude for Techtextil India 2025. On 19th November 2025, the Techtextil Symposium will feature various knowledge sessions under themes like ‘Smart Solutions for Key Segments of Technical Textiles,’ organised by the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA). Focusing on innovations and practical applications in geotextiles, agrotextiles and industrial textiles, this will provide a platform to interact with leading experts. On Day 3, the conference organised by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) India will explore ‘Creating Tomorrow’s Circular Supply Chains: Technology, Collaboration & Capital for Tech Textiles and Plastics.’

The show will present credible developments in the fabrics for sports and activewear (Sporttech) category, leading to a dedicated Sporttech Pavilion organised in partnership with Concept N Strategies. A dedicated conference titled – ‘India’s activewear revolution scaling without compromise: Building a 360-degree ecosystem for premium, high-quality active wear that competes globally’ will spotlight high-performance fabrics and materials revolutionising sportswear and outdoor applications. The show will also house a conference on recycling, ‘Creating tomorrow’s circular supply chains: Technology, collaboration and capital for textiles and plastics.'

Besides these key features, the expo has seen an expansion into Mobiltech, Buildtech and Oekotech segments. Through these categories, the exhibition aims to connect manufacturers, technology providers, investors and policymakers under one unified platform to share insights, explore business opportunities and discuss the future of advanced textile materials. The event’s focus on innovation, sustainability and collaboration complements the national agenda of achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness in textiles.

The show will have the presence of key domestic industry leaders, including Aditya Birla Yarns, Khosla Profil, Park Nonwoven, Pidilite, Reliance, Welspun, Sanathan Textiles, Sarex Chemicals, and Suntech Geo. Meanwhile, the international exhibitors include ACM, Inc., Autefa Solution Germany GmbH, Bettarini & Serafini SRL, Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, Georg Sahm GmbH & Co. KG, Innovatec Microfiber Technology GmbH & Co. KG, Procotex, Pulcra Chemicals GmbH, R&M International Sales Corporation, Reifenhäuser Enka Tecnica GmbH, Ring Maschinenbau GmbH, STC Spinnzwirn GmbH, Textechno Herbert Stein, VEIT Hong Kong Limited and Zoltek.

As high-value, sustainable and globally competitive textile production is receiving renewed focus, the synergy between government initiatives and industry platforms such as Techtextil India 2025 will continue to strengthen India’s leadership in the global textile landscape. The show has become synonymous with India’s textile ambition — weaving together innovation, collaboration and opportunity to create a more resilient, future-ready industry.

The expo has garnered support from key industry bodies, including the Manmade & Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL), Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), Department of Textiles (Government of Maharashtra), while the Dornbirn Global Fiber Conference has garnered support from the Government of Tamil Nadu as the Partner State.

Source Fashion, a European leading fashion sourcing show, will once again champion the power of collaboration at its upcoming 2026 edition opening 13-15 January at Olympia London. Building on its strong partnerships with WRAP, Products of Change, and now Euromonitor International, the show will unite sustainability leaders, innovators, and analysts to inspire meaningful industry progress. Through expert-led sessions, actionable insight, and shared initiatives, Source Fashion will spotlight practical steps towards a more responsible, circular, and insight-driven global sourcing ecosystem.

Championing Circularity with WRAP
Continuing its close collaboration with leading climate action NGO WRAP, Source Fashion will highlight the organisation’s pivotal work in driving circularity and sustainability across the global textiles sector. Ahead of and during the January show, WRAP specialists will contribute a series of expert guest blogs and articles, offering valuable insight from their latest research, including the Durability in Focus report, the Textiles EPR report, and the UK Textiles Pact Roadmap. 

At the event itself, WRAP will take to the stage for a thought-provoking debate session, bringing together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping a more circular future for fashion. Mark Sumner, Programme Lead at WRAP said, “WRAP’s continued collaboration with Source Fashion demonstrates how we are working with organisations to inspire meaningful climate action. The union takes our expertise beyond the sustainability circles to direct the sector towards Circular Living. Through the UK Textiles Pact and our recently refreshed UK Textiles Pact Roadmap, we’ve seen game-changing advances in the technologies and business models of the future, with new collaborations challenging old assumptions and turning what was niche into mainstream consumer behaviour. Source Fashion is a proven platform for bold, challenging conversations so we are proud to bring our insights to these important discussions to help propel the industry.

Driving Inclusion and Innovation with Products of Change
Source Fashion will also partner with Products of Change, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and sustainable innovation across the fashion supply chain. Products of Change case studies and content will be featured in the show’s newsletter and content hub, offering practical examples of how inclusive practices can drive positive change within the industry.

At the January show, Products of Change representatives will share their expertise on stage, engaging in discussions around inclusive and responsible business practices. In addition, Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO Products of Change will further support the show by joining its advisory board, helping to guide programming and initiatives that reflect the sector’s evolving sustainability and inclusion priorities. Helena Mansell-Stopher said, "At Products of Change, we believe that meaningful progress in sustainability and inclusion can only be achieved through shared commitment and collective action. Our continued collaboration with Source Fashion enables us to continue to engage directly with brands, manufacturers, and industry leaders, particularly in the fashion space, who are ready to challenge norms and embrace responsible business practices. By working together and showcasing real-world examples of positive change, we can inspire a more equitable, innovative, and future-fit fashion supply chain."

Driving Market Insight with Euromonitor International
Source Fashion is also delighted to announce a new partnership with Euromonitor International, the world’s leading provider of strategic market research. Through this collaboration, Euromonitor will deliver exclusive insight sessions on commodity shifts and pricing trends across the next two editions of the show, as well as host a senior sourcing leaders’ breakfast briefing on 14 January. Beyond the event, Euromonitor will also contribute bi-monthly digital content, providing Source Fashion’s community with ongoing analysis of global sourcing and market dynamics. 

Marguerite LeRolland, Senior Global Insight Manager at Euromonitor International said, “Global sourcing is going through one of its most unpredictable periods in recent memory, and access to reliable insights is critical. By partnering with Source Fashion, we can help retailers and brands forecast more confidently and build resilience into their supply chains and business models -sharing our latest data, commodities analysis and market intelligence directly to sourcing and buying teams.”

The Source Fashion January 2026 show at London Olympia, 13–15 January, will continue to champion collaboration as a driving force for progress in fashion. Through expert-led sessions, in-depth case studies, and cross-industry debates, the event promises to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to build a more sustainable, circular, and inclusive future.

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its sales representative in Saudi Arabia Star Sewing Machines Trading L.L.C., will participate in the upcoming 21st International Expo for Textile, Garment, Printing, Yarn and Fabric Machinery, Technology and Innovations (Saudi Stitch & Tex 2025) to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this month.

SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting at Saudi Stitch & Tex for the first time with a lineup of knitting machines and design software.

SWG®091N2
SHIMA SEIKI’s SWG®091N2 compact WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine can produce a wide range of WHOLEGARMENT® items in their entirety without the need for linking or sewing. The SWG®-N2 series “Mini” range is suited to the production of small knit items and accessories such as gloves, socks, hats and scarves as well as pet wear, cozies, shoe uppers, bags, card cases, glasses cases, smartphone covers and other personal items, as well as functional items such as for sports and medical applications. At Saudi Stitch & Tex SWG®091N2 will be shown in 15 gauge.

N.SSR®112
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 system, 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 fashion industry. Shown in 12 gauge at Saudi Stitch & Tex, N.SSR®112 is even capable of WideGauge® knitting whereby a number of different gauges can be knit into a single garment.

SDS® KnitPaint-Online
KnitPaint is proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Previously available only as part of SHIMA SEIKI's SDS®-ONE APEX series all-in-one design system, with SDS® KnitPaint-Online, KnitPaint software becomes available as standalone software that carries over the same familiar KnitPaint functions, but enhanced with basic planning and design functionality as well.

APEXFiz®
SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz® subscription-based design software 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 visually 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. Before going to production however, the same virtual sample can be used in retail, for example in e-commerce, to gauge consumer response to items before going to market, effectively realizing production based on demand forecasting. In such a way, inventory can be optimized to minimize deadstock waste. APEXFiz® therefore helps to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.