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Source Fashion July 2025 (c) Source Fashion
Source Fashion July 2025
08.01.2026

Source Fashion: Global Sourcing, Strong UK Manufacturing and a Forward-Looking Industry Agenda

Source Fashion, opens next week at Olympia London, bringing together the global fashion sourcing community for three days of responsible manufacturing, insight and collaboration. Running from 13-15 January 2026, the show will welcome audited manufacturers from across key sourcing regions worldwide, alongside buyers, brands and sourcing professionals looking to build more transparent, resilient and commercially viable supply chains.

Leading fashion retailers and brands including ASOS, Frasers Group, Next, TFG Brands, Wimbledon, JD Sports, Pickett, Gigi & Olive, Primark,  All Saints, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, French Connection,  Charles Tyrwitt, Anthropologie, Monsoon, Karen Millen, Agent Provocateur, The Padel Foundation, Friends Like These, Universal Music Group, Hawes and Curtis and Moss Bros are among those registered to attend, underlining Source Fashion’s role as a key meeting point for both established and emerging fashion businesses.

Source Fashion, opens next week at Olympia London, bringing together the global fashion sourcing community for three days of responsible manufacturing, insight and collaboration. Running from 13-15 January 2026, the show will welcome audited manufacturers from across key sourcing regions worldwide, alongside buyers, brands and sourcing professionals looking to build more transparent, resilient and commercially viable supply chains.

Leading fashion retailers and brands including ASOS, Frasers Group, Next, TFG Brands, Wimbledon, JD Sports, Pickett, Gigi & Olive, Primark,  All Saints, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, French Connection,  Charles Tyrwitt, Anthropologie, Monsoon, Karen Millen, Agent Provocateur, The Padel Foundation, Friends Like These, Universal Music Group, Hawes and Curtis and Moss Bros are among those registered to attend, underlining Source Fashion’s role as a key meeting point for both established and emerging fashion businesses.

Source Fashion will bring together over 250 audited manufacturers from more than 20 key sourcing regions worldwide, creating a unique platform for buyers, brands and sourcing professionals to connect directly with responsible producers. From apparel and textiles to trims, components and manufacturing solutions, the show offers a comprehensive view of the global supply chain, underpinned by transparency, innovation and commercial viability.

Spotlight on British manufacturing
New for this edition, Source Fashion is reinforcing its long-term commitment to UK manufacturing through the launch of a bursary-backed British Pavilion, designed to champion British Manufacturing and craft to increase their visibility to a global buying audience. Participants include, Apparel Tasker, LLUK, Fashion Enter, Courntney and Co, The Natural Fibre Company. Also supported are a range of Leicester Manufacturers under the ATMF banner.  The initiative provides selected UK manufacturers with funded exhibition space and dedicated marketing support, helping to remove barriers to participation and ensure British manufacturing is strongly represented on the international sourcing stage. 

The scheme forms part of Source Fashion’s wider mission to support a more balanced and resilient sourcing ecosystem, one that values heritage skills, local capability and long-term supplier relationships alongside global reach. Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director Source Fashion commented, “British manufacturing has an essential role to play in the future of responsible fashion, and it’s something we’re committed to championing at Source Fashion. From heritage skills to agile, small-batch production, UK manufacturers offer qualities that buyers are increasingly seeking transparency, flexibility and deep technical expertise. By ensuring British producers are visible, supported and connected to global buyers, we’re helping strengthen a more resilient and balanced sourcing ecosystem.”

Alongside the British Pavilion, UK manufacturing will have a strong presence across the wider show floor. British exhibitors confirmed to attend include Absolute Apparel, Amplebox Ltd, Araha London Ltd, Dee Kay Knitwear, Folks Trading Ltd, FreAura Ltd, Grade House Ltd, Modern Star Silk, Redress and Samshek Fashion Ltd. Together, their presence reflects growing buyer demand for local, traceable and agile production, and underlines the continued relevance of UK manufacturing within a global sourcing strategy.

Insight, inspiration and industry dialogue
Beyond sourcing, Source Fashion delivers a comprehensive programme of insight, inspiration and live learning across multiple stages. The show’s content agenda spans debates, panels and fireside chats tackling the most pressing challenges facing the fashion industry today, from supply chain accountability and circular business models to commercial resilience, regulation and the future of manufacturing. Designed to move conversations beyond theory, the programme equips fashion businesses with practical insight and tools to support smarter decision-making in an increasingly complex sourcing landscape.

Adding a powerful visual and experiential layer, the Source Catwalk brings responsible fashion to life through curated showcases featuring sustainably produced and circular collections, demonstrating how creativity, trend and responsibility can coexist on the shop floor.

New for this season, Fashion Deconstructed offers a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at how fashion is made. Through live demonstrations, workshops and maker-led sessions, the area shines a spotlight on skills, craftsmanship and production processes, from repair and upcycling to weaving and material innovation, responding to growing demand from buyers for greater transparency, material knowledge and production understanding.

Suzanne Ellingham said, “As the industry prepares to come together next week, what’s most exciting is the sense of intent behind this edition of Source Fashion. Buyers and manufacturers aren’t just looking to connect, they’re looking to collaborate, learn and make better decisions for the future. From global sourcing to UK manufacturing, from insight on our stages to hands-on learning through Fashion Deconstructed, this show is about giving the industry the confidence, clarity and partnerships it needs to move forward responsibly.”

Source Fashion opens at Olympia London on 13 January and runs until 15 January. Fashion buyers, brands, designers and sourcing professionals are invited to register now and be part of the conversations, connections and partnerships shaping the future of responsible fashion sourcing.

Source:

Source Fashion

Winter Night Impressions ©INNATEX
Winter Night Impressions
08.01.2026

INNATEX 57: Brands, formats & issues related to the sustainable market

Albeit sustainable fashion cannot escape the general economic malaise, INNATEX at Messecenter Hofheim Rhein-Main demonstrates that the industry continues to work on viable strategies. The fully booked 57th edition of the international trade show for sustainable textiles focuses its supporting program on current discussions within the industry: public relevance and sales of green fashion.

The INNATEX order platform brings the industry’s challenges and possible solutions to center stage in its supporting programme, offering new formats, the premiere of Evolution Stage as well as topics that participants within sustainable fashion must address. Exhibitors include established brands such as Recolution, Dawn Denim, Vaude, Mela, Rotholz, Two Thirds, Reiff und Moea, as well as first-time exhibitors.

Albeit sustainable fashion cannot escape the general economic malaise, INNATEX at Messecenter Hofheim Rhein-Main demonstrates that the industry continues to work on viable strategies. The fully booked 57th edition of the international trade show for sustainable textiles focuses its supporting program on current discussions within the industry: public relevance and sales of green fashion.

The INNATEX order platform brings the industry’s challenges and possible solutions to center stage in its supporting programme, offering new formats, the premiere of Evolution Stage as well as topics that participants within sustainable fashion must address. Exhibitors include established brands such as Recolution, Dawn Denim, Vaude, Mela, Rotholz, Two Thirds, Reiff und Moea, as well as first-time exhibitors.

“Our trade floor is again booked up, many brands claim crowded appointment schedules – but uncertainty remains.” notes Alexander Hitzel, project manager for INNATEX. “No one knows how the market will develop. But there is one thing we can influence, namely ensuring that INNATEX offers maximum benefit, combining trade recommendations, innovation impulses, tools and space for honest discussion and dialogue“.

INNATEX Evolution Stage: Participating Brands
‘Evolution Stage – Shaping Tomorrow’s Fashion’ brings together brands that combine design, quality and future relevance, presenting them in a concept store setting. Conceived and curated by designer Jonathan Radetz, this format represents economic feasibility, applied synergies and a sales-boosting product range design at the point of sale. Chosen for this premiere are the labels Maatroom, Vidar Sport, Jungle Folk, ZAMT, Halt.Clothing, DeLin and Makesomebodyhappy.

Information and retail recommendations for an industry in turmoil
The further supporting programme picks up on issues and questions which market participants must address to remain fit for the future. These range from AI-supported strategies in the retail fashion trade to long-term developments in design and product conception to the importance of product longevity and brand building to support purchase decisions.

© Alcova/Messe Frankfurt
05.01.2026

Heimtextil 2026: Artificial Intelligence in focus

Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the textile industry – from creation and production to pricing, distribution and communication. But how can AI be applied successfully, and where does it add value? Heimtextil addresses these questions from 13 to 16 January 2026: The programme dedicated to the key future field AI wants to strengthen the global industry and open up new business opportunities as well as practical applications for design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing. Highlights include the progressive Heimtextil Trends 26/27 by Alcova, the design installation by Patricia Urquiola and the live talk with AI pioneer Tim Fu. 

AI accelerates creative processes and reshapes working methods along the entire textile value chain – from design concepts and material visualisations to data migration and everyday workflows, to the implementation of new products and concepts. Heimtextil 2026 makes these developments tangible and brings together experts who demonstrate how AI is used in practice and what potential it offers the industry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the textile industry – from creation and production to pricing, distribution and communication. But how can AI be applied successfully, and where does it add value? Heimtextil addresses these questions from 13 to 16 January 2026: The programme dedicated to the key future field AI wants to strengthen the global industry and open up new business opportunities as well as practical applications for design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing. Highlights include the progressive Heimtextil Trends 26/27 by Alcova, the design installation by Patricia Urquiola and the live talk with AI pioneer Tim Fu. 

AI accelerates creative processes and reshapes working methods along the entire textile value chain – from design concepts and material visualisations to data migration and everyday workflows, to the implementation of new products and concepts. Heimtextil 2026 makes these developments tangible and brings together experts who demonstrate how AI is used in practice and what potential it offers the industry.

AI from stage to practice
The central knowledge hub is the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0. This is where Heimtextil brings together a forward-looking, business-relevant content programme and translates technological innovation into practical insights for the industry. One of the highlights is the live talk with Tim Fu: the London-based architect and AI pioneer discusses interior design in the age of AI with Simon Keane-Cowell, Editor-in-Chief of Architonic. On the first day of the fair, Anja Bisgaard Gaede (Founder, Spott trends & business aps) talks about workflows, data integration and the textile future shaped by AI. Elisabeth Ramm (Atelier Brückner) shares insights into AI and materials in exhibition design. Using tangible examples, Martin Auerbach (Association of German Home Textiles Manufacturers) explains how AI is used in everyday work and how companies can integrate it profitably into their daily workflows. Sleep expert Markus Kamps moderates dedicated sessions on the megatrend of sleep and technology, featuring numerous guest speakers. At the Talk Spot in Hall 12.0, Architonic hosts a discussion with exhibitor Oriental Weavers on carpets between craftsmanship and global production.

Heimtextil Trends 26/27: AI impulses for design, retail and industry
How can AI-driven design processes be combined with traditional textile craftsmanship? The Heimtextil Trends 26/27 provide answers and orientation for the coming season under the motto “Craft is a verb”. In the Trend Arena in Hall 6.1, the design platform Alcova presents six stylistic directions that explore how high-tech and craftsmanship interact. This interplay becomes visible in a vibrant colour palette, where “glitches”, unexpected digital disruptions, and radical synthetic accents deliberately break through the natural colour spectrum. Daily talks and guided tours with experts translate the trend themes into concrete business insights.

„among-all“: AI-generated design experience by Patricia Urquiola 
What happens when we ourselves become part of AI-based creation? Patricia Urquiola explores this question in her installation “among-all” (Hall 3.0). The designer combines futuristic textile elements, sustainable materials and new AI technologies. “among-all” showcases how textiles can function as transformative and intelligent materials and actively involves visitors in the spatial staging. In a live talk on 14 January 2026, the design icon discusses her visionary approach on the Texpertise Stage. Daily guided tours bring the interior design of tomorrow to life.

AI as creative partner for the contract business
With Interior.Architecture.Hospitality, Heimtextil offers decision-makers from interior design, architecture, hospitality and the contract business a customised programme. At the dedicated Talk Spot in Hall 3.1, Mauro Brigham (Founder ncbham) discusses why design is never static. Helen Häkli (Freelance Architect, bdia) shows how AI is used as a creative partner in interior design. Further specialised lectures, including contributions from Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk (JOI-Design) and Robin Hepp (Kids Studio), complement the extensive hospitality programme.

New opportunities for craftsmanship and interior decoration
What AI can deliver in concrete terms for interior decoration and the crafts sector is demonstrated by AI expert Alexander Ligowski on the DecoTeam Stage in Hall 3.0. Using selected examples, he provides hands-on insights into AI-supported interior design – ranging from room and colour concepts to sales support, text generation for social media and the optimisation of quotations.

New Talents Area: perspectives of the next design generation 
How is the next generation of designers engaging with AI technology? In 2026, Heimtextil offers fresh insights with the debut of the New Talents Area in Hall 6.1. The curated exhibition presents emerging design talents from around the world and enables direct exchange with international newcomers.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt

Nonwovens Redefining Historic Monument Roof Restoration Image: INDEX
04.01.2026

Nonwovens Redefining Historic Monument Roof Restoration

A quiet revolution in church restoration
Across Europe’s historic skylines, the silhouettes of medieval towers and Baroque spires have stood for centuries, but the fabric that keeps them watertight has rarely lasted more than a generation or two. Today, architects and conservationists face the delicate task of renewing these protective layers without altering the appearance or breathability of ancient structures. In this context, nonwoven fabrics have quietly become one of the most transformative materials in restoration behind the scenes of heritage roofs.

A quiet revolution in church restoration
Across Europe’s historic skylines, the silhouettes of medieval towers and Baroque spires have stood for centuries, but the fabric that keeps them watertight has rarely lasted more than a generation or two. Today, architects and conservationists face the delicate task of renewing these protective layers without altering the appearance or breathability of ancient structures. In this context, nonwoven fabrics have quietly become one of the most transformative materials in restoration behind the scenes of heritage roofs.

Traditional roofing on churches was never designed as a sealed envelope. Slate, tile and lead coverings were laid over open rafters or timber boards, relying on ventilation and sheer mass to manage moisture. When such buildings are re-roofed under contemporary conservation standards, contractors must reconcile modern performance expectations – airtightness, resistance to driving rain, and compliance with safety regulations – with the need to preserve original construction logic. This is where engineered nonwovens, with their combination of vapour permeability and water resistance, provide an elegant solution.

Invisible defence
A nonwoven underlay acts as a secondary shield beneath the outer covering, shedding any wind-driven rain that penetrates between slates while still allowing moisture from within to diffuse outwards. Its fibrous matrix creates a microscopic labyrinth of pores that block liquid water but remain open to water vapour, so that timber structures can continue to breathe much as they always have. The result is an invisible line of defence that does not interfere with the historic envelope’s ability to regulate humidity naturally.

In practical terms, the benefits are more than theoretical. Many heritage sites must remain open during works or lie exposed for long periods while leadwork and masonry are repaired. A strong, lightweight nonwoven can be laid in a day over newly stripped sections, immediately restoring weather protection and allowing carpenters and masons to proceed without interruption. On complex church roofs – often steeply pitched, ornamented with dormers and difficult to scaffold – this ability to secure a weathertight covering has proved invaluable. It reduces the need for daily tarpaulin handling, cuts labour costs and limits the risk of water ingress that might damage ancient ceilings or murals below.

Microporosity
The conservation world has traditionally been wary of modern membranes, and rightly so. Earlier generations of bituminous or plasticised underlays created sealed cavities that trapped condensation, leading to timber decay and corrosion. Nonwovens differ in that they rely on microporous structures rather than applied coatings for their performance. Because they are made from mechanically bonded fibres rather than laminated films, they remain vapour-open by design. In the language of building physics, they have “low vapour resistance yet high water holdout” – two qualities rarely achieved together in earlier materials.

Their structural behaviour also suits the irregular geometry of historic carpentry. Whereas stiff plastic sheets can tear over uneven boarding or sharp ridges, nonwovens drape naturally around contours and resist puncture. They are also quiet under wind load, which is an overlooked comfort factor when a centuries-old tower stands in a residential quarter, and they age more gracefully than brittle films. In a craft context, this flexibility matters as much as technical data – restorers appreciate a material that behaves predictably under hand tools, that can be cut cleanly and that adheres reliably with standard tapes or battens.

Economy of disturbance
From a sustainability perspective, nonwovens also align with the ethos of minimal intervention. They are light to transport, require little energy to manufacture and can often be installed without altering existing timberwork. Because they extend the lifespan of expensive outer coverings, they reduce the frequency of disruptive roof replacements and in long-term stewardship terms, that economy of disturbance is as important as any embodied carbon metric.

Projects across Europe illustrate how seamlessly nonwovens have entered the conservation vocabulary. In medieval churches where roof spaces are inaccessible, their use has allowed designers to maintain the unventilated build-ups of the original fabric while still meeting moisture-control criteria. In Baroque structures with intricate domes, their thin profile helps maintain sightlines at eaves and cornices without introducing visible ventilation slots. Even in smaller rural chapels, they provide an insurance layer beneath reused or weathered slates, reducing the risk of localised leaks that might otherwise threaten timber vaulting or plaster ceilings.

Another virtue, often underestimated, lies in their role during construction sequencing. Because nonwovens can serve as both temporary and permanent weather protection, they simplify project logistics. Once laid, they remain in place through the entire build, so there is no wasted material or duplicated effort. In many restorations, this flexibility has shortened programme durations and reduced the environmental impact associated with single-use coverings.

Detailing
Nonwovens also lend themselves to hybrid detailing. In some restorations, they are combined with traditional sarking boards and lime-based insulation systems, maintaining a breathable overall assembly. In others, they form part of modern warm-roof solutions under lead or copper sheeting, where their stability under heat and UV exposure becomes a key advantage. Their neutrality makes them compatible with almost any heritage-appropriate finish.

A challenge lies not in proving the performance of nonwovens but in ensuring they are specified sensitively. Every church roof tells a different story – some rely on massive oak frames that demand free airflow, others contain fragile painted timbers or medieval tiles that call for careful moisture control. 

A responsible designer must therefore balance the convenience of modern materials with a deep understanding of how historic buildings breathe and move. 

When chosen wisely, a nonwoven underlay can protect centuries of craftsmanship without ever announcing its presence.

More information:
INDEX Restoration Buildtech roof
Source:

INDEX

Concept design view of the Palm Jebel Ali trunk development © Dubai Media Office
30.12.2025

Engineered Nonwovens in Palm Jebel Ali Construction

Nonwovens and the 9th Wonder of the World
Palm Jebel Ali – an ambitious artificial archipelago off Dubai’s Jebel Ali coast – is making a high-profile return after years of dormancy, which is good news for the construction industry and for the manufacturers of geotextiles and other engineered nonwovens who will be involved.

Initially launched in 2002, the project was to be a palm-shaped island even larger than its famed sibling, Palm Jumeirah (billed as ‘The 8th Wonder of the World’), but suffered delays and suspension following the global financial crisis of 2008. 

After remaining largely on hold for over a decade, it was formally relaunched in 2023, with construction resuming in 2024 under a revised master plan targeting completion around 2028. 

The renewed vision for Palm Jebel Ali is bolder and more sustainable. At about 13.4 square metres, the island is now designed to be more than twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, adding nearly 100 kilometres of new coastline to Dubai’s map. It includes multiple fronds, interconnected islands, luxury residential units, hotel and resort zones, marinas and extensive waterfront amenities. 

Nonwovens and the 9th Wonder of the World
Palm Jebel Ali – an ambitious artificial archipelago off Dubai’s Jebel Ali coast – is making a high-profile return after years of dormancy, which is good news for the construction industry and for the manufacturers of geotextiles and other engineered nonwovens who will be involved.

Initially launched in 2002, the project was to be a palm-shaped island even larger than its famed sibling, Palm Jumeirah (billed as ‘The 8th Wonder of the World’), but suffered delays and suspension following the global financial crisis of 2008. 

After remaining largely on hold for over a decade, it was formally relaunched in 2023, with construction resuming in 2024 under a revised master plan targeting completion around 2028. 

The renewed vision for Palm Jebel Ali is bolder and more sustainable. At about 13.4 square metres, the island is now designed to be more than twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, adding nearly 100 kilometres of new coastline to Dubai’s map. It includes multiple fronds, interconnected islands, luxury residential units, hotel and resort zones, marinas and extensive waterfront amenities. 

A key aim is to blend high-end living with smarter infrastructure, environmental consciousness and modern urban planning, marking a step beyond the purely spectacle-driven island developments of the past. 

Palm Jumeirah
Completed around 2006/07, Palm Jumeirah required massive engineering works to transform marine seabed into a stable platform for residential, hotel and infrastructure development. Underlying that ambition was a need to manage soil, water and structural stability in a highly demanding environment of waves, tides and fine and sometimes mobile sediments. 

One company heavily involved in this work was INDEX™26 exhibitor Fibertex, as the supplier of engineered fabrics for several of Palm Jumeirah’s containment, separation, drainage and stabilisation functions.

For the breakwater protecting Palm Jumeirah’s outer edge, a specific nonwoven grade was used as a stabilising geotextile. In effect, this fabric was laid between structural rock layers or between rock and sand zones to prevent migration of fine particles, filter subsurface flows, and preserve the intended layering.

In a marine rock-fill breakwater, designers traditionally achieve filtration with graded stone filters alone. That approach is robust but demands precise gradation and thicker sections. A high-strength, puncture-resistant nonwoven delivers the same filter/separator function in a thinner interface, while accommodating differential settlement and allowing free water flow to relieve pore pressures. 

The breakwater itself is substantial – the Palm’s protective seawall runs around 12 kilometres in length and roughly 200 metres wide, forming a barrier that must resist wave and storm action while preventing seabed scour and internal erosion. 

The geotextile layer thus acts as a demarcation/interface between rock armour and the inner sand and gravel fill materials in order to maintain the mechanical integrity of the breakwater and reduce mixing of layers under hydraulic stress. 

The involvement of Fibertex in the project, however, went further various grades of the company’s nonwoven geotextiles were specified for the reclaimed island’s internal infrastructure, including the roads on each frond as well as drainage systems and landscaping.

Landmarks
Nonwoven geotextiles have become one of the most influential yet least recognised technologies shaping the construction of modern landmarks. Through careful control of fibre type, density and bonding method, engineers have created materials that can filter, separate, drain and reinforce in ways once unimaginable. They are now used wherever earth meets infrastructure – between layers of aggregate, behind retaining walls, beneath pavements, along riverbanks and below rail beds. Their dual nature is significant – they are strong enough to withstand immense stresses, yet porous enough to allow water to flow freely.

The idea of using textiles in soil is not new and even the Romans stabilised roads with layers of organic fibre, but nonwoven geotextiles have made it possible to apply the same principle on a scale suited to 21st Century construction. These materials first came to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s when engineers sought reliable separation layers for highways and embankments. Since then, they have quietly found their way into some of the world’s most recognisable civil works.

Runways and tunnels
In the runways of airports, for example, carefully layered structures of base course and treated subgrade lie below the concrete surface. Between these, a nonwoven layer acts as a bond breaker and separator, preventing the upward movement of fine particles and relieving stresses that could cause cracking at the surface. 

This small intervention can extend the runway’s life by decades and reduce the frequency of costly closures. At such sites, the stakes are high – aircraft weighing hundreds of tons depend on uniform support and impeccable drainage and the nonwoven layer ensures both.

In tunnels and underground rail networks, nonwovens perform a different yet equally critical function. Behind the waterproofing membranes that line the excavation, they serve as protective cushions, allowing the flexible membranes to accommodate ground movement without puncture. They channel seepage water into drainage systems, keeping the tunnel interior dry and safe. The great subterranean arteries of modern cities – their metros, deep stations and cut-and-cover highways – are lined with these unseen fabrics. When commuters move effortlessly through stations that might once have dripped with moisture, they are benefitting from the quiet performance of a nonwoven layer only a few millimetres thick.

Erosion control
In dam and reservoir construction, nonwoven geotextiles meanwhile provide filtration and erosion control in zones where fine soils meet coarse drainage aggregates. Their role here is to hold back the soil while allowing water to pass, preventing the formation of internal erosion channels that can threaten stability. Some of the most ambitious water projects in the world have relied on them to safeguard the transition between impervious cores and drainage layers. Decades after installation, many continue to perform flawlessly – illustrating their durability under constant load and hydraulic pressure.

Coastal and river protection projects, too, have embraced nonwovens. Beneath rock armour, breakwaters or sand-filled tubes, they stabilise the subsoil and prevent scour by wave action. When severe storms strike, these layers can be the difference between an intact shoreline and a collapsed embankment. In ports and estuaries where space is limited, nonwovens have enabled the construction of vertical quay walls and reclaimed land by controlling the migration of fines and maintaining hydraulic balance. They are the quiet custodians of modern coastlines, extending the life of structures that face the full force of nature. 

Quiet strength
When Palm Jebel Ali rises from the Gulf, it will stand as a further reminder that the most visionary feats of engineering depend not only on grand designs but also on the quiet strength of the materials beneath them. 

Nonwoven geotextiles, though unseen, remain key tools of such progress and in playing their part in shaping the 9th Wonder of the World, will once again reaffirm their place at the foundation of modern civilisation’s most ambitious landscapes.

 

Techtextil India 2025 Photo: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India
30.12.2025

Techtextil India 2025: Sports textile, circular supply chains, bio-based materials and resource-efficient manufacturing under spotlight

The 10th edition of Techtextil India 2025 concluded recently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, with strong buyer turnout, primarily from Western India, reaching 9144 visitors across 235 Indian cities and 45 countries. Over three days, the trade fair brought together leading domestic and international brands, technology providers, institutional buyers and policymakers, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for value-added technical textiles. The show hosted 216 exhibitors, featuring over 300 brands and showcased cutting-edge solutions across 12 application areas, keeping the show floor busy throughout the three days. 

As a key knowledge and sourcing platform, the fair drew decision makers from sectors such as mobility, healthcare, construction, filtration, protection and sportswear, helping bridge the gap between fibre producers, converters, brand owners and end users. Strategic support from leading industry associations and state textile departments further amplified the show’s role in driving investment and collaboration in India’s technical textiles ecosystem.

The 10th edition of Techtextil India 2025 concluded recently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, with strong buyer turnout, primarily from Western India, reaching 9144 visitors across 235 Indian cities and 45 countries. Over three days, the trade fair brought together leading domestic and international brands, technology providers, institutional buyers and policymakers, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for value-added technical textiles. The show hosted 216 exhibitors, featuring over 300 brands and showcased cutting-edge solutions across 12 application areas, keeping the show floor busy throughout the three days. 

As a key knowledge and sourcing platform, the fair drew decision makers from sectors such as mobility, healthcare, construction, filtration, protection and sportswear, helping bridge the gap between fibre producers, converters, brand owners and end users. Strategic support from leading industry associations and state textile departments further amplified the show’s role in driving investment and collaboration in India’s technical textiles ecosystem.

Guest of Honour, Honourable Smt R Lalitha, IAS, Director of Textiles, Directorate of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu, shared: “Techtextil India 2025 weaves together leading innovators, policymakers and companies to frame appropriate policies for the growing industry. I believe that man-made fibres is the sunrise sector of the future. Concepts like sustainability and circularity will give rise to better technology that could help speed up research and development in India.”

Echoing the government’s thrust on sustainability, conference sessions and special features at Techtextil India 2025 spotlighted topics such as circular supply chains, advanced recycling, bio-based materials and resource-efficient manufacturing. These discussions aligned with India’s broader vision to boost textile and apparel exports through high-value, environmentally responsible products and technologies.

For fibre and material innovators, Techtextil India 2025 served as a high-quality business and feedback platform. Mr Shyamlal Patnaik, Joint President – Global Head Speciality Business at Birla Cellulose believed: “Techtextil India is a great platform to interact with our customers. It helps us understand customer requirements, connecting us globally and strengthening our presence domestically. It also helps us to showcase our new products before genuine buyers.” 

On the first day of Techtextil India, Brawntex Industries Pvt Ltd announced its partnership with Kurabo Industries Ltd, a Japanese brand known for its fire-retardant fabrics. Sharing details about the new partnership and the overall expo experience, Mr Nitesh Mittal, Founder & CEO, Brawntex Industries Pvt Ltd said: “We will be representing Kurabo in India for military and industrial workwear such as oil & gas, iron & steel. We have been participating in Techtextil India for the past 7 editions. The show has been amazing as the crowd here is targeting the business needs and the footfall has been great. We could meet our partners, customers and some new ones as well. I can summarise it by saying the expo has been incredible.”

Another exhibitor, part of the Germany Pavilion, Mr Umashankar Mahapatra, Managing Director, Pulcra Chemicals, displayed sustainable chemicals for textile processing, speciality additives for man-made fibre and natural fibre industry. He stated: “This was a really effective show for us as we could connect with customers who are willing to invest in the technical textile industry. We received enquiries from the traditional market of Surat who are looking to venture into the technical textile sector. For any new business to start, the show offers right raw material – fibre, machinery and speciality chemicals. It is a very effective show that is connecting the dots.” 

Product launches and demonstrations spanned high-performance fibres, speciality yarns, functional fabrics, nonwoven solutions, coating and finishing technologies, testing equipment and process automation, reflecting the industry’s rapid move toward value-added, engineered textiles. Many exhibitors used the platform to unveil India-specific solutions tailored to mobility, infrastructure, medical, hygiene and protective applications.

Innovative products such as special fabrics for firefighter suits, crop covers, vehicle seats and airbags, bags, woven sacks/bags, parachute and clothing for special needs like defence and steel industry. Besides these, innovation in knitting technology based on various applications also drew visitor interest. 

The show had a dedicated Sporttech Pavilion in a collaboration with Concepts N Strategies. It delivered three power-packed panel discussions that drew exceptionally high footfall and dynamic participation from global buyers, sourcing leaders, and performance-textile innovators and highlighted India’s accelerating shift toward premium, scalable activewear manufacturing.

Similarly, the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA) powered conference surfaced advanced solutions for crop protection, coastal protection wear, the use of natural fibres with smart materials, and reinforcing better utility. Another conference in collaboration with the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) also held intriguing discussions on establishing circular supply chains with key topics such as PET waste to yarn, AI-based waste sorting, recycling technologies, automation and traceability of waste value chain. 

The show not only showcased advances across various categories in the world of technical textiles but also served as a platform that displayed technical textiles manufactured utilising waste, upcycling of waste into yarn, post-consumer waste for yarns and fabrics, lifestyle products from waste and more. A visitor, Ms Samidha Mayee, Manager-Brand Marketing & Sales Planning, Archroma, explaining the diverse range of products at Techtextil India said: “Techtextil India is a vast show drawing huge crowd and is an all-inclusive and comprehensive exhibition. I was happy to see everything right from the fibre, yarns, fabrics, manufacturing, processing and even the recycling of the polyester fibres.”

Unveiling the visitor experience, Mr Ashish Arya, Sales and Marketing Leader-Medtech, Thermaissance described: “It was a memorable experience for me. I have learnt how the entire processing, manufacturing and other capabilities are being employed for fabric making, especially the recycling process. The best part was the innovative products being displayed and the rapid pace of new product development. The entire setup of the event was good, including the ambience and footfall.” 

The next edition of Techtextil India will continue to build on this momentum, offering a powerful marketplace and knowledge forum for stakeholders across the value chain.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India

CHINA WAVE auf der 109# Pitti Uomo China National Garment Association
21.12.2025

CHINA WAVE at Pitti Uomo #109

With its renewed participation at the 109th edition of Pitti Uomo, CHINA WAVE presents China’s independent fashion design scene as stronger and more mature than ever. From 13–16 January 2026 in Florence, the initiative—led by the China Apparel Association—demonstrates how an exploratory project has evolved into a strategically anchored, culturally driven platform that confidently brings Chinese aesthetics and brand identity onto the global stage.

Since the debut of the Chinese pavilion at Pitti Uomo 106, CHINA WAVE has established itself as an exclusive cooperation between the China Apparel Association and Pitti Uomo. More than a visibility platform, it marks a decisive transition: from pure product export towards the international export of brands, design culture, and creative authorship. 

With its renewed participation at the 109th edition of Pitti Uomo, CHINA WAVE presents China’s independent fashion design scene as stronger and more mature than ever. From 13–16 January 2026 in Florence, the initiative—led by the China Apparel Association—demonstrates how an exploratory project has evolved into a strategically anchored, culturally driven platform that confidently brings Chinese aesthetics and brand identity onto the global stage.

Since the debut of the Chinese pavilion at Pitti Uomo 106, CHINA WAVE has established itself as an exclusive cooperation between the China Apparel Association and Pitti Uomo. More than a visibility platform, it marks a decisive transition: from pure product export towards the international export of brands, design culture, and creative authorship. 

Under the central theme “Movement,” the 109th edition of Pitti Uomo brings together over 700 international brands, creating a setting where tradition meets avant-garde expression. CHINA WAVE uses this stage to present the diversity of contemporary Chinese design—from progressive fashion and refined craftsmanship to artistically interpreted accessories. At Costruzioni Lorenesi in the Fortezza da Basso, eight brands will present their collections across 150 square meters, including:

SEPTWOLVES 
As one of China’s leading fashion lables in the menswear segment, SEPTWOLVES stands for market-driven design, high production expertise, and commercially strong collections – with particular strength in jackets and urban business-casual fashion. Most recently, the brand presented its SS25 collection at the historic Milan Centrale, showcasing its vision for modern business and travel wear.

SWÖFCARE 
Founded in 2005 by Jason Chang in New Zealand, SWÖFCARE merges contemporary hat-making with a clear life philosophy. Inspired by essential elements such as sunshine, water, and oxygen, the brand creates headwear designs that combine artisanal precision with emotional depth, infusing each piece with its own energy. SWÖFCARE bridges nature, life aesthetics, and sophisticated millinery craftsmanship.

JOEWITHLOL (Fun to Wear) 
JOEWITHLOL translates artistic concepts and contemporary interpretations of Chinese elements into smart casual menswear. Positioned at the intersection of fashion, art, and culture, the brand creates wearable designs that reflect modern lifestyles while balancing aesthetic ambition with a humanistic mindset.

WU RANG 
WU RANG treats Chinese culture as its design DNA. Traditions, literature, history, and geography become creative impulses, transforming contemporary fashion into a cultural dialogue enriched with Chinese heritage.

A. NEW STUDIO 
Spanning minimalist leisurewear to urban outdoor aesthetics, A. NEW STUDIO offers menswear and unisex apparel that responds to evolving social dynamics. The brand’s creative approach is adaptive, experimental, and visually bold.

TIMES INFINITY 
Named after a mathematical formula, TIMES INFINITY designs fashion without fixed collections. Each piece emerges from spontaneous cultural, artistic, or everyday encounters—authentic, one-of-a-kind expressions full of character.

ZIVGREY 
Founded in 2015, the accessories label blends natural forms with urban geometry. Jewellery crafted from silver, gold, pearls, and gemstones becomes sculptural objects, transforming fleeting beauty into lasting expressions.

AMANO 
Founded in 2017, AMANO is a designer label focused on artisanal jewellery craftsmanship. The name—Italian for “made by hand”—reflects the brand’s philosophy of weaving warmth and life into irregular structures. The result is jewellery of reduced, pure aesthetics, expressing quiet timelessness. In an era of industrial acceleration, AMANO stands for a poetic, non-reproducible romance shaped by human hands.

Significance for the International Fashion World 
CHINA WAVE increasingly serves as a bridge between Chinese design culture and global markets. The initiative strengthens access to international distribution channels, enhances professional recognition, and positions Chinese brands as cultural creators with distinct creative identities. In doing so, it contributes to a new narrative—China not as a manufacturing base, but as a source of forward-looking fashion concepts. 

Looking ahead to January 2026, the China National Garment Association invites international partners to experience the presentation of the Chinese delegation at Pitti Uomo and to jointly write a new chapter in global fashion exchange.

Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence Centre Stage at its International Textile and Apparel Trade Fairs Mohammad Usman, Pixabay
18.12.2025

Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence Centre Stage at its International Textile and Apparel Trade Fairs

Under the banner “Texpertise Focus AI”, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

Under the banner “Texpertise Focus AI”, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

The textile and apparel industry is undergoing significant transformation: artificial intelligence is reshaping workflows, enabling new business models and offering solutions for sustainability, efficient value chains and the sector’s skills shortage. Commercial market analyses estimate the global market for AI in the textile industry to reach around USD 21 billion by 2033, roughly ten times the 2023 figure. According to Eurostat, 13.5 percent of European industrial companies were already using AI in 2024, including many businesses in the textile sector. Under the communication umbrella “Texpertise Focus AI”, Messe Frankfurt will showcase exhibitor applications and content formats relating to artificial intelligence at its international textile and apparel events from 2026 onwards.
 
Artificial Intelligence as a Key Focus 
From 2026, Texpertise Focus AI will further enhance the visibility and accessibility of AI-related topics at Messe Frankfurt’s textile trade fairs. This includes curated content formats such as panel discussions, guided tours and live demonstrations featuring international industry experts. In addition, many exhibiting companies will present AI-related solutions.
 
The initiative will commence at Heimtextil from 13 to 16 January 2026 in Frankfurt am Main. AI will feature across numerous programme items, searchable online under “Texpertise Focus AI”. On Wednesday, 14 January at 3 p.m., internationally renowned thought leader in AI for design, Tim Fu, will join the Architonic Live Talk. Under the title “Woven intelligence: designing spaces in the era of AI”, Fu will discuss how artificial intelligence can support meaningful collaboration between architecture and interior design to create spaces that connect craft with computational technology. Messe Frankfurt will roll out the initiative across its textile trade fairs worldwide. Local characteristics and market-specific challenges will be integrated into the concept to ensure relevance.

Artificial Potential for the Value Chain, Sustainability and Workforce Development 
AI is transforming the textile value chain from fibre production to the point of sale and offers potential for greater efficiency, higher quality and improved resilience. In raw-material sourcing, AI systems support cultivation, harvesting and recycling through intelligent analytics and sorting technologies. In design and development, AI tools accelerate creative processes and simulate material properties, a concept reflected, for example, in the immersive installation “among all” by Patricia Urquiola at Heimtextil 2026. Production and logistics processes can also be optimised, waste reduced and supply chains made more transparent.
 
Artificial intelligence is also driving the twin transformation – the convergence of digitalisation and sustainability. Around 116 million tonnes of textile fibres are produced annually worldwide, yet only one percent of post-consumer textile waste is recycled[3]. With AI, companies can conserve resources and reduce waste. AI-based design and forecasting models help prevent overproduction, while life-cycle analyses enable environmentally conscious sourcing. Image-recognition systems sort used textiles, laying the foundation for a true circular economy. The entire spectrum of textile processing technologies will be showcased at Texprocess from 21 to 24 April 2026 in Frankfurt am Main.
 
In the workplace, AI is creating new job profiles and reshaping existing ones, in areas such as data analytics, digital design and process control. It also has the potential to ease labour shortages: according to the German Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University, up to 70 percent of standardised production tasks could be automated. AI can also support recruitment by enabling targeted identification and selection of qualified professionals.

Source:

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Compamed Stand Photo FET
Compamed Stand
17.12.2025

FET ends 2025 exhibition run with COMPAMED 2025

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.

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.

TRAPIS Textile Printing Photo Mimaki Europe
TRAPIS Textile Printing
17.12.2025

Mimaki: TRAPIS Textile Printing at Heimtextil 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters will return to Heimtextil with a renewed focus on material versatility and simplified textile production. At the tradeshow, the company will present TRAPIS, its innovative pigment transfer printing system that enables manufacturers to print on a wide range of fabrics using a single ink set – ranging from natural fibres to blended and synthetic fabrics. Designed for easy, compact and cost-efficient operation, TRAPIS removes traditional barriers to digital textile printing, while also offering the added benefit of drastically reduced water use compared to conventional processes.

Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters will return to Heimtextil with a renewed focus on material versatility and simplified textile production. At the tradeshow, the company will present TRAPIS, its innovative pigment transfer printing system that enables manufacturers to print on a wide range of fabrics using a single ink set – ranging from natural fibres to blended and synthetic fabrics. Designed for easy, compact and cost-efficient operation, TRAPIS removes traditional barriers to digital textile printing, while also offering the added benefit of drastically reduced water use compared to conventional processes.

“Opening up opportunities, without the constraints of material restrictions and overly complex workflows, will give manufacturers that much needed operational freedom,” says Arjen Evertse, Director Sales at Mimaki Europe. “With TRAPIS, users can print on a wide variety of fabrics using a single ink set, something that traditional processes simply cannot offer. And because TRAPIS requires no pre-treatment, no washing and minimal infrastructure, it becomes an accessible solution for companies of any size. The fact that it also uses significantly less water is a valuable bonus, but its greatest impact lies in how easily it enables short-run, customised and localised printing on virtually any textile.”

Heimtextil visitors will experience first-hand TRAPIS’ ground-breaking yet simple two-step pigment transfer printing process on Mimaki’s booth – comprising of a Mimaki TS330-1600 with built-in heater, TP410 inks and a high-pressure calender. TRAPIS is uniquely positioned with its ability to print on a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, viscose, polyester, blends and synthetics, unlike sublimation printing, which is limited to polyester-based textiles. Additionally, its compact footprint makes it ideal for small studios and businesses looking to introduce on-demand or short-run textile services, while reducing maintenance requirements and overall running costs.

The streamlined TRAPIS workflow also offers a sustainable solution to users, reducing water consumption by up to 90% (saving approximately 14.5 litres per square metre). The TRAPIS pigment inks are ZDHC MRSL Level 3 compliant and bluesign® APPROVED, ensuring both environmental and user safety.

17.12.2025

ISPO joins the European Outdoor Conservation Association as a Sustaining Member

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.

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. 

#4 Data inquisition. (c) Messe Frankfurt
#4 Data inquisition.
11.12.2025

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris: “Very Middle Ages”, S/S 2027 trends

Baptized Very Middle Ages, the new trend book from Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris outlines the directions that will guide – in a world under pressure – the Spring-Summer 2027 collections. It will be unveiled from February 2 to 4, 2026 at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center. 

Geopolitical tensions, social expectations, digital transformations, shifting markets... At a time when fashion (and the world) is going through strong turbulence, Very Middle Ages chooses to look to the future by invoking a reinvented past. Not as a nostalgic refuge, but as a magnifying mirror of our contemporary tensions. 

This new edition of the Trend Book offers ideas to help creators combine imagination and a desire for renewal while developing the Spring-Summer 2027 collections. It explores a universe often dark, mixing protection, conflict, magic, and augmented identity: a reworked, digital, imagined Middle Ages used as a metaphor for current upheavals. 

Baptized Very Middle Ages, the new trend book from Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris outlines the directions that will guide – in a world under pressure – the Spring-Summer 2027 collections. It will be unveiled from February 2 to 4, 2026 at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center. 

Geopolitical tensions, social expectations, digital transformations, shifting markets... At a time when fashion (and the world) is going through strong turbulence, Very Middle Ages chooses to look to the future by invoking a reinvented past. Not as a nostalgic refuge, but as a magnifying mirror of our contemporary tensions. 

This new edition of the Trend Book offers ideas to help creators combine imagination and a desire for renewal while developing the Spring-Summer 2027 collections. It explores a universe often dark, mixing protection, conflict, magic, and augmented identity: a reworked, digital, imagined Middle Ages used as a metaphor for current upheavals. 

Four creative Universes to “rearm” imagination 
Directed by Louis Gérin and Grégory Lamaud, the artistic directors of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, this document is based on the reflections of a collective of stylists, designers, writers, and artists brought together around one question: how do you create in a world that doubts its own ability to imagine? From this question comes a vision made of four narratives showing different points of friction between reality and expectations: a return to primitive function, comforting digital illusions, warrior attitudes in the face of crises, and the constant expansion of the “digital self”. 
 
Rather than a fixed projection, Very Middle Ages offers a sensitive, instinctive (and sometimes unsettling) reading of the Spring-Summer 2027 season. An invitation to rethink clothing as a tool of protection, affirmation, resistance, or transformation, in a world where the borders between real and virtual, natural and artificial, past and future have never been so blurred. 
 
#1 Digital lordship. This first theme elevates the giants of Silicon Valley to the rank of all-powerful overlords. Individuals, voluntary vassals of these contemporary digital empires, give up intimacy and freedom in exchange for an illusory safety. Protection and control: two expectations expressed in a fashion made of layered, highly functional pieces. Symbolic shells of heavy fabrics, textile-like armor (metal-coated finishes), rigid ribbed knits treated in steel gray, charcoal black, with silver holographic accents. 

#2 Nuclear sorcery. Although this colored universe brings a form of “reenchantment,” it resembles an aesthetic of illusion. Technology (AI), which threatens to bring a new obscurantism by numbing reasoning, is paradoxically felt as an artificial comfort. The silhouettes here are full of soft deception, protective and velvety materials (iridescent organza, translucent fabrics, foamy knits, light mohair, “second skin” jerseys), in an atmosphere of techno magic, between enveloping cocoon and “digital aura.” The palette moves between spectral purples, carmine red, opaline, and “radioactive” greens. 

#3 Speculative crusade. This creative sequence calls on the (human) history of an endless quest for unsatisfied domination. A martial and dark direction built on conflict. The silhouettes are very “armored” – technical, combat-inspired – or made with hybrid materials, visceral textures in an organic and warlike palette: dark reds and browns, textured blacks, military khaki, burnt chrome... 

#4 Data inquisition. This final direction explores a society of suspects under surveillance. In this world of constant inquisition, any difference, any eccentricity or nuance is instantly condemned. Personal identities are absorbed and intimacy disappears in favor of the collective. Clothing becomes an interface, a second skin, an extension of the digital self. The garments can be adjusted with interchangeable modules. All of this in an icy blue, algorithmic aesthetic. 
 
Words to discover in February 
These four themes are enriched with moodboards and color palettes built around three “star colors” followed by six shades. Each theme, imagined as a design capsule or creative direction, will be showcased at the fair in the area dedicated to trend forums in Hall 2. This immersive setup will allow visitors to discover the looks created by the artistic directors using materials and finished products selected for each world based on strong sensory intentions. Louis Gerin will also present the full details of this work during a dedicated conference to give creators solid creative perspectives for imagining the Spring-Summer 2027 fashion season. 

Source:

Messe Frankfurt

Polartec® wins ISPO 2025 Award for its AirCore™ breathable weather protection Photo Polartec, Montura
10.12.2025

Polartec® wins ISPO 2025 Award for its AirCore™ breathable weather protection

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.

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.

Source:

Akimbo Communications for Polartec

03.12.2025

Global Fashion Summit 2026: ‘Building Resilient Futures’

Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has revealed the theme for Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026: ‘Building Resilient Futures’. Under the esteemed patronage of Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, the leading forum for sustainability in fashion will take place on 6 - 7 May at the iconic Copenhagen Concert Hall, with pre-Summit events commencing on 5 May. Throughout the event, fashion's most influential figures will focus on forging the infrastructure of a future that is durable, restorative, and fair. Registration is now open. 

Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has revealed the theme for Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026: ‘Building Resilient Futures’. Under the esteemed patronage of Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, the leading forum for sustainability in fashion will take place on 6 - 7 May at the iconic Copenhagen Concert Hall, with pre-Summit events commencing on 5 May. Throughout the event, fashion's most influential figures will focus on forging the infrastructure of a future that is durable, restorative, and fair. Registration is now open. 

The sustainability movement in fashion has faced extraordinary challenges. Supply chains have been disrupted, especially in key sourcing countries like Bangladesh, Turkey and Vietnam, green ambitions questioned, and cultural narratives reshaped. Last year marked the first time global average temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. The industry’s collective capacity to withstand and adapt has been profoundly tested. The Summit theme, ‘Building Resilient Futures’, recognises this moment as both a reckoning and a renewal. It challenges the global fashion community to carefully consider where they will fall on the resilience spectrum: rigid and resistant to change or agile and actively adapting to it.

Across the industry, emerging circularity networks, material innovation, evolving policy frameworks, new financing mechanisms, and data driven accountability are becoming essential building blocks of resilience. The 2026 Summit will examine how these enablers can reinforce long term social, environmental, and economic stability.

Global Fashion Summit will highlight how resilience can be strengthened through collaboration. The programme will focus not only on navigating upheaval, but on using it as a catalyst for greater strength, creativity, and impact - featuring curated content across five stages offering expanded perspectives and session formats. 

The Innovation Forum will showcase a curated selection of solutions spanning the value chain - from pioneering materials to advanced end-of-use processes. Summit attendees can connect with solution providers and participate in the Matchmaking Programme, which enables tailored, one-on-one meetings to help accelerate sustainability strategies through targeted partnerships.

Source:

Global Fashion Agenda

Trevira CS® at Heimtextil 2026 with "WE CARE" campaign (c) IVL
03.12.2025

Trevira CS® at Heimtextil 2026 with "WE CARE" campaign

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: 

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.

Source:

IVL, Trevira CS

Hygienix™ 2025: Absorbent Hygiene Innovation, Sustainability, and Collaboration Graphic INDA
01.12.2025

Hygienix™ 2025: Absorbent Hygiene Innovation, Sustainability, and Collaboration

Hygienix™ 2025 brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 11th annual Hygienix™ event, held November 17-20 in Orlando, Florida. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced Confitex Technology as the winner of the 2025 Hygienix™ Innovation Award™ for its groundbreaking Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads, recognizing exceptional innovation in absorbent hygiene materials, products, or technologies.

2025 Hygienix Innovation Award winner:
Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Making single-use reusable: As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

Hygienix™ 2025 brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 11th annual Hygienix™ event, held November 17-20 in Orlando, Florida. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced Confitex Technology as the winner of the 2025 Hygienix™ Innovation Award™ for its groundbreaking Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads, recognizing exceptional innovation in absorbent hygiene materials, products, or technologies.

2025 Hygienix Innovation Award winner:
Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Making single-use reusable: As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

Finalists Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) and ZymoChem – BAYSE™ were also recognized for their significant contributions to advancing performance, sustainability, and consumer well-being in absorbent hygiene.

“The innovations presented this year demonstrate remarkable creativity and a clear focus on improving lives while advancing environmental stewardship,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “The level of collaboration and innovation seen at Hygienix continues to raise the bar for our industry.”

Networking and Collaboration Across the Hygiene Value Chain
The 2025 Hygienix™ Conference fostered meaningful connections through multiple networking formats, including:

  • Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Encouraging mentorship, leadership, and collaboration among women in the industry.
  • Lightning Talks – High-energy, five-minute presentations from exhibiting companies.
  • Evening Receptions & Exhibits – Showcasing breakthrough technologies and supplier capabilities across absorbent hygiene.
  • Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder, Planera – Sharing her start-up journey and sustainability vision.
  • Welcome Reception – An informal kickoff Monday evening connecting industry peers and innovators.

Program Content: Insights Driving the Future of Absorbent Hygiene
The conference featured a comprehensive technical program and three Pre-Conference Workshops on absorption systems, menstrual care innovation, and baby and infant care market dynamics.

Throughout the week, attendees explored presentations and panel discussions on:

  • Circularity and sustainable materials, including bio-based fibers, PFAS-free chemistries, and flushable packaging.
  • Regulatory, testing, and consumer trends shaping product design and market growth.
  • New applications such as pet care, eczema-friendly testing, and private label innovation.

Speakers represented a global cross-section of the value chain, including Absorbent Hygiene Insights, BAHP, Cycleology, Euromonitor International, Kuraray Europe, Lenzing AG, ProVerde Environmental, SmartSolve, Soane Materials, Trützschler Nonwovens, Woolchemy NZ, and many others.

Industry Momentum and Strong Attendance
This year’s event was well-received by all attendees, drawing global participation from brand owners, converters, material and equipment suppliers, and entrepreneurs committed to advancing performance and sustainability in absorbent hygiene.

 

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris Photo (c) Messe Frankfurt France
26.11.2025

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris: Weaving the future!

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. 
 

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. 

Photo Asahi Kasei/Brugnoli
25.11.2025

ROICA™ at ISPO: Responsible Stretch Solutions for Sportswear

Asahi Kasei’s premium stretch fiber brand, ROICA™, continues to take a responsible approach to innovation, advanced functionality, and trusted quality for the evolving sports apparel industry. 

At ISPO Munich 2025, ROICA™ will once again be featured as an important element of the Asahi Kasei booth, presenting the latest developments in responsible stretch fiber technology. This year, ROICA™ introduces a carefully selected range of samples from seven European textile partners — Brugnoli, Cifra, Iluna Group, Inplet Pletiva, Penn Solutions, Sitip, and Tessitura Colombo Antonio — each demonstrating the possibilities of ROICA™ in sports and activewear. 

In addition, ROICA™ will highlight two special initiatives: 

  • The adoption of ROICA™ V550 in the official EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai uniforms by CRAFTEVO® -V&A Japan, showing a new approach to compostable, circular event apparel. 
  • The collaboration of NILIT and ROICA™ aims to develop an innovative fabric concept with reduced en-vironmental impact, combining SENSIL® By-Nature Nylon 6.6 and ROICA™ made using a mass balance approach with renewable feedstock. 

Asahi Kasei’s premium stretch fiber brand, ROICA™, continues to take a responsible approach to innovation, advanced functionality, and trusted quality for the evolving sports apparel industry. 

At ISPO Munich 2025, ROICA™ will once again be featured as an important element of the Asahi Kasei booth, presenting the latest developments in responsible stretch fiber technology. This year, ROICA™ introduces a carefully selected range of samples from seven European textile partners — Brugnoli, Cifra, Iluna Group, Inplet Pletiva, Penn Solutions, Sitip, and Tessitura Colombo Antonio — each demonstrating the possibilities of ROICA™ in sports and activewear. 

In addition, ROICA™ will highlight two special initiatives: 

  • The adoption of ROICA™ V550 in the official EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai uniforms by CRAFTEVO® -V&A Japan, showing a new approach to compostable, circular event apparel. 
  • The collaboration of NILIT and ROICA™ aims to develop an innovative fabric concept with reduced en-vironmental impact, combining SENSIL® By-Nature Nylon 6.6 and ROICA™ made using a mass balance approach with renewable feedstock. 
More information:
Asahi Kasei ROICA™ ISPO Sportwear
Source:

Asahi Kasei

Trevira CS® at CSI Show Hamburg Graphic Trevira CS/Indorama Ventures
Trevira CS® at CSI Show Hamburg
20.11.2025

IMO-Tested Flame-Retardant Textiles: Trevira CS® at CSI Show Hamburg

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.
 

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. 

Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference Asia debuts in Mumbai Photo Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India
19.11.2025

Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference Asia debuts in Mumbai

In a remarkable union of innovation and global expertise, the world’s largest fibre innovation congress, the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference (GFC) Asia, was successfully held in Mumbai on November 18, 2025, hosted under the banner of the Techtextil India Symposium 2025. 

Under the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Sustainable Growth in Fibre Solutions and Innovations’, the event was a dynamic confluence of ideas, research breakthroughs and collaborative exchanges aimed at propelling the textile industry into a new era of responsible growth. The conference was supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a Partner State. 

The day-long conference included the latest research on sustainable fibres, innovations in eco-friendly manufacturing, breakthroughs in recycling & circular economy practices and the evolution of smart technical textiles. Discussions also addressed global fibre market shifts, policy frameworks shaping the industry and strategies for integrating sustainability into business models. These topics reflect the most pressing imperatives and emerging opportunities for manufacturers, designers, technologists and policymakers alike. 

In a remarkable union of innovation and global expertise, the world’s largest fibre innovation congress, the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference (GFC) Asia, was successfully held in Mumbai on November 18, 2025, hosted under the banner of the Techtextil India Symposium 2025. 

Under the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Sustainable Growth in Fibre Solutions and Innovations’, the event was a dynamic confluence of ideas, research breakthroughs and collaborative exchanges aimed at propelling the textile industry into a new era of responsible growth. The conference was supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a Partner State. 

The day-long conference included the latest research on sustainable fibres, innovations in eco-friendly manufacturing, breakthroughs in recycling & circular economy practices and the evolution of smart technical textiles. Discussions also addressed global fibre market shifts, policy frameworks shaping the industry and strategies for integrating sustainability into business models. These topics reflect the most pressing imperatives and emerging opportunities for manufacturers, designers, technologists and policymakers alike. 

The Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference is a collaboration between organisers, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Austrian Fibers Institute. It cements India’s position as a powerhouse in textile innovation, sustainability and fibre technology. Set against the backdrop of India’s ambition to elevate its textile and apparel exports to USD 100 billion by 2030, the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference Asia proved to be a seminal platform for industry visionaries to share pioneering discoveries and collaborate on building a greener, smarter, and more resilient textiles future. 

The conference highlighted key initiatives and industry potential:

  • India is leading in converting post-consumer waste than many other developed countries 
  • India recycles its bottles into yarn and plastic
  • India’s EPR for plastic waste could be beneficial for speeding up the recycling of plastic waste into fibres 
  • Using technology for collection and sorting will make feedstock available for the circular supply chain to work efficiently
  • India shows positive signs and a huge the potential to become a recycled polyester hub

The India edition of the Dornbirn GFC Asia uniquely blended global expertise with India's vibrant textiles sector—a market rapidly advancing in technological innovation, sustainability efforts and export ambitions. The industry’s leading brands who were part of the conference included: Dodhia Group, Lenzing, Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions, Birla Cellulose, Erema Group GmbH, High Performance Textile Ltd, Pan Healthcare Pvt Ltd, TextileGenesis, Bekaert, FibreCoat GmbH and more. 

Source:

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India