From the Sector

Monforts will exhibit at the upcoming Morocco Stitch & Tex 2025 exhibition which is taking place at the Casablanca International Fairground (OFEC) from May 13-15 at a critical juncture for the region’s textile manufacturers.

North African countries are currently looking to bolster their strong garment manufacturing operations with an expansion of textile production and finishing capacity, particularly with a view to exploiting the many benefits of the region’s close proximity to Europe and its cost and operational advantages. Morocco is already in the top ten of suppliers to the EU and has also had a free trade agreement with the USA since 2006. It further looks set to emerge as a beneficiary of the recently-proposed new tariffs on imports to the USA – if they eventually go ahead – compared to its competitors in Asia.

As a specialist in advanced technology for fabric finishing, Monforts is well positioned to help.

Industry standard
Montex stenters for fabric finishing are the industry standard, particularly in the sectors of denim and home textiles, providing a number of advantages in terms of production throughput and especially in energy efficiency and savings. The other key technologies in the company’s range include relaxation dryers, Thermex dyeing ranges, Monfortex compressive shrinking ranges and MontexCoat and coaTTex coating units.

In 2024, Monforts celebrated its 140th anniversary and its technologies are based on successive industry developments and know-how accummulated over many decades. The company was founded in 1884 in Mönchengladbach in Germany where it is still headquartered and where its Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) for fully industrial testing and trials for customers is also situated. Monforts machines have been manufactured at the company’s plant in Austria since 1982.

Retrofitting
Textile companies making major capital investments in new manufacturing lines rely on durability and it’s for this reason that there are currently an estimated 2,000 Monforts machines in operation worldwide – some of which were first installed over 30 years ago. This doesn’t mean, however, that they can’t benefit from many of the advances in performance and automation that have subsequently been made by Monforts. The retrofitting of specific modules with new control and drive technology – going far beyond the basic replacement of spare parts – can have a significant impact on the performance of an existing line.

Double-digit increases
“We have a strong presence in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, Algeria and Egypt, which remain key markets for us,” says Monforts Area Sales Manager Achim Gesser who will be at the show at stand D4 with specialists from Unionmatex, the company’s regional partner. “Imports of European textile machinery to Morocco have already been increasing in double-digit figures over the past few years and some exciting projects are currently underway there.”

These include plans to construct Africa’s largest textiles and garment manufacturing city in Morocco based on 568 factories and representing a planned investment of US$2 billion.

“There has been a lot of interest, in particular from Turkish textile manufacturers, in expanding their operations to North Africa and with over 600 line installations already established in Turkiye we have built up a lot of close relationships with the major textile manufacturers there,” Gesser adds. “We expect a lot of these companies to be at this major exhibition in Morocco, especially as it is covering the complete supply chain – from machinery and fibre and yarn suppliers to finished garment specialists. The Moroccan government’s Vision 2025 programme is targeting earnings of $10 billion for the clothing and garment sector at an average annual growth rate of 15% over the next five years and we are keen to help companies looking to contribute to this unprecedented growth.”

As the Indian textile and apparel sector embraces digitisation, sustainability, smarter production and responsible manufacturing, Gartex Texprocess India emerges as a critical node in this narrative bringing together the textile and garment machinery manufacturers, denim mill owners, digital textile printing technology solution providers, as well as manufacturers of apparel fabrics, textile and textile processing machinery and more, who are set to unfold innovations. With 125+ participating companies, representing 300+ brands and growing participation from international countries, this edition will offer a panoramic view of the sectors next chapter.

India’s textile industry often referred to as the lifeblood of nations manufacturing economy, is on the cusp of a technology-led transformation. Leading this evolution is Gartex Texprocess India – Mumbai organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. The expo is a definitive sourcing and innovation platform growing with global participation and solutions for the future.

What sets this edition apart is its focused attention on technology integration, automation and responsible manufacturing – themes that are redefining how India produces, sources and innovates on the global textile map through its product showcase as well as curated knowledge sessions.

A global showcase:
Making headlines this year is the strong international participation especially from China, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore and a dedicated pavilion for Taiwan, along with the leading Indian companies on board. Displaying a wide range of products for the garment and textile manufacturing industry. A few international names include: EPSON, Kornit and MACPI International among others. Some will participate directly and some through their partners and distributors. This global representation is matched with a stellar Indian line-up featuring names such as Balaji Sewing Machines, DCC, EH Turel, Mexum, Pantone and Sky Enterprises amongst others.

Denim Takes Centre Stage:
With the backing of Denim Manufacturers Association, the Denim Show at Gartex Texprocess India is expected to bring together all the major denim manufacturers and mill owners from India under one roof. As Indian denim exports steadily rise and demand for eco-conscious denim production grows, the show provides a much-needed window into how this resilient segment is re-inventing itself with sustainability and style at its core.

Trims & Accessories:
Beyond denim, this edition places a sharp focus on innovative fabric solutions, trims, digital screen printing and accessories – with dedicated zones for the Fabrics and Trims shows and Screen-Print India - Textile.

With 25+ new entrants and expanding categories, the Mumbai edition will be a hotspot for denim designers, boutique owners, apparel brands and labels, garment manufacturers, dyeing and finishing companies, distributors and agents of textile and garment machinery and accessories, merchandisers and sourcing heads scouting for the latest in material and design and more.

As India marches towards becoming a global textile powerhouse, Gartex Texprocess India – Mumbai 2025 will serve as the ultimate confluence of technology, talent and trade, weaving together a stronger future for the Indian textile industry.

Gartex Texprocess India is a leading exhibition in the textile manufacturing technology with collocated show: The Denim Show’ and dedicated featured zones of ‘Fabrics and Trims Show’ and ‘Screen Print India – Textile’ making this a one-stop destination for the textile manufacturing.

The expo is jointly organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fair India Pvt Ltd. Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai and is scheduled from 22 – 24 May 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

After the successful spring edition of PERFORMANCE DAYS in Munich in March, the Functional Fabric Fair Spring 2025, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS, made a strong statement in a market still facing global supply chain turbulence: With a 9% increase in attendance and a 30% expansion of the exhibition space at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, the event from April 14–16 brought together over 320 sustainably certified suppliers with decision-makers from leading performance and outdoor brands such as Adidas, Patagonia, REI, Nike, and Vuori.

"In times of economic uncertainty and continued volatility in global supply chains, the 100% exhibitor participation underscores the relevance of our event," said Steve McCullough, Event Vice President. The focus was clearly on resilient partnerships and forward-looking sourcing for the 2026/2027 collections.

Highlights and Innovation
Parallel to PERFORMANCE DAYS in Munich, the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland featured carefully curated theme areas that promoted targeted exchanges between brands and suppliers, offering visitors valuable market insights and hands-on experience with innovative materials – a perfect complement to the event’s comprehensive educational program.

Strong program & networking
The sold-out “DAY 0” Sustainability Workshop (230+ attendees) set the tone with keynote speaker Jill Dumain, addressing material traceability. In the following days, practical Expert Talks were held on the show floor. Event highlights also included:

• • Design Lab Live with designer Kelley Dempsey
• • Guided tours & after-hour events for networking

A common takeaway from many exhibitors and visitors: The Functional Fabric Fair is an essential industry meeting point for forward-thinking sourcing and innovation in the textile sector.

"This event has become a fixed point in my sourcing calendar," says Cassia Lewis Cameron from Patagonia. "With some of the most advanced and sustainable suppliers in the industry, the pre-vetted supplier list saves us a lot of time in the qualification process – and gives us direct access to innovation partners we can trust, even when global logistics systems are under pressure."

Exhibitors also appreciate the fair as an efficient industry meeting point: "The Functional Fabric Fair allows us to have many relevant meetings in a short amount of time – with other suppliers we work with as well as with brands and designers," says John Holiday from YKK USA. "We were able to achieve a lot in just a few days."

From April 24 to 26, the Karachi Expo Center hosts a new edition of Igatex, Pakistan’s leading textile‑industry trade fair. At a decisive moment for the region’s manufacturing sector, Jeanologia presents its proposal for technological integration to drive modernization through automation, sustainability, and productivity.

With nearly two decades of presence in Pakistan, Jeanologia has helped transform the local production landscape by promoting competitive models based on cutting‑edge technologies such as laser, ozone, e‑Flow, and water‑recycling systems like H2Zero. Designed to be accessible to both small workshops and large corporations, these solutions have enabled more sustainable and efficient denim production—reducing water consumption by up to 85%, minimizing chemical use, and ensuring safer processes for workers.

At this year’s Igatex, Jeanologia is highlighting the potential of its laser technology to automate processes and optimize marking quality and speed—critical factors for boosting productivity and lowering cost per garment. It will unveil Compact Super, the fastest laser machine on the market, as part of its portfolio of high‑productivity solutions built on intelligence, speed, and precision—elements essential for the future of the textile sector, especially denim.

All these innovations converge in the Laundry 5.Zero model, the first denim‑finishing plant to guarantee zero pollution. Already operational in Pakistan, this solution represents the evolution from traditional factories to fully digital, scalable production systems with a neutral cost balance.

Pakistan: a strategic hub in the new global manufacturing map
With 8.5% of its GDP tied to textiles, Pakistan has established itself as a key node in the new global manufacturing map. Its favorable cost structure and robust production facilities make it a strategic destination for global textile operators. Jeanologia works closely with local mills, brands, and exporters to accelerate this transformation and reinforce the country’s leadership in the sustainable denim era.

With over 35% of the world’s five billion annual jeans produced using its technologies, the Spanish company consolidates its position as a strategic partner for brands, manufacturers, and exporters worldwide reaffirming its mission to transform the textile industry through innovation and sustainability.

By participating in Igatex 2025, Jeanologia underscores that the future of textile manufacturing lies in digitalization, automation, and sustainability—recognizing Pakistan as a pivotal hub in this transformative process.

Eastman Naia™ is participating at this spring’s Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, a leading expo for high-performance and sustainable textiles focusing on outdoor, lifestyle, and activewear textiles. The event offers an ideal platform to unveil Naia™ On The Move, the latest application for dynamic and urban living.

Naia™ On The Move marks the next evolution in Eastman’s Naia™ cellulosic fiber development. This new blending solution concept extends the outstanding properties of Naia™ Renew staple fiber and is designed for the light sports activities and urban lifestyle segments. Manufactured through Eastman’s molecular recycling technology, Naia™ Renew fiber incorporates 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% recycled waste materials via GRS-certified mass balance. This enables the creation of high-quality cellulose acetate fibers with a significantly reduced environmental impact.

Naia™ On The Move is an application designed for active, everyday wear, showcasing how Naia™ Renew staple fiber blends deliver next-to-skin comfort, breathability, and a soft hand feel, along with superior moisture management and quick-dry capability. Garments stay fresh throughout the day, holding their shape and resisting pilling even after repeated washes. In addition, the application supports consumers navigating urban environments where shifting temperatures, humidity, and active routines call for adaptable apparel solutions.

Third-party testing confirms Naia™ Renew staple fiber can manage moisture and reduce odor more effectively than polyester, and at lower blend ratios. Furthermore, it combines well with fibers such as wool and polyester to enhance overall comfort and wearing experience. This adaptability empowers designers to create collections that are effortlessly stylish, responsibly made and always on the move.

After premiering in Shanghai, Naia™ On The Move makes its official debut in Portlandti “Naia™ On The Move was born from a clear need in the market, for materials that move with the rhythm of people’s lives,” said Chad Doub, global segment leader of staple fibers for Eastman’s textiles division. “It responds to how people really live today, bringing together everyday comfort and technical performance that last throughout the day.”

Functional Fabric Fair is the perfect setting for visitors to experience Naia™ On The Move and the full Naia™ range. Attendees can visit Naia™ from Eastman at Booth 920 to discover certified fiber solutions that unite comfort, function, and a more sustainable future for textiles.

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Concept N Strategies has announced partnership to introduce ‘Sporttech pavilion’ – a dedicated area showcasing sports and activewear textiles and accessories under Techtextil India 2025. It is a premier platform dedicated to the rapidly expanding sports and fitness textiles at Techtextil India 2025. This strategic alliance aims to provide a major boost to the segment aiming to showcase innovations in speciality fabrics, yarns, sportswear and gear, high-performance textiles and sustainable materials, generating remarkable opportunities for the entire textile universe, especially, for sportswear brands.

The Indian sports and fitness textiles sector are transforming remarkably, driven by the evolving consumer lifestyles, advanced material innovations and growing government support. Amidst this backdrop, this partnership marks a significant leap of growth for the specialised textiles segment, which is envisioned as a game-changer in the Indian sports and activewear market.

The demand for cutting-edge moisture-wicking fabrics, compression wear, breathable textiles and sustainable sports and fitness fabrics are at an all-time high. Rising health consciousness consumers and increasing appetite for high-performance sportswear, are also contributing to the growing demand. This makes Techtextil India 2025 the perfect launchpad for this specialised segment. This collaboration seamlessly aligns with the growing push for self-reliance in textile manufacturing, bundled with the Indian government’s focus on technical textile innovations and expanding domestic production capabilities. Industry leaders are recognising this as the perfect time to showcase national innovations in fitness textiles on the global stage of Techtextil India.

Industry figures highlight growth of this segment:

• The Indian sportswear market: valued at USD 10.2 million in 2024
• Expected to reach USD 16.6 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.1% during 2025-2033*1 according to a recent report by IMARC Group.
• Global sportswear market size was valued at USD 206.64 billion in 2024.
• Expected to reach USD 350.45 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.84% during the forecast period.

This segment will see an expansion of the exhibitor profile with inclusion of:

• Sports textile material producers including compression fabrics, breathable textiles, suppliers of sustainable and recycled textiles suitable for sports equipment and gear manufacturers
• Producers of sports and fitness equipment with an emphasis on textile-based products like: yoga mats, fitness bands, straps, & etc
• Accessories and footwear manufacturers for products like gloves, bands headgear and socks using innovative materials; manufacturers and brands showcasing new textile technologies in sports footwear and performance shoes
• Smart textile manufacturers producing materials embedded with sensors for fitness tracking; chemical suppliers for sports textiles
• Producers of finishing chemicals that enhance performance e.g. anti-odour, UV protection, water-repellent coatings
• Manufacturers of various fitness textiles and activewear materials and textile machinery manufacturers, equipment suppliers, suppliers of technology for fabric testing, dyeing, and finishing for sportswear and more.

With such an extensive product showcase, the expo aims to attract visitors from major sportswear retailers and distributors, product developers, fitness enthusiasts, fashion designers, research and development professionals, textile institutes, sourcing specialists and other professionals from the textile spectrum looking for the next big breakthrough in the segment. The dedicated space for Sporttech Pavilion will serve as a powerful business catalyst connecting material innovators, sportswear brands and textile manufacturers with national and international sourcing leaders.

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference 2025 will take place on November 27 and 28, 2025 at the Eurogress Aachen.

To contribute to the conference program and submit an abstract for a talk or poster presentation, please note that the Call for Abstracts for oral presentations ends on May 5, 2025. The Call for Abstracts for poster contributions is open until July 31, 2025.

The conference program includes plenary lectures and themed sessions in the areas of

• Sustainable Textiles and Circular Textile Economy
• Bio-based Fibers
• Synthetic High-Performance Fibers
• Artificial Intelligence in the Textile Sector
• Textile Production
• Smart Textiles & Applications
• Textiles for Medicine & Health Care
• Technology Transfer & Start-up Pitches
• Fiber Composites and Lightweight Construction
• Best-Practices – Examples from Collaboration Projects between Academia and Industry
• Functionalization & Finishing

Further information about the conference and the call for abstracts (including the submission form) at  https://www.aachen-dresden-denkendorf.de/en/itc/registration/call-for-abstracts/.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Textile interior design at its best is an integral part of Heimtextil. Designer and architect Patricia Urquiola expressed this spectacularly in January in Frankfurt with her installation ‘among-us’. Now the leading trade fair is making its mark at Milan Design Week: exclusive products by Patricia Urquiola, created specifically for Heimtextil, are celebrating their premiere at the Design Week in Milan. Set within a diverse interior setting, they highlight the vital role textiles play in holistic design.

Two pieces designed by Patricia Urquiola exclusively for Heimtextil are staged in Milan. With their organic shapes, the ‘Gruuvelot’ sofa and the padded sculpture ‘Mushmonster’ by Moroso morph to their surroundings and invite touching and interaction. ‘Gruuvelot’ represents an organism that expands and unfolds within space. Exceptional protrusions, extensions and volumes form a flowing seating ecosystem that adapts to the body and offers a variety of possibilities for interaction. ‘Mushmonster’ is inspired by the shape of a giant mushroom and shows an organism in constant metamorphosis. At the same time, it contains a filling that enables sustainable production and complex shapes. The covering designed by Patricia Urquiola envelops the padded object. Sustainable and innovative: the fabric is produced using a water-based and CO2-saving printing process.

Until Sunday, the upholstered pieces will merge with a new design environment at the heart of Milan Design Week. Patricia Urquiola designed the Palazzo Bovara for Elle Decor. Under the title ‘Alchemica’, the installation explores the home as a transforming organism that changes throughout the day, the seasons and the stages of life. The designer plays with the metaphor of alchemy, the senses, balance and opposites. She invites visitors to experience the metamorphosis in different rooms. Right in the centre: the padded sculptures of the Heimtextil installation ‘among-us’. ‘Gruuvelot’ is positioned in the purification and light phase in a reflective room with light tones. In the indoor garden, ‘Mushmonster’ is part of a union of opposites and biomorphs in moving, cyclical light.