From the Sector

International and domestic exhibitors are relishing the chance to present their curated products at Cinte Techtextil China, when the fair opens from 3 to 5 September 2025, spanning three halls and 32,000 sqm at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. As Asia’s only dedicated show for the full spectrum of technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China is set to present a comprehensive roster of global exhibitors across the three-day show period.

The International Hall W5 will feature a debut zone for textile chemicals and dyes, the returning European and German Zones, as well as first-time and prominent exhibitors in key application areas of technical textiles and nonwovens. 

Several domestic pavilions will be set up in Halls W3 and W4, highlighting noteworthy products in automotive, medical & hygiene, and filtration & separation segments. Meanwhile, the fair’s upgraded fringe programme will include the Econogy Tour and Sustainability Forum, the forward-looking AI Panel Discussion, the annual China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC) and more, adding insights to the platform’s business exchange.

Speaking ahead of the show’s opening, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “In general, China’s textile industry has maintained stable performance despite international economic turbulence. Like its host country, Cinte Techtextil China has exhibited its resilience, with increased overseas visitor pre-registration numbers. Hosting a number of leading exhibitors this year, we invite visitors to take advantage of the unique sourcing opportunities, and the range of international experts who will present as part of our fringe programme – as we navigate uncertain times, this fair remains as important as ever to drive innovation and business exchange in the industry.”
 
Enhanced fringe programme to complement fair’s product offerings
Committed to innovation and sustainability, Cinte Techtextil China organises a number of fringe events every year to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. On Day 2 of the fair, key events will centre around the theme of sustainability, starting with the Econogy Tour in the morning, and ending with the Sustainability Forum in the afternoon.
 
The Econogy Tour (10:30 – 11:30) will begin with a presentation on Techtextil Frankfurt 2026 by Ms Sabine Scharrer, Director of Brand Management for Technical Textiles & Textile Processing of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, at Econogy Talks. The attendees will then be guided by sustainability expert Mr Karl Borgschulze, to explore exhibitors who have passed the Econogy Check, which is a stringent third-party audit that checks the suppliers’ sustainability certificates.
 
At the Sustainability Forum (13:30 – 16:00), participants will be able to discover insights and practical case studies, featuring experts from academia and well-known brands, led by Dr Guoxiang Yuan, Graduate Supervisor of Donghua University and Research Fellow of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
 
The Technical Innovation Exchange Conference on Automotive Textiles will also take place on Day 2, following a brief tour of three key Mobiltech exhibitors, namely Swisstulle AG, JCT Industries and Dr Karl Wetekam GmbH & Co KG. There will also be an automotive textiles showcase at W4, displaying key products such as automotive interior materials, lightweight composite materials, smart sensing fabrics, and acoustic insulation materials.
 
Events on Day 1 include the AI Panel Discussion hosted by AiDLab, discussing the challenges and opportunities involved when applying AI technology for automated textile material inspection; the China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC), aiming to shed light on the industry’s efforts to evolve its competitive landscape; the Innovation Product Award and Presentation; and more.
 
Meanwhile, the number of overseas visitor pre-registrations has already exceeded last year’s total, and includes 95 VIP buyers from 32 countries and regions. Leading visiting companies include Alpha Engineered Composites from Singapore, Delfim from Brazil, Lazwi Engineering 8 from South Africa, and Milliken Europe from Belgium.
 
The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

More than six million visually impaired people in Brazil have a new way to experience color thanks to a sensory innovation developed by AkzoNobel’s Coral brand.

Working together with VML Brasil and the Dorina Nowill Foundation for the Blind, the Touching Colors project draws on neuroscience studies, which show that colors also manifest themselves in the brains of blind people through emotions, memories and sensations.

The project uses braille and sound to translate RGB, CMYK and HEX color codes into so-called Cromopoems®, which reimagine a set of 70 colors into a unique sensory experience. For example, Citrus Orange is described as: “That urge to bite into a fresh fruit in the playground. Letting the juice run down your chin and spending the day with its scent on your hands. That color is Citrus Orange, a vibrant, warm shade of orange.”

Touching Colors was recently shortlisted in the Industry Craft category of this year’s Cannes Lions.  

“We’re giving blind and visually impaired people access to experiences that were previously restricted within the visual universe,” says Alexandre Munck, Executive Superintendent of the Dorina Nowill Foundation for the Blind. “By transforming color into sensation, poetry and sound, Coral is contributing to broadening horizons and reinforcing the importance of accessibility as an essential part of innovation.”

Adds Daniel Geiger Campos, Global Director of AkzoNobel’s Decorative Paints business and member of the Executive Committee: “This project has taken a crucial step on the path to inclusion to ensure that more people can feel and choose colors in an innovative way, going beyond sight to explore new forms of sensory connection.”

The 70 colors were selected from nine chromatic scales in AkzoNobel’s portfolio. From these, initials were created in braille, adding graphic value and establishing a unique creative path for the project's visual language.

The next step was to assemble the Cromopoems into a color fan that’s accessible to blind and low-vision people. It’s based on three essential elements: color, braille and the sensitivity of the visually impaired person. Printed on black cards, each color in the fan is delivered through the emotions and sensations evoked by the braille text. Spoken audio versions of the Cromopoems are also available.  

Explains Gabriel Sotero, Executive Creative Director at VML Brasil: “Our challenge was to create an experience that transcended vision, combining accessibility with the beauty of poetic expression.”

The initiative was launched to coincide with Coral’s 70th anniversary in Brazil, hence the palette of 70 colors. To ensure the Cromopoems are also accessible to those who don’t have access to the braille color fan, audio versions of the descriptions (in Portuguese) have also been made available via a dedicated YouTube playlist.

Allbirds presents the latest addition to its leading-edge lineup of footwear: Remix. Born from a pioneering partnership with Blumaka, a leader in converting recycled foam into footwear products, and Circ®, a leading innovator in textile-to-textile recycling, Remix styles give second life to manufacturing waste by transforming blended textile waste and foam scraps into brand new shoes.

With billions of shoes produced annually, the footwear industry generates a staggering amount of manufacturing waste–trimmings, shavings, and dust from the cutting and shaping processes. In midsole foam alone, the industry produces 344,000 tons of waste annually—enough material to craft 2.5 billion midsoles—yet much of this high-quality foam goes unused and discarded. The materials, which are often non-biodegradable and notoriously difficult to recycle, are then routed to landfills where they take decades to decompose and emit harmful chemicals like methane. In an industry-first, Allbirds, Blumaka and Circ are intervening in the process by taking the landfill-bound waste and refashioning it into two Remix styles: the Runner NZ Remix and Cruiser Remix.

The Remix styles incorporate Blumaka midsoles, crafted from reclaimed foam scraps from athletic footwear manufacturing that are ground and molded into a high-performance, recycled foam blend. Not only does this process use 99 percent less water and emit 65 percent fewer carbon emissions than traditional foam production, but it also creates a product that exceeds the expectations of durability, comfort and performance. Blumaka’s approach challenges assumptions about sustainability: these reclaimed materials are not just recycled; they are revitalized into elite, performance-ready components that deliver all-day comfort and cushioning.

Additionally, Remix styles are the world’s first-ever footwear to utilize textile-to-textile recycled materials derived from polycotton waste, using Circ’s proprietary hydrothermal recycling process that separates and recovers cotton and polyester fibers from blended garments. The resulting textile lends a luxurious look and feel, with like-new quality that meets and exceeds virgin synthetics.

The materials combine to create two artful, visually distinct silhouettes that require no compromise on comfort, sustainability or style–offering consumers a fresh look that they can feel good in, and feel good about.

“To us, ‘better things in a better way’ means that we’re not tied to one technology or one method of making–we have a limitless curiosity that inspires us to explore unexpected approaches,” said Adrian Nyman, Chief Design Officer, Allbirds. “Remix is the next step in our innovation journey, delivering on sustainable design that enhances both look and feel.”

The launch of Remix follows a decade of sustainable innovations from Allbirds, including the likes of: Futurecraft.Footprint, an ultra-low carbon running shoe created in collaboration with Adidas; and most recently, M0.0NSHOT Zero, the world’s first net zero carbon shoe made with carbon-negative regenerative wool.

“Allbirds is demonstrating that the world doesn’t need more foam — it needs smarter use of existing resources,” said Stuart Jenkins, CEO of Blumaka. “We don’t recycle trash — we reclaim the most advanced foam ever made and improve upon it. Our process produces elite-level products with proven durability and comfort. Allbirds Remix shows that waste foam isn’t a problem — it’s an opportunity. Better for people. Better for the planet.”

“This collaboration with Allbirds marks a major milestone in proving that textile-to-textile recycling can scale beyond apparel and into high-performance footwear,” said Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ. ““By using Circ® Filament Lyocell from recycled textile waste as part of the upper for the Remix, we’re showing that circular materials don’t require compromise, they can look better, feel better, and do better for the planet. This is the future of fashion, and we re proud to help lead the way.”

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., a leader in spider silk technology, announces that its second production rearing center in Southeast Asia is now fully operational.

With two active production facilities, the Company has established parallel operations designed to ensure continuous rearing cycles of its specialized recombinant spider silk silkworms. This dual-site capacity increases resilience and scalability, providing greater consistency in material output as Kraig Labs advances its commercialization strategy.

Teams are now active at both rearing centers, working with the company’s established parental lines for BAM-1 production hybrids, as well as three additional parental lines introduced earlier this summer. These new genetic lines represent a significant expansion of Kraig Labs’ breeding program and are expected to further enhance production efficiencies.

These facilities are designed to create efficient redundancy to avoid bottlenecks the company experienced in the past. This is a major leap forward in terms of creating sustained production.

“Becoming fully operational at our second rearing center is a milestone that strengthens the foundation of our spider silk production platform,” said Kim Thompson, Kraig Labs founder and CEO. “Having parallel operations allows us to maintain continuous cycles of rearing, diversify our breeding program, and accelerate the development of next-generation hybrids. This expanded capacity is essential as we push forward in scaling production and bringing our recombinant spider silk to market.”

The opening of this second rearing facility reflects Kraig Labs’ ongoing commitment to building a robust, reliable, and scalable spider silk production system in Southeast Asia, positioning the company to meet growing demand from diverse markets and industries.

Girbau has been recognized with an Honorable Mention at the Clean Show 2025 Innovation Awards for Sortech, the automation solution for smart garment sorting. This recognition reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in industrial laundries. The awards ceremony was held on Sunday, August 24, at the Orange County Convention Center (Orlando), as part of Clean Show 2025

Sortech provides a clear improvement in productivity and operational continuity by enabling fast and accurate garment sorting, reducing the physical workload of operators, and optimizing energy consumption.

“This recognition reflects Girbau’s commitment to transforming the industry through solutions that improve the experience of workers and the competitiveness of our clients. Sortech is another step toward a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future,” says Mercè Girbau, CEO and Managing Director of Girbau.

The project is the result of a joint innovation process with clients: it originated from their needs and today offers benefits to the entire industry.

The Lenzing Group, a provider of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, expands its photovoltaic capacities at its Lenzing site. Together with VERBUND, a new PV plant with a capacity of 1.3 megawatts peak (MWp) has been commissioned, increasing the total capacity of the PV plant park to 8.3 MWp. Lenzing is thereby investing in a stable and diversified energy supply and is also making an active contribution to the energy transition. VERBUND is accompanying Lenzing on its path to energy independence and, as a partner, is providing significant support for the expansion of renewable energies. 
 
In recent years, Lenzing has continuously invested in the expansion of renewable electricity and energy sources. In addition to its PV plant park, the company operates numerous other sustainable energy projects, including three small hydropower plants with a total output of 2.3 MW. In addition, several supply contracts have been concluded in recent years, for example with WLK energy for the purchase of around 13 MW of wind energy, and with green electricity producers Enery and Energie Steiermark to finance a photovoltaic plant with a capacity of 5.5 MWp in the district of Deutschlandsberg. 
 
“To ensure our long-term competitiveness, we are focusing on a sustainable energy mix of biomass, photovoltaics, wind energy, and hydropower. Investments in renewable energies and production that is as energy autonomous as possible are central components of our strategy. Political support – for example, through electricity price subsidies – is equally essential in order to achieve our ambitious sustainability and climate goals,” explains Christian Skilich, member of the Lenzing Group Executive Management. 
 
Martin Wagner, Managing Director of VERBUND Energy4Business, emphasizes the importance of this strategic cooperation: “The partnership with Lenzing is an important step for us toward a sustainable energy future. Together, we are not only shaping energy independence of companies, but also actively contributing to the energy transition. The new photovoltaic system is further proof that we are driving forward the transformation of the energy market through cooperation. VERBUND remains a reliable partner in supporting companies such as Lenzing on their path to a more sustainable future.” 
 
Lenzing is thus also steadily moving closer to its net-zero target. The group updated their climate targets for 2024 to align its commitment to climate protection with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the leading authority on climate-related target setting, reviewed and confirmed the target increase. Lenzing is the only producer of regenerated cellulose fibers with a scientifically confirmed net-zero target.

Over 200 exhibitors, including numerous new exhibitors, top brands and long-standing customers, have already registered for Texprocess 2026. The important global industry meeting place focuses on automation, digitalisation and AI from 21 to 24 April 2026. Technological innovations provide concrete answers to the current demands of industry, such as efficiency and flexibility. Exhibitors also benefit from visitors to the concurrently held Techtextil.

The current strong registration figures show: exhibitors relying on the leading trade fair to reach international markets and new customers. The focus is on technologies for increasing efficiency – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI.

Top brands and new exhibitors on board
More than 200 exhibitors from 24 countries are currently registered to participate. These include Barudan (Japan), Brother Internationale Industriemaschinen (Germany), Kornit Digital Europe (Germany), Macpi (Italy), Morgan Tecnica (Italy), Sheffield Cutting Equipment (USA), Style 3D | Assyst (Germany), Veit (Germany), Vetron Typical Europe (Germany) and Zünd (Germany). 25 new exhibitors from various product groups have already registered, ranging from cutting and embroidery to printing technologies. These include Amann & Söhne (Germany), Avantex Software (USA), Coats Group (UK), Comelz (Italy), Cutting Edge Automation Machines (Italy), Hans-Joachim Schneider (Germany), Humanetics Digital Europe (Germany), Mimaki Deutschland (Germany), Pathfinder Australia, Valvan (Belgium) and many more.

Addressing challenges through new developments
Never has it been more important to be visible to the international market than it is today. The industry is facing major challenges, and companies need to explore new avenues, find business partners, drive developments forward and seize market opportunities. This is because investment restraint, tariffs, declining consumption, geopolitical developments and much more are placing the industry under massive pressure.

At Texprocess, exhibitors present solutions to meet these demands – ranging from intelligent material flow systems and robot-assisted sewing units to AI-based real-time quality control. The focus is on boosting efficiency, optimising the targeted use of resources and reducing dependence on volatile supply chains. New technologies are the key to streamlining processing operations amid limited budgets and declining consumer demand.

“Technological innovations are key to the future viability of apparel manufacturers and technical textile processors. At Texprocess 2026, exhibitors will once again set significant trends for the future, helping to strengthen their customers’ competitiveness – particularly in today’s challenging geopolitical times,” explains Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabrics and Leather Technologies.

Texprocess: Exhibitors benefit from Techtextil visitors
At Texprocess, exhibitors also reach visitors to the concurrently held Techtextil. For the first time, Performance Apparel Textiles, Textile Chemicals & Dyes, and Fibres & Yarns are located in Hall 9.0 – directly adjacent to Texprocess in Hall 8.0. This means that overlapping visitors from the apparel industry can access the offerings of both leading trade fairs more easily. At the previous edition, 72 percent of Techtextil visitors also took advantage of the offerings at Texprocess.

Texprocess brings together all technologies and services for textile processing – from design, cutting, sewing and finishing to digital printing. Visitors from a wide range of sectors use Texprocess to find the best technologies for processing their products. These include clothing, denim, functional and protective apparel, footwear, home and contract textiles, automotive components and medical products. The aim is to improve production processes and increase efficiency. In this regard, the market overview provided by Texprocess is crucial for investment decisions.

OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon announced the successful placement of two series of senior unsecured bonds: CHF 150 million due in September 2027 and CHF 200 million due in September 2030 (together, the “Bonds”). The proceeds of the Bonds will be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of outstanding debt. The Bonds have attracted broad investor demand.

The coupons have been set at 1.375% per annum for the Bonds due 2027 and 2.000% per annum for the Bonds due 2030. The coupons for both tranches are payable annually on September 3 with the first coupon payable on September 3, 2026, on both tranches.

An application for the Bonds to be admitted for listing and trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange will be filed, with provisional trading expected to commence on or around September 1, 2025. Settlement date of the Bonds is expected on September 3, 2025.

Commerzbank, Bank J. Safra Sarasin, UBS Investment Bank and Zürcher Kantonalbank acted as the Joint Lead Managers and Bookrunners, and DBS Bank Ltd acted as a Co-Manager on the offering.

Around the world, used textiles are still rarely recycled and pile up into huge mountains of waste. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) drew attention to this problem. However, the low recycling rate is also due to the fact that only a small percentage of used textiles are actually suitable for recycling into high-quality materials and for demanding applications. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are addressing this problem with their research. Europe's largest textile research center has launched two research projects with a total project volume of over 4.2 million euros.

To promote the recycling of high-performance fibers such as carbon and glass fibers, the DITF will establish a center for the development of high-performance fiber composite structures based on recycled high-performance fibers (HiPerReF) over the next two years. There, scientists are developing a complete process chain for the industrial-scale production of highly oriented semi-finished products from recycled carbon and glass fibers. In order to achieve maximum performance in the component, the interaction of all machines and equipment is being optimized to produce commercially available semi-finished products such as prepreg and non-porous composite plastics with a fiber volume fraction of over 45 percent.

The CYCLOTEXUM project focuses on recycling classic textile waste into high-quality yarns. The aim is to intelligently combine existing mechanical, physical, and chemical process steps so that fine, uniform yarns can be produced from secondary raw materials. The Material Flow and Cost Accounting (MFCA) developed at the DITF makes it possible to review all technological developments for economic efficiency and sustainability.

The research work of the two centers provides the national and global textile industry with effective tools and solutions for an effective textile circular economy.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition is set to return from 20 – 22 August 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), once again positioning itself as Asia’s preeminent platform for the global home and contract textile industry. With nearly 900 exhibitors representing 20 countries and regions, including eight new countries, the event will span 100,000 sqm across four halls, showcasing the latest cutting-edge products, market trends, and design concepts. The fair will offer a comprehensive fringe programme that aims to inspire, inform, and connect industry professionals. Focusing on sustainability and innovation that will shape the future of home textiles, the 2025 edition promises a vibrant exchange of ideas and opportunities to forge meaningful business partnerships in an increasingly competitive landscape.

To enhance sourcing efficiency and cultivate meaningful business connections, the fair will present 15+ dedicated product zones encompassing upholstery and sofa fabrics, bedding, curtains, sun protection, and more. These zones will be organised across four halls – 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, and 6.2 – with each hall spotlighting a particular category: Brand Fabrics Hall (5.1), Trendy Fabrics Hall (5.2), International Brands & Household Hall (6.1), and Furniture Fabrics Hall (6.2). Additionally, visitors will benefit from contract business services offered by exhibitors, providing access to specialised expertise and tailored solutions that can enhance their sourcing and operational efficiency.

The Editors Zone is a prominent area featuring a curated lineup of design-focused exhibitors presenting both domestic and international brands. 20 exhibitors will represent 53 high-end brands from 16 countries and regions – 23 of which are new. These brands primarily originate from Western Europe, the US, South Asia, and East Asia. Among the new exhibitors in the Editors Zone are Art Home Korea (Korea) (5.1H C18), Kaeen Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) (5.1H C08), and more. Notable names such as Beijing Ya Da (China), Rioma (Spain), and Raffinato (USA) will be present.

Home textile industry represented by global players 
This year, the fair will welcome international exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, including Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, the UK, and the US. Notably, eight new countries – Bulgaria, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Vietnam – are joining this diverse lineup.

On the domestic front, six major Chinese home textile pavilions – representing Haining, Huzhou, Linping Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Wujiang Suzhou, and Tongxiang – will showcase regional strengths and innovations.

To date, buyers from 63 countries and regions have pre-registered, with 19 buyer delegations (up 73% from the 2024 edition) confirmed from 23 countries including China, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Central Asia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador and more. 

Fringe programme: four new themes guiding the future of home textiles
Collectively emphasising the dynamic nature of the home textiles industry – NextGen, Palette, Connector and Go-Green – will focus on creativity and aesthetics in design, fostering collaboration through shared business strategies and market insights, showcasing innovations and advancements in textiles, and addressing sustainability trends and technological needs to align with market demands. Key highlights include:

• Future & Textile Zone (NextGen): where participants can discover future-focused materials, and AI trends lead by Ms Anja Bisgaard Gaede, CEO of SPOTT trends & business.
• Designer Tour and Guided Tour (Palette): Ms Camilla Rudnicki (Founder of Camilla Rudnicki Home & Interior, Denmark), offering curated walkthroughs of standout exhibits with visitor.
• Econogy [1] Forum (Go-Green): will address the dual challenges of sustainability and technological advancement. Leading experts from China, Hong Kong, Italy, and the US will share cross-disciplinary insights and case studies, focusing on how integrated advancements in technology, design, and business models can support a more sustainable textile industry.

Additional highlights include The Home Textiles x Interior Decoration Summit (Connector), will gather thought leaders to explore the transformation of the industry and its future direction. A series of market strategy seminars will provide valuable insights into regional developments, with featured sessions from Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. 

Furthermore, the 2026 / 27 China Home Textile Trend Area (Palette) will offer an exclusive preview of upcoming domestic design and consumer trends. Rednote: Weaving the Ideal Home, Home Textile Trend Insights (Connector), and From Cross-Boundary to Boundless: The 11th Home Furniture & Textile TOP Business Matching (Connector) will also be taking place. 

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).