From the Sector

CHIC Spring 2026 (March 11–13, Shanghai) has successfully concluded, reaffirming its position as Asia’s leading fashion and lifestyle trade fair. Across 117,200 sqm, 1,291 exhibitors with 1,335 brands from eight countries and regions met more than 160,000 trade visitors at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai  – highlighting the event’s role as a key international business platform.

Under the guiding theme “In Search of Spring,” CHIC reflected an industry in transition, shaped by structural change, new growth markets and evolving consumer demands. With 12 clearly structured segments covering the entire textile value chain, over 130 invited buyer groups from leading platforms such as JD.com, Douyin and Little Red Book, and more than 100 industry events, the fair offered targeted sourcing, high-level networking and strategic dialogue.

Key trends included the growing importance of sportswear, outdoor and lifestyle segments, the rise of culturally influenced design concepts and a continued shift towards quality, efficiency and brand identity. International participation is gradually returning, with 45 brands from eight countries and regions on site, among them Italy with 12 brands. 

ERWO Holding AG (“ERWO Holding”), holding company of the Südwolle Group, a leading manufacturer of worsted yarns, as well as main shareholder of Hoftex Group AG (“Hoftex Group”), a group of medium-sized companies in the textile industry, have announced the appointment of a new member to their Management Board: With effect from 1 April 2026, Dr David Meyer will become CFO on the Management Board of both companies. This position has recently been vacant, with the finance division being managed on an interim basis by CEO Manuela Spörl.

Dr David Meyer brings many years of industry experience to his role as CFO, having worked in both capital markets and a family-run SME environment. As a proven finance expert, David has a comprehensive knowledge across the entire spectrum of the finance department, ranging from accounting and controlling through the structuring of financing and M&A to IT transformation projects and investor relations. He comes from Hamberger Industriewerke (Stephanskirchen near Rosenheim), where, in addition to his role as CFO, he most recently also served as Head of Human Resources. Prior to that, he worked for over 12 years as CFO at Steico SE (Feldkirchen near Munich), a producer of timber building materials and wood fibre insulation listed on the OTC market. Dr Meyer holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering (University of Kaiserslautern).

With the official kick-off event of the Textilfabrik 7.0 (T7), a major transformation project for the German textile and apparel industry has been launched in the Monforts Quarter in Mönchengladbach. At the “Textile Roundtable,” an event format organized by the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier, representatives from industry, research, politics, and the regional economy came together to jointly lay the foundation for CO₂-neutral, circular, and economically viable textile production in Germany.

The textile and fashion industry worldwide faces major challenges: around ten percent of global CO₂ emissions are attributed to it. At the same time, companies in Germany are under considerable competitive pressure. Textilfabrik 7.0 addresses precisely this intersection by bringing together research institutions, industry, and regional stakeholders to accelerate the transfer of innovative technologies and production processes into industrial application.

Silke Krebs, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia emphasizes that the T7 project actively drives the transformation of the Rhenish mining region into a modern industrial hub. It combines innovative, sustainable textile production with research, development, and the use of AI and robotics. At the same time, it strengthens the region’s competitiveness and creates new jobs across all qualification levels. T7 demonstrates that structural change offers concrete opportunities for a future-proof industry.

For Felix Heinrichs, Mayor of the City of Mönchengladbach, it is evident that when thinking of textiles, you cannot overlook Mönchengladbach. Textile production is deeply embedded in the industrial DNA of Mönchengladbach. But it also has the potential to play a key role in the future of the city as a business location. Textilfabrik 7.0 brings industry and academia together for innovation and research. In doing so, it lays the foundation for sustainable and economically viable textile production - and thus for future-proof jobs in Mönchengladbach. Today’s launch of the T7 project marks a major milestone in the city’s structural transformation.

The kick-off event was aimed in particular at companies along the entire textile value chain. In several keynote presentations, participants gained insights into current developments and potential applications of future production models. Brother Internationale Industriemaschinen GmbH and Hch. Kettelhack GmbH & Co. KG demonstrated how on-demand production can be integrated into microfactory concepts, enabling flexible, demand-driven manufacturing processes.

In addition, 3E Smart Solutions presented how intelligent production for smart textiles could look in the future. The industry cluster Cluster Industrial Biotechnology (CLIB) showcased approaches for using biotechnological processes, such as microorganisms, in textile production to improve resource efficiency and close material loops.

At the heart of Textilfabrik 7.0 are four core modules: On-Demand Manufacturing, MicroFactory Engineering, Digital Textiles, and Biosphere. These topics also formed the basis for four workshops in which participants discussed with module leaders what requirements industry has for future production solutions. The goal was to identify concrete needs and incorporate them directly into further project planning.

Through its real-world lab approach, T7 aims to test and optimize new technologies along the entire textile value chain. These include robotics, digital process chains, and biotechnological methods that can help establish a functioning circular economy in practice.

Professor Dr. Susanne Meyer, President of Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences states that the Textilfabrik 7.0 exemplifies what applied research must achieve today: bringing together science, industry, and society to develop concrete solutions to the major challenges of our time. Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences contributes their textile expertise specifically to this future-oriented project, from digital production processes and sustainable materials to circular value creation models. In doing so, there is a contribution not only to the transformation of the textile industry but also to the innovative capacity and future viability of the entire region.

At the same time, the project makes an important contribution to structural change in the Rhenish mining region. Under the guiding principle “From Coal to AI,” new perspectives for industrial value creation and skilled employment are emerging in the region. Textilfabrik 7.0 is one of 19 anchor projects in the Rhenish mining region and is considered by the state to be central to the successful, rapid, and visible implementation of structural transformation.

Textilfabrik 7.0 is a joint project of the Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB) at Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (HSNR), the Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University, the Association of the North-West German Textile and Clothing Industry, the Association of the Rhenish Textile and Clothing Industry, the Textile Academy NRW, and WFMG – Mönchengladbach Economic Development Corporation.

In einer zweiten Entwicklungsphase soll über die Textilfabrik 7.0 hinausgehend ein Industriepark der Zukunft entstehen. Hier entwickelt und produziert die Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie unter Zero-Emission-Bedingungen und mit CO₂-neutralen Prozessen. Der Industriepark soll Raum bieten für innovative Produktionsstätten, Unternehmensniederlassungen der Textilbranche sowie nachhaltige Textil-Start-ups. So entsteht ein moderner Industriestandort, der Forschung, Entwicklung und industrielle Produktion miteinander verbindet.

In a second development phase, a future industrial park is planned to be created beyond Textilfabrik 7.0. Here, the textile and apparel industry will develop and produce under zero-emission conditions and with CO₂-neutral processes. The industrial park will provide space for innovative production facilities, company branches in the textile sector, and sustainable textile start-ups. This will create a modern industrial hub that combines research, development, and industrial production.

The project Textilfabrik 7.0 is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) under the “STARK” funding guideline to strengthen transformation dynamics and promote new beginnings in coal regions and coal-fired power plant locations, by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia through the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy (MWIKE) in accordance with the framework guideline for implementing the Investment Act for Coal Regions (InvKG) NRW, and by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

At this year's Techtextil in Frankfurt on the Main, the CHT Group will be presenting its comprehensive portfolio of tailor-made specialty chemicals and process solutions for technical textiles. As a reliable partner to the global textile industry, CHT offers innovative products and in-depth technical expertise across all areas of the textile value chain – from pretreatment, dyeing, and printing to finishing, coating, and fiber auxiliaries.

The focus of the trade fair presentation will be on solutions that meet the highest standards of functionality, sustainability, and quality. CHT's specialty chemicals are used in a wide range of industrial applications – from high-performance coating systems and pure, recyclable product solutions to innovative composite materials.

Expertise along the entire value chain
With decades of experience in the development and application of specialty chemicals, CHT supports its customers from the initial idea to successful industrial implementation. The goal is to work together to design the products of tomorrow and enable sustainable textile innovations.

The CHT Group's solutions are used in numerous application segments:

Mobiltech

• Flame-retardant finishes and coatings for interior textiles, carpets, seat covers, and technical composites
• Special adhesives for flocking

Medtech

• Coatings and finishes for mattress protection and surgical textiles
• Special fiber auxiliaries for hygiene and medical products

Protech

• Flame-retardant, chemical-resistant, and weatherproof finishes and coatings
• Solutions for industrial and protective clothing for public authorities

Hometech / Interior

• Coatings and finishes for advertising and event textiles, banner fabrics, trade fair coverings
• Solutions for furniture covers, carpets, and cleaning textiles

Indutech

• High-performance coatings and finishes for filter media, conveyor belts, and technical fabrics

Buildtech

• Coatings for architectural membranes, facades, and functional light protection systems
• Applications for textile-reinforced concrete, insulation materials, and sewer rehabilitation

Sporttech & Outdoor 

• Finishing and coating systems for awnings, tents, and protective Covers

Innovative product ranges for modern textile applications
The portfolio includes both water-based and silicone-based printing and coating systems, in particular from the well-known ALPATEC range, which opens up new functional possibilities for technical textiles – and all this reliably from a single source.

There is a particular focus on sustainable solutions:
Circular economy as a strategic guiding principle
The CHT Group consistently integrates the principles of the circular economy into its research and development. A single-type end product – such as carpets, filters, or technical nets – is much easier to recycle and return to the recycling cycle. With our TUBICOAT PET range, CHT offers a coating line specially developed for single-type polyester materials.

PFC-free hydrophobic agents
The ECOPERL product range offers high-performance, PFC-free DWR solutions, some with a high share of bio-based components, suitable for a wide range of technical applications.
Numerous products naturally comply with leading international standards such as ZDHC, bluesign®, GOTS, Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, Cradle to Cradle® Material Health Certificate, GRS – a clear commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability.

Textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced threedimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced threedimensional knitting. 
 
The SWG®-XR WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine features 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI's original SlideNeedle™, capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT® products in all needles with higher productivity and wider range of patterning. There is great potential for WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in the field of technical textiles, where most items are produced by woven or circular- and warp-knitted textiles using specialized industrial materials that are in many instances very costly. Textile production usually involves knitting or weaving a square sheet from which 2D shaped patterns are cut and sewn together to make the final product, during which precious material is wasted. In sharp contrast, the WHOLEGARMENT® knitting process can produce a complete item in 3D without the need for sewing or linking, and no material wasted. Through WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology, SHIMA SEIKI therefore offers a sustainable, economical and smarter alternative to current manufacturing processes for technical textiles. In addition, WHOLEGARMENT® knitting can create partial compression and special shaping, and since it produces one product at a time, on-demand production for customized items such as for patient care in the medical field is possible. Furthermore, WHOLEGARMENT® has no seams, providing excellent fit, comfort and stretch characteristics that support a wide range of medical applications. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI's SES®-R next-generation shaping machine features an all-new spring-type moveable sinker system which expands its product range even further with unprecedented three-dimensional shaping capability. Combined with loop pressers and auto yarn carriers, it enhances performance in both inverse plating and inlay knitting for efficient knitting of diverse patterns that support various industries besides apparel, such as sports, automotive, and industrial materials. SES®-R will be shown at Techtextil in 14 gauge with a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width to support production of larger items. Also on display will be examples of technical textiles using industrial materials produced with SWG®-XR, SES®-R and other SHIMA SEIKI technology. 
 
In addition to machine technology, presentations will be made on SDS® KnitPaint-Online knit software, the proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Also demonstrated will be APEXFiz® subscription design software that supports the creative side from planning and design to realistic textile simulation and 3D virtual sampling of products. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be easily transferred to SDS® KnitPaint-Online for converting into machine data, digitally bridging the gap between design and production. APEXFiz® and SDS® KnitPaint-Online therefore help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the supply chain.

Outlast Technologies has expanded its fresh2SKIN® cooling technology to cellulose-based fibers such as cotton and viscose, enabling brands to combine natural materials with a re-freshing cooling effect and long-lasting thermal comfort.

The latest development allows fresh2SKIN® to be applied while maintaining an exceptionally natural and soft handfeel. The finish is virtually imperceptible on the textile, preserving the smooth, flexible character that consumers expect from cotton and viscose fabrics.

What consumers experience instead is the benefit: an immediate, pleasantly cool sensation when the fabric touches the skin. Unlike many textile technologies that remain invisible to the con-sumer, fresh2SKIN® provides a cooling experience that can be felt immediately, for example when trying on a T-shirt equipped with the technology.

fresh2SKIN® combines instant freshness with lasting comfort. While the textile delivers an im-mediate cooling sensation upon skin contact, integrated microcapsules containing natural wax help absorb excess body heat and release it again when temperatures drop. This supports a more balanced microclimate and can help reduce sweating during the day or night.

“Achieving this exceptionally natural handfeel on cellulose-based fibers such as cotton or viscose was a key objective for our development team,” says Volker Schuster, Head of Research & De-velopment at Outlast Technologies. “Our goal was to integrate the fresh2SKIN® functionality without compromising the authentic character of these materials. The result are textiles that feel completely natural while delivering an immediately noticeable cooling effect.”

The development opens new opportunities for next-to-skin applications, including T-shirts, un-derwear, activewear, sleepwear, and bedding textiles.