From the Sector

From August 31 to September 2, 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will once again bring together all international players in textiles and apparel at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center.

A strategic platform for buyers
As a global sourcing hub for fashion professionals, the event will offer direct access to nearly 1,200 international textile and apparel companies across two main areas: Texworld, dedicated to fabrics and raw materials, and Apparel Sourcing, focused on finished products and accessories. These two shows stand out for their broad offering, centered on mid-range and premium segments, meeting the growing expectations of buyers seeking quality and added value. They will be complemented by the key Avantex sector, dedicated to innovative solutions for high-performance and responsible fashion. 

This 59th edition continues to build on a strategy of qualitative consolidation. In line with previous editions, the overall structure of the show remains unchanged to ensure a smooth and intuitive visitor experience: Halls 3 and 4 will bring together the full offering, organized by expertise and end use. Synergies between exhibitors from both shows will be strengthened to optimize visitor flow, with a focus on womenswear, casualwear and sportswear. Hall 2 will host Avantex exhibitors, the Trend Forums, and the conference and service areas, forming a spacious zone designed to encourage interaction.

An enriched international offer for Texworld
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris reinforces its position as a barometer of the global textile industry. Alongside major historic producing countries (China, Türkiye, India, Korea, etc.), the 2026 edition stands out for the upgrading of the expertise presented and the growing interest in new sourcing regions.

On the Texworld side, the exceptional participation of La Lainière de Picardie marks a first and highlights the value of European know-how in export markets. Specializing in high-end wool linings, this French company embodies industrial excellence, textile innovation, and a commitment to natural and sustainable materials. In a spirit of international openness, an ECO-HUB dedicated to China’s Zhejiang province will bring together around thirty exhibitors committed to 100% sustainable production. Located in Hall 4, this key area underscores the evolution of supply chains toward more responsible and traceable models, aligned with market expectations.

Apparel Sourcing: confirmed momentum and new perspectives
Following a record edition in September 2025, Apparel Sourcing continues its trajectory of qualitative growth. The interest shown by new countries, particularly Mongolia, Pakistan and Taiwan, reflects the industrial capabilities of these production regions while responding to European buyers’ demand for a broader sourcing offer.

In a continued effort to improve clarity and visibility, new pavilions dedicated to leather and jewelry will better showcase these specific finished-product sectors. Similarly, a new Outdoor area, positioned at the intersection of Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, will bring together around fifty exhibitors and offer a cross-category selection combining technical fabric manufacturers (active wear fabrics) and sportswear garment makers, meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving market.
Finally, the new Apparel Sourcing Initiatives area, an extension of the existing Texworld concept, will highlight high-value-added industrial know-how, production flexibility, and premium services offered by a selection of finished-product exhibitors.

Avantex: innovation and commitment for the fashion of tomorrow
Once again this year, the Avantex sector will confirm its role as an innovation laboratory, showcasing technological solutions and sustainable initiatives for the fashion industry. Conferences, workshops and professional meetings will enrich discussions around these key issues in a context of profound transformation within the textile sector. True to its DNA, Messe Frankfurt reaffirms its commitment to supporting and promoting industry players working toward a more responsible, transparent and competitive global model. The creation of the Texworld ECO-HUB is part of this vision.

As fashion brands and retailers navigate an increasingly complex landscape shaped by geopolitical disruption, ongoing supply chain challenges, evolving trade tensions and regulatory uncertainty, alongside shifting consumer demand, understanding what truly matters to buyers has never been more critical. For its July 2026 edition, Source Fashion is placing these challenges at the centre of its content agenda, using new industry insights and advisory board input to shape a programme designed to help buyers make more informed, commercially viable decisions in a market defined by constant change.

Insights from Source Fashion’s advisory board and from industry research point to a growing sense of complexity and fatigue across the industry. Buyers are being asked to navigate rising costs, increasing regulation and ongoing uncertainty, while making faster, higher-stakes sourcing decisions. Sustainability, once driven by advocacy, is now increasingly shaped by compliance and reporting requirements, leaving many teams questioning how to balance commercial reality with long-term responsibility.

Key themes shaping 2026
The research highlights six key shifts shaping buyer priorities in 2026:

• Operating in permanent volatility - as geopolitical disruption, supply chain instability and unpredictable consumer demand force businesses to plan in a world that is constantly shifting. 
• The commercial realities of sustainability – where doing the right thing does not always align with cost pressures, margins and supplier constraints. 
• Making circularity commercially viable – with growing focus on resale, repair and lifecycle integration as part of a scalable business model. 
• Rethinking the fashion value chain – as traditional sourcing strategies evolve and closer collaboration across the value chain becomes essential. 
• Innovation with measurable impact – as brands look beyond hype to understand which technologies, including AI, can deliver real, scalable value. 
• Regulation, data and compliance – as increasing reporting requirements and upcoming legislation reshape how businesses approach sustainability often shifting the focus from advocacy to obligation.

In response to these insights, Source Fashion’s July 2026 content programme has been designed to move beyond discussion and provide practical, commercially relevant guidance for buyers navigating an increasingly complex landscape. Through a series of new formats and returning features, the show will translate industry challenges into actionable insight, helping visitors better understand how to balance cost, risk and responsibility within their sourcing strategies. This approach is designed to support faster, more confident decision-making in a rapidly changing market.

Fashion Deconstructed will offer a hands-on, interactive space designed to help buyers better understand materials, processes and techniques, from upcycling and repair to innovative production methods. Alongside this, the Catwalk Stage will bring together industry leaders and practitioners to explore the future of fashion through panels, case studies and debates, while the return of the Debates Stage will create space for more open, peer-led discussion around the issues shaping the industry today. 

Speaker highlights include:

• Marguerite, Global Insights Manager, Fashion, Euromonitor International  
• Bill McRaith, Executive Advisor, Future-Proof Fashion  
• Sonica Beckman, Founder and CEO, House of Kind  
• Sarah Coleman, Head of Development, Design and Sustainability, Margarett Howell 
• Nick Reed, Founder, Neem London 
• Rosie Cripps, Head of Circularity, Vivo Barefoot
• Joseph Mountain, Sustainability Manager, N Brown   

Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion, said “What we’re hearing isn’t rocket science, what we know from listening is that the industry has become more complex, more pressured and, in many cases, overwhelming. There are no shortage of high expectations, new strategies, regulation or technology, but there is a real need for clarity on what actually works in practice, and what delivers real value at scale. As an industry we have to share insight now to help the boat go faster for everyone, in the right direction.

For us, this research is about listening to those challenges and shaping a content programme that responds directly to them. We want to move the conversation beyond theory and into practical, actionable insight that helps buyers navigate cost, risk and responsibility in a more confident and informed way. It’s about making sure the industry conversations we’re having translate into real business impact. Ultimately we want to talk about the things that matter.”

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a world leader in spider silk technology, announced that it has officially launched its next production cycle following the Company's recent record-setting production run.
 
Earlier this month, the Company announced the successful production of nearly 1.8 metric tons of recombinant spider silk cocoons. 1.8 metric tons was the largest production run in the Company's history. Today, Kraig Labs confirmed that its follow-on production cycle is underway. Consistent with the Company's aggressive commercialization strategy, this cycle is expected to show a substantial increase over the previous cycle.
 
This next production expansion represents another major step in the Company's carefully structured plan to rapidly scale output toward its long-term objective of producing more than 10 metric tons of recombinant spider silk cocoons in a single month.
 
"Our team continues to execute exactly as planned," said Kim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. "Each production cycle is delivering larger output, improved operational efficiency, and, with our quality control backstops working as designed, greater confidence in our ability to scale. We are systematically building toward our goal of exceeding 10 metric tons of production in a single month. Our team is hitting every mark as we scale output at a rapid pace."
 
During senior management's recent trip to the Company's production operations in Southeast Asia, leadership worked directly with the production team to review current production infrastructure, staffing levels, and operational readiness to support this next phase of expansion.
 
That review included evaluating existing facilities, workforce requirements, and identifying additional opportunities to expand the Company's operational footprint to support increasing production demands. The Company has already identified opportunities for additional facility expansion and expects to provide further updates as new facilities are brought online.
 
"Our recent operational review confirmed that our production team is prepared for this next level of scale," added Thompson. "We continue to invest in the infrastructure, personnel, and production capacity required to meet the growing demand we anticipate for recombinant spider silk."
 
The Company believes that expanding production capacity in parallel with downstream silk processing capabilities remains critical as it moves toward full commercialization of its recombinant spider silk technologies for technical textiles, luxury wear, performance apparel, and other high-performance material markets.

The Company leadership in biomaterials was recently spotlighted on the cover of the March 2026 issue of National Geographic, highlighting the growing importance and predominance of our work in scaling spider silk production.

Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand and the creator of synthetic fleece, introduces Standard Issue, a unified pre-dyed option now available in black on the company’s best-selling Fleece fabric platform. The technology will be progressively rolled out across the entire Polartec® portfolio and expanded in its color availability based on market demand. Developed to address an industry-wide problem, Standard Issue offers brands a simplified approach to producing one of the most widely used colors in outdoor apparel. 

Every year, top brands independently order thousands of rolls of fleece fabric in nearly identical shades of black. Yet because each variation requires its own dye batch, minimum order quantity and production setup, custom dyeing adds unnecessary time and complexity without necessarily delivering meaningful differentiation.

With Standard Issue, Polartec® is helping streamline production and reduce resource impact. And because the pre-dyed fabrics can be seamlessly integrated into product development, the initiative also helps simplify sourcing decisions and accelerate timelines without compromising the durability, performance, and reliability outdoor brands expect from Polartec® fabrics. More importantly, the new standard is designed to complement, not replace, the multiple customization options Polartec® already offers its partners.  

“Sometimes the biggest opportunities for progress come from questioning the most familiar parts of our industry,” said Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President at Milliken & Company and Business Leader for Polartec. “Standard Issue invites the industry to consider a shared alternative to producing countless variations of a visually identical color like Black. It’s a solution whose practical benefits for our partners include simplified development in addition to smarter and more efficient production practices across the global supply chain.”

“This initiative highlights Polartec’s long-standing tradition of solving real-world challenges through material innovation,” added Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “By providing brands with a consistent, ready-to-use color option, we are helping design teams move from concept to production more efficiently without sacrificing the technical performance their products rely on.”

Source Fashion has announced a refreshed Advisory Board, bringing together leading voices from across fashion, retail, sustainability and media to help shape the next phase of Source Fashion’s growth and industry impact. As the industry navigates increasing complexity across supply chains, regulation and responsible sourcing, the strengthened board reflects Source Fashion’s commitment to driving meaningful industry collaboration and delivering practical, commercially relevant solutions for buyers and manufacturers.

Advisory Board Expanded with New Members
The new Advisory Board appointments strengthen expertise across circularity, responsible sourcing and industry insight. New members include Kirsty McGregor, journalist and former Vogue Business editor; Rosie Cripps, Head of Circularity at Vivobarefoot; Miranda Beckett, Fashion Project Manager at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation; and James Sleater, CEO of Buffalo Systems.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience spanning global fashion media, circular business models and systems-level change across the industry. Kirsty McGregor is widely recognised for her systems-level understanding of fashion’s supply chain challenges, with particular expertise in materials innovation, circularity and onshoring.

Rosie Cripps brings expertise in translating circular business models into commercially viable solutions, supporting Source Fashion’s focus on delivering responsible sourcing grounded in real-world application. Miranda Beckett contributes a systems-level perspective on circularity through her work at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, helping to connect industry ambition with practical frameworks for change across the fashion supply chain. James Sleater, CEO of Buffalo Systems, brings deep experience in UK manufacturing and technical apparel production, offering valuable insight into building resilient, high-quality supply chains at a time of growing demand for British-made products.

Rosie Cripps commented, “I’m delighted to be joining the Source Fashion Advisory Board. Source Fashion plays a vital role in bringing the industry together around responsible sourcing grounded in commercial reality. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the Source team and fellow board advisors to help contribute meaningful, practical progress across the industry.”

Miranda Beckett added, “I’m delighted to be joining Source Fashion’s Advisory Board at such a pivotal moment for the industry. Source Fashion plays a vital role in connecting brands, suppliers and innovators around the shared challenge of building responsible supply chains. I look forward to contributing to conversations that help turn a vision of a circular economy for fashion into a practical reality for sourcing professionals across the sector.”

Existing board members provide continued industry leadership
The new appointments join an established group of Advisory Board members drawn from across retail, sourcing, sustainability and policy. Existing members include Oliver Bruckner, Product Director at JOSEPH; Hayley Shore, Design Director at PepsiCo; Simon Platts, former Sourcing Director at ASOS; Lauretta Roberts, CEO of TheIndustry.fashion; Nicola Kirby, Commercial Director at Bhartiya Group; Mark Sumner, Policy Lead at WRAP; Nick Reed, Founder of Neem London; and Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO of Products of Change.

Together, the board brings a broad cross-section of industry expertise, ensuring Source Fashion remains closely aligned with the evolving needs of brands, retailers and manufacturers, while continuing to provide a platform for informed discussion, collaboration and practical progress across the fashion supply chain.

The Advisory Board will play a key role in shaping the direction of Source Fashion, from content and programming to wider industry engagement. 

Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion, said, “As Source Fashion continues to grow, it’s essential that we are guided by the right mix of industry voices. Our Advisory Board brings together leaders who are not only shaping the future of fashion but are deeply engaged in the practical challenges facing sourcing, manufacturing and supply chains today. In order for our programme and event to remain industry leading, these voices are vital as businesses reflect on the tsunami of challenges ahead, from commercial challenges, new regulatory frameworks and unprecedented levels of volatility that is now just business as usual. Their insight ensures that everything we deliver, from the show floor to our content programme, remains relevant, commercially focused and aligned with where the industry is heading.”

She added, “The addition of new members strengthens our ability to reflect the evolving priorities of the industry, particularly around circularity, responsible sourcing and innovation. By bringing these perspectives together, we’re able to create a platform that not only responds to change but actively helps drive it.”

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with International Filtration News, has officially opened nominations for the 2026 FiltXPO™ Innovation Awards. Filtration professionals are invited to submit their most innovative products—or those of their customers—for industry-wide recognition.

The FiltXPO Innovation Awards celebrate excellence in filtration by honoring products and technologies introduced since FiltXPO 2023. Submissions are now being accepted across three categories.

Award Categories:

• Air Filtration Innovation
• Liquid Filtration Innovation
• Equipment Innovation

All nominations must be submitted by July 27, 2026. Finalists will be selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, with the top three entries in each category advancing to the final round. Winners will be determined through industry voting hosted on the International Filtration News website.

Award recipients will be announced live at FiltXPO 2026, taking place October 28–29, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
For full award criteria and eligibility requirements, visit: https://www.inda.org/awards/filtexpo-innovation-award.html

To submit a nomination, visit: https://www.filtnews.com/filtxpo-awards/

The ITA spin-off SA Dynamics has been nominated for the semi-finals of this year’s Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC), one of the world’s most prestigious start-up competitions, held at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Out of 550 applications from around the world, only 42 teams were accepted to take part in the competition. SA Dynamics impressed the judges with its technology and business model, reaching the semi-finals as one of the top 15 teams.

The RBPC also offered SA Dynamics the opportunity to engage closely with leading international coaches and investors. The insights gained and networks established will strengthen the company’s future development in the long term.

“Making it into the top 15 out of 550 applications and 42 teams at the RBPC is a testament to everything we work towards every day. We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for every conversation, every challenge and every new connection we made in Houston.”— SA Dynamics Team

“We warmly congratulate SA Dynamics on its outstanding achievement,” emphasises Professor Dr Thomas Gries, Director of ITA. “This excellent result impressively underscores the high quality of our research and teaching at the ITA. We look forward to continuing to support SA Dynamics on its journey.”

Solid Air Dynamics develops bio-based and recyclable high-performance fibres for aerogel-based thermal insulation, thereby driving the transition towards more powerful and sustainable materials, and was the winner of the KUER business plan competition.NRW 2023, won the Techtextil Innovation Award 2024 and runner-up in the RWTH Innovation Award in 2026.