From the Sector

In the first quarter of 2026, order intake for Italian textile machinery manufacturers recorded a decrease of 5% compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting a still challenging start to the year. The decline affected foreign markets (-7%), while the domestic market showed growth (+21%).

Compared with the previous quarter (October–December 2025), total order intake increased by 18%. The orders index for the January–March 2026 period stood at 37.3 points (base year 2021=100). In Italy, the index reached 35.3 points, while in foreign markets it stood at 37.6 points.

In the first quarter of 2026, the order backlog guaranteed a workload of approximately 4.5 months.

From a sector perspective, weaving and other manufacturing segments showed relatively more dynamic signals.

Forecasts for the second quarter of 2026 (compared with the previous quarter) indicate pessimism for the domestic market and stability for the foreign one.

Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, commented:
“It is encouraging to see the first positive sign in the domestic market, but forecasts still reveal a degree of pessimism. The difficult international context and the slow actions of government institutional representatives do not allow companies to plan investments. As an Association, we are working in close synergy with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) to strengthen promotional activities across several strategic markets. We also look with confidence to the upcoming ITMA 2027 in Hannover, which will represent an important opportunity to relaunch the sector, stimulate new investments, and strengthen the international presence of Italian manufacturers.”

ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) was established in 1945 with the primary aim of promoting the Italian textile machinery industry by supporting its activities both in Italy and abroad. ACIMIT represents an industrial sector comprising around 300 companies (employing approximately 12,500 people) and producing machinery with a total value of approximately €1.9 billion, about 86% of which is exported. Creativity, sustainable technology, reliability, and quality are the key features that have made Italian textile machinery a world leader.

The European Alliance for Thermoplastic Composites (EATC) has published a comprehensive study on the market, applications and prospects for thermoplastic composites. 

Thermoplastic fibre-reinforced plastics – also known as thermoplastic composites – are becoming increasingly important across a wide range of industries. From the automotive industry and aerospace to construction and sports and leisure products, they offer a compelling combination of high strength, low weight and good recycling prospects. As such, they are regarded as a key material for sustainable and high-performance lightweight construction solutions. 

Against this backdrop, the European Alliance for Thermoplastic Composites (EATC) has commissioned and provided technical support for a new market study on the European market for thermoplastic composites. The aim of the study is to provide a systematic overview of the current situation, developments and future opportunities within this dynamic materials segment. 

Focus on market structure, applications and growth drivers 
The study analyses the fundamental material properties of thermoplastic composites and highlights the advantages of using them over alternative materials. It also identifies differences between various material classes and outlines the historical development of their industrial applications. 

Particular emphasis is placed on analysing the current size of the European market and the application areas that dominate today. In addition, the study identifies future market potential based on relevant macroeconomic factors. 

In focus: LFT, GMT und CFRTP 
The focus is in particular on LFT (long fibre-reinforced thermoplastics), GMT (glass mat reinforced thermoplastics) and CFRTP (continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics). These material groups play a central role in modern structural components with high mechanical requirements. They combine the advantages of thermoplastic matrices – such as short cycle times, efficient processing and new manufacturing possibilities – with the performance of reinforcing fibres. 

A strategic material for European industry 
The findings of the study highlight the growing strategic importance of thermoplastic composites for Europe as an industrial hub. Particularly at a time when demands for resource efficiency, CO₂ reduction and the circular economy are on the rise, thermoplastic composites offer great potential for innovative product solutions. 

Now available
The study is now available in PDF format from AVK upon advance payment. EATC and AVK members can purchase the study for EUR 149,- (plus VAT); for non members, the study is available for EUR 349,- (plus VAT).

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, the members of VDMA Textile Machinery underline their key role as global technology leaders for technical textiles and textile processing. With a strong presence of more than 50 members they will highlight how engineering excellence, innovation strength and sustainability expertise from Germany and Europe are shaping the future of the textile industry. Seven companies will be present at the VDMA group stand in the centre of hall 12.0. 

VDMA member companies are internationally recognised for their high performance production technologies, enabling advanced technical textiles for a wide range of applications – from mobility, construction and filtration to medical and protective textiles. At Techtextil 2026, they present solutions that combine maximum productivity, precise process control and resource efficiency, meeting the rising demands of global markets.
 
A key focus is digitalisation and automation. Smart machines, data-driven process optimisation and integrated system solutions enable textile producers worldwide to increase efficiency, ensure consistent quality and remain competitive in a challenging economic environment. These technologies are essential for transforming textile manufacturing into a more resilient and future-proof industry.
 
Sustainability is another central pillar of textile machinery innovation. Equipment and systems from VDMA members support energy-efficient production, lower emissions and the responsible use of raw materials. In addition, the machinery manufacturers are pioneers in textile recycling and circular economy solutions, providing the technological foundation for closing material loops and complying with increasingly strict environmental regulations worldwide.
 
The strong presence of VDMA member companies at Techtextil 2026 reflects the significance of Germany and Europe as a competence centre for textile machinery engineering. Acting as partners to textile producers around the globe, the machine manufacturers combine decades of mechanical engineering know-how with advanced digital solutions and application-specific expertise.

“We are looking forward to Techtextil 2026, as it serves as an important platform for international dialogue, business development and technological exchange.” says Dr. Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery.

At its group stand (hall 12.0, C55/56), VDMA will be hosting several events for member companies and trade fair visitors:

Panel discussion: Technical textiles – quo vadis? 
Moderated by Dr Harald Weber (VDMA), Lutz Walter (Textile ETP), Hagen Lotzmann (Karl Mayer) and Prof. Dr Holger Erth (Textilausrüstung Pfand) will discuss current trends, challenges and requirements for technical textiles, new fields of application, further developments, sustainability and recycling, as well as the implications for manufacturing technology. Date: Tuesday, 21 April, 3 pm. (Language: English).

Walter Reiners-Foundation Awards Ceremony
The 60th anniversary of VDMA’s Walter Reiners-Foundation marks sixty years of commitment to the next generation of engineers – and VDMA will celebrate this at Techtextil! 
During the event, VDMA will look back on this history through the careers of Foundation award winners from different decades. Afterwards, visitors will have the chance to meet the 2026 award winners and learn about their work. A total of five graduates will be presented with awards for their bachelor and master theses by the foundation’s chairman, Peter D. Dornier. Date: Thursday, 23 April, 4 pm. (Language: German).

Delegations from India
At Techtextil, several delegations from the key market of India will be welcomed at the VDMA stand.