From the Sector

Over the past few years Monforts has significantly advanced its technologies for coating, with the successive introductions of the MontexCoat, coaTTex and VertiDry systems combining flexibility, precision and energy efficiency for the technical textiles market.

Monforts experts will be on hand at the forthcoming Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt from April 21-24, to discuss the virtually endless possibilities these advanced coating and drying technologies open up for adding functionality and performance to textile substrates.

Applications
In outdoor and architectural textiles, for example, typical coated products include tents, awnings, sailcloth and blackout blinds, with coating providing the desired combinations of water resistance, dimensional stability, opacity or weather durability. 

A second major field is in transport interiors, particularly automotive upholstery and interior fabrics, with coatings having a positive influence on parameters including abrasion resistance, tactile feel, stain behaviour and long-term durability. Automotive suppliers also demand absolute reproducibility across batches, which Monforts addresses through digitally-stored coating recipes that can be reloaded for identical results every time.

Beyond consumer-visible products, a large share of applications are in industrial applications, with Monforts coating ranges processing materials such as high-temperature filter media, flame-retardant barrier fabrics and heavy membranes for biogas storage systems. The technology is also used for carbon fibre prepregs and composite reinforcement fabrics, where coating precision is the key to mechanical performance. 

MontexCoat
The Monforts flagship MontexCoat coater serves a very diverse number of markets and enables full PVC coatings, pigment dyeing or minimal application surface and low penetration treatments as well as solvent coatings. Knife coating, roller coating or screen printing can also all be accommodated with this system.

In addition, the MontexCoat provides the ultimate in flexibility and the ability to switch quickly from one fabric run to the next, without compromising on the economical use of energy or raw materials.

coaTTex
The coaTTex coating unit is meanwhile exclusively dedicated to air knife and knife-over-roller coating for single-sided application with paste or foam to add properties such as waterproofing, liquid and gas protection and breathability.

Both coating units are suitable for incorporation into existing finishing ranges as well as installation with new Monforts lines, notably the industry-leading MONTEX stenter systems.

VertiDry
A further recently-introduced technology complementing these coating units is the VertiDry, a fully contactless and energy optimised convection dryer.

The VertiDry is intended for use in combination with a stenter, either before or after it, depending on the specific application, for the essential pre-drying of sensitive fabrics, as well as after the coating of airbags, denim fabrics and glass-fibre substrates. Other envisaged applications include the finishing of sportswear, outerwear, carpets, geotextiles and tarpaulins.

Industry standards
For over 40 years, Monforts machines have been manufactured at Montex Maschinenfabrik based in St. Stefan, Austria, and while there is standardisation across series-produced machines, the company is increasingly being called upon to construct bespoke machines with unique designs, according to the special needs of customers in the technical textiles sector.

“MONTEX stenters and THERMEX dyeing systems are the industry standards for the dyeing and finishing of technical textiles, providing a number of advantages in terms of production throughput and especially in energy efficiency and savings,” says Monforts Marketing Manager Nicole Croonenbroek. “These machines remain unmatched in terms of their robustness and long service life, as well as resource-efficient productivity. As a third strand of our business, our coating technologies are now being rapidly adopted by technical textile manufacturers, as the industry recognises their benefits. We look forward to discussing all possibilties for both established and new applications with interested parties in Frankfurt.”

Process control, intelligent automation and long-term industrial reliability remain the shared priorities that continue to define members of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association.

“Across different stages of textile and material production, TMAS members are united by a common belief that productivity begins with stability,” says TMAS General Secretary Therese Premler-Andersson. “Rather than focusing on isolated machine functions, the emphasis is on controlling the critical variables that directly influence quality, efficiency and uptime.”

Examples of this approach will be demonstrated at Messe Frankfurt’s forthcoming Techtextil and Texprocess exhibitions taking place concurrently in Frankfurt from April 21-24.

Operational value
In weaving and related processes for example, Vandewiele Sweden AB has long-standing expertise in weft feeding and tension control. At Techtextil 2026 in Hall 12 stand C21, company experts will be on hand to explain how, through ensuring repeatable, predictable yarn delivery at ever higher loom speeds, it is enabling weaving mills to operate closer to their technical limits while maintaining fabric quality. 

The company’s continued development of data-ready weft feeders reflects a broader approach to digitalisation, embedding intelligence where it delivers clear operational value rather than adding complexity to already demanding production environments.

Quality assurance
Eltex of Sweden addresses the same challenge from a complementary angle. Its electronic yarn sensors and tension monitoring systems focus on early detection, identifying yarn breaks, end-outs or abnormal tension before they lead to waste, downtime or quality claims. From weaving and warping through to tufting, braiding, quilting and sewing, Eltex technology provides the assurance that modern automated processes depend on. As production speeds increase and manual supervision is reduced, the ability to monitor yarn behaviour in real time becomes a key enabler of stable, high-quality output.

At Techtextil 2026, Eltex will highlight its latest EyETM Multiact system for heat setting machines, guaranteeing yarn consistency throughout the entire process via individual yarn tension monitoring and control according to a predefined reference tension. 

Each channel operates independently and the system also includes a machine stop function in the event of yarn breakage or if yarn tension operates outside preset limits.

Also showcased, will be the ACT-R system for rapier weaving machines which is highly effective in achieving constant weft yarn tension for yarns based on recycled fibres at one end of the scale, and for expensive technical yarns such as Kevlar at the other.

Consistency
Further downstream, BW Converting, extends this focus on control and assurance into dyeing and finishing. 

Following the runaway success of the company’s Baldwin TexCoat G4 finishing system in the past few years, the Baldwin TexChroma digital spray dyeing system is currently being launched.

“Since its introduction, global textile finishers have embraced TexCoat and are now reaping the benefits,” says vice-president of global business development Rick Stanford. “They have been able to increase profitability, cut energy use and reduce their carbon footprint, in addition to exercising precision control with our patented precision spray technology. In the past two years we have been very active in Asia, and many of these customers have been asking for a similar technology for the dyeing process.” 

From production data to date, TexChroma can achieve savings in energy, dyes and chemicals of more than 30% compared to conventional continuous pad batch dyeing using steam, and up to 50% compared to exhaust reactive dyeing. 

It also benefits from an advanced technology enabling reactive dyestuffs and alkali fixation chemicals to be mixed just seconds before spray application, in order to completely eliminate any ‘tailing and listing’– uneven dye application or colour variations.

Eton aUPS
Meanwhile, at Texprocess, Eton Systems will outline how Industry 4.0 and AI are further boosting the capabilities of its aUPS (AI powered unit production system) technologies.

Eton Systems productivity and management system have a positive impact on the productivity of thousands of production lines for a range of industries. Designed to increase value-added time in production by eliminating manual transportation and minimising handling, the individually addressable product carriers are now fully managed and controlled by the company’s advanced software.

The UPS works perfectly for mass production but provides companies with an extra competitive edge through its ability to quickly respond to special custom- made orders - even without disrupting an ongoing larger production batch. The aUPS is developed for circular garment identification, but the ambition is also to cover quality control in future linear production.

The individually addressable product carriers of these fully automated and digitised handling solutions for finished garments, home textiles and furniture are fully managed and controlled by the latest ETONingenious™ software.

This web based real-time data collection and information system continuously accumulates, processes, and makes all production information instantly available to supervisors, quality control personnel, and management.

Precision slitting
Also at Texprocess Svegea will demonstrate its EC 200-C colarette cutter as well as an FA 350 fully automatic roll slitting machine.
 
Svegea’s colarette technology is used by knit garment manufacturers around the world for the production of tubular components such as cuff and neck tapes and other seam reinforcements.  

“In Europe, while the garment manufacturing sector is relatively limited in size, interest in these machines has increased in recent years, mainly driven by logistics, cost and lead-time considerations as production moves closer to the market,” says Svegea Managing Director Håkan Steene. “The ongoing shortage of skilled operators has also increased the demand for such automated solutions.”
 
Svegea’s fully automatic FA 350 roll slitting machine meanwhile addresses a wider range of needs for roll conversion within the technical textiles sector, combining high capacity with very low power consumption and providing extremely accurate cutting precision. Capable of cutting both knitted and woven fabrics – including those produced from a wide range of technical fibres – it can accommodate different shaft sizes and is fully electronically controlled with servo motors. The touchscreen interface has recently been redesigned and expanded with new functions, including automatic control of the knife surface speed during the cutting cycle, maintaining consistent cutting conditions as the roll diameter decreases for improved cutting quality and material handling.
 
Bespoke bias cutting systems are another speciality of the company, for specifically contoured technical textile-based components.

Essential foundation
A second theme linking all TMAS members in Frankfurt is a shared response to the economic realities facing textile manufacturers worldwide. 

“Rather than promoting automation as an abstract objective, Swedish machinery suppliers focus on tangible productivity gains that help manufacturers in high-cost regions remain competitive,” says Premler-Andersson. “Reduced waste, higher uptime and repeatable quality are the essential foundations for sustainable manufacturing. 

HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Exhibition is preparing to open its doors at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center between 9–13 June 2026. Bringing together leading manufacturers and technology providers in the field of technical textiles and nonwoven technologies in Istanbul, the exhibition will assume the character of an international hub where the strategic future of the industry is discussed.

While topics such as sustainable production models, digitalization, high-performance materials and smart manufacturing systems will form the main agenda of HIGHTEX 2026, a strong showcase will be presented for companies aiming to make a difference in the global competitive environment.

Organized in cooperation with Teknik Fuarcılık and Tüyap, and held concurrently with the ITM International Textile Machinery Exhibition, HIGHTEX holds the distinction of being Türkiye’s and the region’s first and only specialized exhibition in the field of technical textiles and nonwovens. Organized since 2005, the event has, over more than 20 years, personally witnessed the technological evolution experienced by the industry and has become one of the most important platforms where innovative solutions are introduced to the global market. Thanks to being held simultaneously with ITM, textile machinery, production technologies and the technical textiles ecosystem will come together under the same roof, offering visitors an integrated exhibition experience.

The Indispensable Element of Strategic Industries: Technical Textiles
Today, technical textiles have a wide range of applications extending from automotive to defense industry, from medical applications to infrastructure projects, and from agriculture to the energy sector. Distinguished from conventional textile products thanks to their superior properties such as high strength, lightness, durability, heat and chemical resistance, these materials directly affect the performance criteria of strategic industries. The solutions to be exhibited at HIGHTEX 2026 will reveal not only product-based innovations but also the transformation in production processes. A broad exhibitor profile, ranging from raw material producers to machinery manufacturers, from software developers to end-product manufacturers, will represent the entire value chain of the sector.

This comprehensive structure transforms the exhibition into not only a display area but also a strategic platform in terms of information sharing, business development and investment planning. While professional visitors will have the opportunity to examine new technologies on-site and establish direct contact with manufacturers, participating companies will gain the opportunity to enter new markets and strengthen their brand positioning.

A New Era in Nonwoven Technologies
Nonwoven production technologies have achieved a significant leap in recent years in terms of both capacity and quality. Based on the principle of bonding fibers through mechanical, thermal or chemical methods without weaving or knitting, this production model is rapidly expanding on a global scale due to the flexibility, speed and cost advantage it offers. Nonwoven solutions have become indispensable especially in hygiene products, medical consumables, filtration systems and automotive interior trim applications.

The next-generation nonwoven lines to be exhibited at HIGHTEX 2026 will contribute to sustainability targets with criteria such as lower energy consumption, optimized raw material usage and high production speed. Solutions for recyclable and biodegradable raw materials will also be among the prominent topics of the exhibition. These developments demonstrate that the nonwoven sector simultaneously carries growth potential along with environmental responsibility.

Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0 Integration Comes to the Fore
Digital transformation has become one of the fundamental elements of competitive advantage in technical textile and nonwoven production. The Industry 4.0 integrated systems to be exhibited at HIGHTEX 2026 will enable real-time monitoring of production processes, performance optimization through data analytics, and the minimization of error rates. Thanks to artificial intelligence-supported quality control systems, defects that may occur on production lines will be detected instantly, thereby reducing cost losses.

Automation solutions will increase production speed and standardization while minimizing human error; at the same time, smart infrastructures that provide savings in energy and resource usage will strengthen the understanding of sustainable production. These technologies will offer companies not only operational efficiency but also the opportunity for strong positioning in the global market.

Fabrics of the Future: Smart Textiles
Smart textiles developed at the intersection of textiles and advanced technology stand out as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing fields of the sector. Nanotechnology applications, conductive fibers, sensor-integrated fabric structures and materials capable of responding to environmental conditions offer a wide range of applications from health monitoring to defense uses, from sports technologies to industrial safety. These innovations transform textiles from being a passive material into a structure capable of generating data and interacting. At HIGHTEX 2026, geotextiles, medical and hygienic textiles, high-performance composite structures for aviation and automotive, and technical solutions specific to the agriculture and food sectors will also be exhibited together. Thus, the exhibition will present a holistic panorama of innovative materials responding to the needs of different industries.

New Collaborations and Global Trade Opportunities
HIGHTEX 2026 will not only provide participating companies with the opportunity to exhibit their products but will also create a strong business development platform that will expand international trade networks. Bilateral business meetings and sectoral contacts to be held throughout the exhibition will prepare the ground for generating concrete commercial outcomes ranging from machinery sales to technology transfers, from joint production agreements to new investment decisions. For sector representatives coming from a wide geography extending from America to Asia, from Europe to Africa, Istanbul will become a global meeting point in the field of technical textiles and nonwovens. HIGHTEX 2026 will continue to position itself at the center of information sharing, strategic vision and technological transformation, maintaining its role as an international reference platform guiding the sector.

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is returning to the Wire trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, after a gap of several years. The experts from one of the world's leading suppliers of technical textiles are looking forward to presenting their comprehensive range of high-performance tapes for power, data, and specialty cables to visitors at the trade fair and discussing solutions from April 13-17.

Freudenberg will showcase its high-performance cable tapes for all kinds of applications, including power, data, fiber optic, telecom, and special cables. Its cable tape product range for medium (MV) and high (HVDC and HVAC) voltage cables includes semi-conductive and non-conductive water-blocking tapes, binding tapes, bedding tapes, separation tapes, and special developments. These tapes are critical for protecting and maintaining the structural integrity of cables, in particular thanks to their outstanding swelling performance and conductivity. For submarine cables, Freudenberg offers tapes with exceptional water-blocking capabilities that are specifically designed to react instantly upon contact with water, swell into the fine spaces inside the submarine cable, and seal against moisture.

“Freudenberg is a globally preferred partner of cable manufacturers as regards the development, manufacture and supply of high-performance tapes for the most demanding power and data transmission applications. By returning to Wire in Düsseldorf, we are strengthening our ties within the industry and demonstrating our commitment to supporting cable manufacturers in meeting today's and tomorrow's energy and digital challenges” says Jochen Bialek, Head of Global Sales Cable & Electro.

“The launch of VIATT's inaugural Trend Forum marks an important new step for this fair,” stated Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “Leveraging Messe Frankfurt’s nearly three decades of leadership in coordinating apparel and home textiles trend forecasting – a track record of consistently setting industry benchmarks – we are now extending this unparalleled expertise to enlighten the entire textile value chain. Utilising the expertise of our top-level trend curators, this holistic approach is designed to deliver unparalleled insights, foster robust innovation, and empower businesses to anticipate and shape consumer preferences with greater precision and relevance.”
 
Acting as a unified set of principles that flows seamlessly across sectors, the LIFESTYLE TRENDS shape fashion choices, home interior design, and interactions with technical products and interfaces.
 
Mr Kai Chow, Lead Curator, VIATT Trend Forum and Creative Director of MUSEATIVE, explained the unique approach: “Rather than treating fashion, home, and technology as separate worlds, the Trend Forum presents lifestyle trends as a shared design language – one that shapes what we wear, how we live, and how we engage with the products around us. Instead of presenting trends in isolation, it demonstrates how a single mindset can influence products, spaces, and technologies simultaneously. Because these themes are rooted in human behaviour, they naturally scale across sectors – creating one coherent language that connects what we wear, how we live, and the materials and technologies that support everyday life.”
 
In this vibrant tapestry for S/S 2027, ARTISANSHIP is set to elevate style into a rarefied realm of artistry, with NeIlyRodi™ Agency bringing the four distinct themes to life:
 
TO WORK
This theme slows the rhythm of the city and transforms metropolitan living into an oasis of calm. In fashion, garments take the shape of fluid tailoring, softly draped dresses, and minimal separates. Interiors echo this sentiment, with cushions, throws, and drapery that create restorative sanctuaries within dense cityscapes.
 
It is expressed through a colour palette of soft, natural hues, accented by slate blue and black. Fabrics are notably soft, tactile, and sustainable. Design direction emphasises minimalist botanicals, tonal motifs, and organic lines. Applications span tailored separates, light outerwear, and city-chic loungewear in fashion; cushions and drapery for the home; and aesthetically innovative, wellness-tracking technical textiles.
 
TO RELAX 
Celebrating the season’s carefree spirit, this theme encapsulates the romance of leisure, expressed through light, airy, and deliberately imperfect fabrics. This mood is liberated by a jubilant blend of airy pastels and sun-soaked brights, including mint, aqua, and teal for freshness, a soft touch of blush and pink, and optimistic pops of vivid yellow and orange.
 
Fabrics include linen, cotton voile, chambray, and organic blends. Design direction highlights hand-drawn botanicals, romantic florals, nautical strips, and country checks. Applications include airy curtains and casual throws for the home; relaxed fashion pieces; and tech innovations focusing on functional performance, wellness tracking, and circular materials.
 
TO HAVE FUN
This theme presents an unapologetically dramatic counterpoint, unfolding a world of grandeur, decoration, and glamour. Terracotta, sage, and lavender establish a grounded base, while golden ochre, crimson, cobalt, and royal purple electrify the narrative with jewel-like vibrancy, balanced by the mysterious depth of deep teal and midnight blue. 
 
Luxurious fabrics and textures include ornate brocade, jacquard, beading and jewel. Design direction features baroque florals, ornate geometrics, and embellished surfaces. Applications span statement bedding and dramatic drapery for interiors; evening gowns and statement accessories in fashion; and textural, 3D-printed, and light-emitting textiles in tech.
 
TO CREATE
Being the most personal and expressive of the S/S 2027 narratives, this theme champions individuality and cultural storytelling. It blends earthy-warm colours with bold vibrancy, where terracotta reds, golden yellows, and forest greens echo artisanal roots, while teal and indigo provide modern contrast.
 
Fabrics and textures are notably natural and textural, encompassing hemp, bamboo blends, patchwork, and circular/recycled textiles. Design direction draws from cultural motifs, alongside painterly abstracts and hand-painted details. Applications range from fashion-forward layered streetwear and boho ensembles; to bold rugs and artistic throws for the home; to AI and digital design integration, protective textiles, and real-time data integration in tech.
 
Overall, trends will be an important aspect of the fair’s fringe programme. Mr Kai Chow will present the VIATT Lifestyle Trends Spring/Summer 2027 Seminar, along with two Trend Forum Introduction Tours taking place on 26 and 27 February in Hall B. The first tour will occur right after the seminar on Day 1 – ideal for fairgoers seeking more in-depth analysis.
 
In addition, the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA) will return to the fair to host a seminar focused on design and trends. The association aims to captivate global buyers with fashion designs that leverage organic raw materials and promote sustainable fashion made from hemp fibres. 
 
Meanwhile, Style Republik, Vietnam’s fashion media dedicated to championing and empowering the country’s fashion talents, will also lead a panel discussion on upcoming local fashion trends.
 
The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE). VIATT 2026 will be held from 26 – 28 February 2026.

Eastman unveils Naia™ Lyte, a new cellulose acetate filament yarn that represents an important milestone in performance for lightweight and premium fabrics, at Première Vision Paris. Presented for the first time to the international fashion and textile community, Naia™ Lyte expands the capabilities of acetate yarn by introducing enhanced tenacity, unlocking new creative and technical possibilities for designers, mills and brands.

“Naia™ Lyte marks a significant development in acetate filament yarn innovation,” says Ruth Farrell, general manager of Eastman’s textiles business. “By increasing the tenacity of our yarn, we are expanding the performance boundaries of acetate and enabling new lightweight fabric applications, while staying true to the comfort, aesthetics and reliability that define Naia™. Naia™ Lyte is already being produced commercially, and we are excited by initial reactions to this new, innovative addition to our Naia™ portfolio.

New level of performance. 
Naia™ Lyte introduces a new level of performance to acetate filament yarns through enhanced tenacity, while preserving the refined aesthetics traditionally associated with Naia™. This balance supports a wide range of applications, including fashion-forward lightweight fabrics as well as segments with more technical performance needs. Its refined, silky hand feel, natural luster and fluid drape are combined with comfort and easy-care benefits such as dry feel, cool-to-touch comfort, shape retention after repeated washes, and functional features including odor management and anti-static properties.

From strategic partnership to product innovation
Naia™ Lyte has been developed and produced via Eastman’s strategic partnership with Huafon Chemical, established to accelerate innovation and localized development of cellulose acetate filament yarns. Announced in 2025, the collaboration combines Eastman’s long-standing expertise in cellulosic materials with Huafon’s manufacturing and development capabilities, creating a strong platform for advancing acetate yarn performance.