From the Sector

Albeit sustainable fashion cannot escape the general economic malaise, INNATEX at Messecenter Hofheim Rhein-Main demonstrates that the industry continues to work on viable strategies. The fully booked 57th edition of the international trade show for sustainable textiles focuses its supporting program on current discussions within the industry: public relevance and sales of green fashion.

The INNATEX order platform brings the industry’s challenges and possible solutions to center stage in its supporting programme, offering new formats, the premiere of Evolution Stage as well as topics that participants within sustainable fashion must address. Exhibitors include established brands such as Recolution, Dawn Denim, Vaude, Mela, Rotholz, Two Thirds, Reiff und Moea, as well as first-time exhibitors.

“Our trade floor is again booked up, many brands claim crowded appointment schedules – but uncertainty remains.” notes Alexander Hitzel, project manager for INNATEX. “No one knows how the market will develop. But there is one thing we can influence, namely ensuring that INNATEX offers maximum benefit, combining trade recommendations, innovation impulses, tools and space for honest discussion and dialogue“.

INNATEX Evolution Stage: Participating Brands
‘Evolution Stage – Shaping Tomorrow’s Fashion’ brings together brands that combine design, quality and future relevance, presenting them in a concept store setting. Conceived and curated by designer Jonathan Radetz, this format represents economic feasibility, applied synergies and a sales-boosting product range design at the point of sale. Chosen for this premiere are the labels Maatroom, Vidar Sport, Jungle Folk, ZAMT, Halt.Clothing, DeLin and Makesomebodyhappy.

Information and retail recommendations for an industry in turmoil
The further supporting programme picks up on issues and questions which market participants must address to remain fit for the future. These range from AI-supported strategies in the retail fashion trade to long-term developments in design and product conception to the importance of product longevity and brand building to support purchase decisions.

Since its premiere at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, the eFK EvoSmart texturing machine has achieved impressive market success. The innovative technology is winning over yarn manufacturers worldwide who are committed to energy-efficient and economical production processes. A total of 84 machines has already been sold – including in China, Turkey, and Indonesia.
 
eFK EvoSmart: New standards in efficiency and productivity
"Energy efficiency and top quality are key factors for successful yarn production," explains Dr. Wolfgang Ernst, Head of Sales at Barmag. "With the eFK EvoSmart, we are setting new standards in this area: intelligent technologies and significantly reduced maintenance requirements enable our customers to achieve future-proof production that takes quality and cost-effectiveness to a new level," he continues.

The market response to the eFK EvoSmart clearly shows great interest of yarn producers in energy-optimized and maintenance-friendly solutions. The combination of the innovative EvoHeater heating technology and the single-inverter-controlled Smart Godets is impressive: it enables a significant reduction in energy consumption – with potential savings of 25% per kilogram of yarn.

With its EvoHeater design, which simplifies the previously time-consuming task of heater cleaning and, despite the heater being closed, makes handling much easier for operating personnel and doubles maintenance intervals, the eFK EvoSmart sets new standards. The result: up to 50% less maintenance, higher plant availability, and increased productivity in weaving, knitting, or finishing.

"With the eFK EvoSmart, we offer our customers a solution that sustainably reduces their operating costs while meeting future efficiency requirements with consistently high yarn quality," summarizes Wolfgang Ernst.