BTMA: Innovation in technical textiles, digitalisation and testing

Members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) can look back on 2025 as a year marked by notable technological advances and continued progress in global trade, despite an uncertain and volatile market.

“Our members have been very active over the past 12 months and this has resulted in new technologies for the production of technical fibres and fabrics, the introduction of AI and machine learning into process control systems and significant advances in materials testing,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “There’s real excitement about what can be achieved in 2026 as we look ahead to upcoming exhibitions such as JEC Composites in Paris in March and Techtextil in Frankfurt in April.”

Composites momentum
Cygnet Texkimp, for example, has been nominated for a 2026 JEC Innovation Award for its collaboration with McLaren Automotive on the ART rapid tape-deposition system. Capable of depositing dry fibre tapes at up to 2.5 metres per second with exceptional precision, ART reduces scrap, shortens cycle times and delivers structural improvements already being realised across McLaren’s composite-intensive vehicle platforms.

Heimtextil 2026: Artificial Intelligence in focus

Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the textile industry – from creation and production to pricing, distribution and communication. But how can AI be applied successfully, and where does it add value? Heimtextil addresses these questions from 13 to 16 January 2026: The programme dedicated to the key future field AI wants to strengthen the global industry and open up new business opportunities as well as practical applications for design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing. Highlights include the progressive Heimtextil Trends 26/27 by Alcova, the design installation by Patricia Urquiola and the live talk with AI pioneer Tim Fu. 

AI accelerates creative processes and reshapes working methods along the entire textile value chain – from design concepts and material visualisations to data migration and everyday workflows, to the implementation of new products and concepts. Heimtextil 2026 makes these developments tangible and brings together experts who demonstrate how AI is used in practice and what potential it offers the industry.

Techtextil India 2025: Sports textile, circular supply chains, bio-based materials and resource-efficient manufacturing under spotlight

The 10th edition of Techtextil India 2025 concluded recently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, with strong buyer turnout, primarily from Western India, reaching 9144 visitors across 235 Indian cities and 45 countries. Over three days, the trade fair brought together leading domestic and international brands, technology providers, institutional buyers and policymakers, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for value-added technical textiles. The show hosted 216 exhibitors, featuring over 300 brands and showcased cutting-edge solutions across 12 application areas, keeping the show floor busy throughout the three days. 

As a key knowledge and sourcing platform, the fair drew decision makers from sectors such as mobility, healthcare, construction, filtration, protection and sportswear, helping bridge the gap between fibre producers, converters, brand owners and end users. Strategic support from leading industry associations and state textile departments further amplified the show’s role in driving investment and collaboration in India’s technical textiles ecosystem.

CHINA WAVE at Pitti Uomo #109

With its renewed participation at the 109th edition of Pitti Uomo, CHINA WAVE presents China’s independent fashion design scene as stronger and more mature than ever. From 13–16 January 2026 in Florence, the initiative—led by the China Apparel Association—demonstrates how an exploratory project has evolved into a strategically anchored, culturally driven platform that confidently brings Chinese aesthetics and brand identity onto the global stage.

Since the debut of the Chinese pavilion at Pitti Uomo 106, CHINA WAVE has established itself as an exclusive cooperation between the China Apparel Association and Pitti Uomo. More than a visibility platform, it marks a decisive transition: from pure product export towards the international export of brands, design culture, and creative authorship. 

Suominen: Restricted share unit plan for key employees

The Board of Directors of Suominen Corporation has resolved to establish a new share-based incentive plan for selected key employees of the group. The purpose of the plan is to align the interests of the company’s shareholders and key employees to increase the company’s value in the long-term, to commit key employees to the company and to offer them a competitive incentive plan based on receiving the company’s shares.

The plan is intended to be used as a tool in situations seen necessary by the Board of Directors, for example ensuring retention of key talents to the company, attracting a new talent or other specific situations determined by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors may allocate rewards from the Restricted Share Unit Plan 2026—2028 during financial years 2026—2028. The value of the rewards to be paid on the basis of the plan corresponds to a maximum total of 200,000 shares of Suominen, including also the proportion to be paid in cash. The target group of the plan consists of key employees selected by the Board, including members of the Leadership Team and the CEO.

San Francisco Fire Department Adopts Non PFAS Turnout Gear

The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) has become the largest department in the United States to transition its entire fleet to non-PFAS turnout gear. The gear was purchased in part through a $2.35 million Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from FEMA and matching funds from the department, amid growing momentum around identifying PFAS alternatives in firefighting gear.

The department worked with textile innovator Milliken & Company and gear manufacturer Fire-Dex to fulfill the order, whose first shipment was delivered this month. The department plans to receive 1,100 sets of non-PFAS turnout gear, one set for every frontline suppression member, by December 31, 2025.

CHT Group recognized as champion by adidas

For the third time in a row, the CHT Group has been recognized as champion of the adiFORMULATOR AWARD by adidas.

Dr. Annegret Vester, Chief Sustainability Officer, states: "We are very pleased that the CHT Group has been recognized as a leading company by adidas. With our partnership with adidas we reinforce our pro-active and long-term commitment to continuous improvement in both products and processes. This is a vital component of the CHT sustainability strategy, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Nittima Kulmanoros, Brand & Retail Management, adds: “We are convinced that our success story will inspire our customers, brand partners, and other partners in the textile industry to set new standards. Our CHT B&R and regional teams are ready to share their expertise and support globally. At CHT, we are looking forward to this exciting journey together with you."

Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence Centre Stage at its International Textile and Apparel Trade Fairs

Under the banner “Texpertise Focus AI”, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

FET ends 2025 exhibition run with COMPAMED 2025

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK reported another successful exhibition at COMPAMED 2025 in Düsseldorf, following closely on the heels of ITMA ASIA in Singapore. This was the second time that FET had exhibited at this international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector, a reflection of the company’s growing role in this sector. More than half of FET’s turnover is currently derived from the burgeoning medical market.

COMPAMED is aimed at suppliers of a wide range of high-quality medical technology components, services and production equipment for the medical industry. FET’s expanding role in the medical sector is therefore an ideal fit for this trade show.

Mimaki: TRAPIS Textile Printing at Heimtextil 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters will return to Heimtextil with a renewed focus on material versatility and simplified textile production. At the tradeshow, the company will present TRAPIS, its innovative pigment transfer printing system that enables manufacturers to print on a wide range of fabrics using a single ink set – ranging from natural fibres to blended and synthetic fabrics. Designed for easy, compact and cost-efficient operation, TRAPIS removes traditional barriers to digital textile printing, while also offering the added benefit of drastically reduced water use compared to conventional processes.