ITMA 2027 Attracts Strong Global Participation as Sector Plan is Unveiled

More than 1,500 companies from 43 countries confirm participation, with innovation, sustainability and digitalisation shaping the exhibition's focus

ITMA 2027 has announced its sector plan, marking another milestone in preparations for the exhibition, which will be held from 16 to 22 September 2027 at Messegelände Hannover, Germany.

The exhibition will occupy 12 halls covering more than 180,000 square metres and feature 20 sectors representing the complete textile and garment manufacturing value chain, including spinning, weaving, knitting, finishing, printing, software and automation, recycling, and fibres, yarns and fabrics.

More Than 1,500 Companies Confirm Participation

According to the organisers, more than 1,500 companies from 43 countries have already secured their participation in ITMA 2027.

The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX), comprising nine national associations—ACIMIT, AMEC AMTEX, BTMA, GTM, SWISSMEM, SYMATEX, TMAS, UCMTF and VDMA—continues to play a significant role in the exhibition.

Manufacturers represented by these associations account for:

• 43% of all applicants
• More than 60% of the exhibition space booked to date

Manufacturers from outside Europe account for:

• More than 50% of all applicants
• Around 40% of exhibition space booked

Among international participants, China leads in the number of applicants, followed by India, Türkiye and Japan.

Industry Leaders Comment on Participation

Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX, said:

"The diverse participation from around the world reinforces ITMA 2027's position as a neutral global platform, providing manufacturers with an equal opportunity to compete and showcase their latest innovations."

Charles Beauduin, Chairman of ITMA Services, said:

"Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and a challenging global economic environment, the strong response to ITMA 2027 reflects the industry's resilience and continued confidence in investing in innovation and future growth."

Established Sectors Continue to Lead

The largest exhibition areas will continue to be occupied by established sectors, including:

• Spinning
• Nonwovens
• Weaving
• Knitting
• Finishing
• Printing
• Garment Making

The exhibition will also feature dedicated sectors for:

• Research & Innovation
• Services
• Recycling
• Fibres, Yarns & Fabrics
• Software & Automation
• Start-Up Valley

According to the organisers, these sectors reflect the increasing importance of innovation, sustainability and digitalisation across the textile manufacturing value chain.

Start-Up Valley Records Increased Interest

The Start-Up Valley, supported by CEMATEX, has seen a significant increase in applications following its debut at ITMA 2023.

Applications for the 2027 edition have doubled, with 64 start-up companies competing for 20 exhibition spaces.

Alex Zucchi added:

"The Start-Up Valley is an important initiative for our industry. We need innovators who can challenge established thinking and accelerate technological progress. Fresh ideas and new talent are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our industry."

Focus on Research and Recycling

The Research & Innovation sector, supported by CEMATEX, will continue to highlight collaboration between academia and industry to support the transition of research into manufacturing applications.

The organisers also noted growing momentum in the Recycling sector, driven by initiatives such as the European Union's Sustainable and Circular Textiles Strategy and similar regulatory measures worldwide.

Advances in recycling technologies are also contributing to the commercial development of textile-to-textile circularity, encouraging continued investment ahead of ITMA 2027.

Looking Ahead to ITMA 2027

ITMA 2027 will focus on innovation throughout the textile and garment manufacturing value chain, highlighting developments in:

• Advanced materials
• Automation and the digital future
• Sustainability and circularity
• Human-centric manufacturing

The organisers said the confirmed sector plan provides exhibitors and visitors with an early overview of the exhibition layout before visitor registration opens in March 2027.

Companies interested in exhibiting can submit stand space enquiries through the ITMA 2027 Exhibitor Centre.