Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 Highlight Innovation Driving Textile Transformation
Amid global economic pressure, geopolitical uncertainty, and cautious capital spending, innovation has emerged as a critical stabilising force for the textile industry. This message took centre stage at the recent press conference for Techtextil and Texprocess, the world’s leading trade fairs for technical textiles and textile processing, held in Frankfurt on 15 January 2026. Industry leaders discussed how technological progress—ranging from artificial intelligence to sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing models—is reshaping the sector and strengthening its long-term competitiveness.
At the heart of this transformation are the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards, which spotlight breakthrough solutions translating research into practical, industrial applications.
Innovation as a Strategic Necessity
According to Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, periods of limited investment underscore the importance of innovation more than ever. He noted that Techtextil and Texprocess function not only as platforms for showcasing ideas but also as spaces where concepts evolve into market-ready technologies. The Innovation Awards play a crucial role by providing visibility and credibility to emerging solutions, often acting as a catalyst for industry adoption and collaboration.
Digitalisation, Automation and AI Drive Competitiveness
The panel discussion also addressed how textile companies can maintain resilience in an increasingly complex global landscape. Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, highlighted that innovation today serves a dual purpose: improving efficiency while enabling growth. Technologies such as automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence allow manufacturers to optimise resource use, enhance flexibility, and reposition themselves competitively in global markets.
From Virtual Design to Sustainable Production
Practical industry insights demonstrated how digital tools are already transforming textile development and production. Walter Wählt, Chairman of the Texprocess Innovation Award and Senior Director Advanced Creation at adidas, explained that 3D design, virtual sampling and AI-driven processes are significantly reducing development timelines and material consumption. However, he emphasised that human creativity and expertise remain irreplaceable, even as technology accelerates innovation cycles.
Research and Materials at the Core of Sustainability
António Braz Costa, Chairman of the Techtextil Innovation Award and General Manager at CITEVE, stressed that sustainability in high-performance textiles depends on the effective integration of research and innovation. He pointed out that recycling technologies, circular solutions and novel materials must move beyond laboratory settings to become economically viable. Trade fairs such as Techtextil and Texprocess, along with their Innovation Awards, play a vital role in bridging the gap between research institutions and industrial-scale implementation.
A Clear Vision for the Textile Industry’s Future
The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards collectively present a forward-looking picture of how technical textiles, nonwovens and textile processing technologies are evolving. By combining AI, advanced materials and sustainable production approaches, the awards highlight innovation as a decisive competitive factor for the global textile industry.
Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 will take place from 21 to 24 April 2026, with the winners of the Innovation Awards announced starting 14 April 2026.