Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt Elevates AI as a Core Pillar of Global Textile Trade Fairs
Messe Frankfurt is set to place Artificial Intelligence firmly at the centre of its international textile and apparel trade fairs with the launch of “Texpertise Focus AI”, a long-term initiative debuting in 2026. The programme underscores the growing role of AI across the entire textile value chain — from fibre manufacturing and design to production, logistics, and retail — while emphasising its responsible and industry-ready adoption. The initiative will officially roll out at Heimtextil 2026, scheduled for January in Frankfurt.
The global textile and apparel sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation as artificial intelligence reshapes operational workflows, accelerates innovation, and opens up new business models. AI is increasingly being applied to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including sustainability, supply chain efficiency, and workforce shortages. According to commercial market estimates, the global AI market within the textile industry is projected to reach approximately USD 21 billion by 2033, representing nearly a tenfold increase compared to 2023 figures. Eurostat data further indicates that 13.5% of European industrial companies were already using AI in 2024, including a growing number of textile enterprises.
Against this backdrop, Messe Frankfurt will highlight AI-driven applications, solutions, and thought leadership across its international textile and apparel trade fairs under the unified communication umbrella Texpertise Focus AI, starting in 2026.
“The potential applications of artificial intelligence are growing rapidly and are fundamentally changing how we work, produce and trade. This also applies to the textile and apparel industry. As the world’s leading organiser of trade fairs for the sector, we make relevant developments visible and foster global dialogue,” said Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.
“With Texpertise Focus AI, our events provide orientation for the targeted and responsible use of AI within the industry.”
AI Takes Centre Stage Across Messe Frankfurt’s Textile Portfolio
From 2026 onwards, Texpertise Focus AI will systematically enhance the visibility and accessibility of AI-related topics across Messe Frankfurt’s textile trade fairs. The initiative will feature a wide range of curated content formats, including expert panel discussions, guided theme tours, and live technology demonstrations, alongside exhibitor-led showcases of AI-powered solutions.
The programme will begin at Heimtextil 2026, taking place from 13 to 16 January 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, where AI will be integrated across multiple conference sessions and show features. All related events will be searchable online under the “Texpertise Focus AI” label. A key highlight will be the Architonic Live Talk on Wednesday, 14 January at 3:00 p.m., featuring internationally renowned AI design thought leader Tim Fu. In his session titled “Woven intelligence: designing spaces in the era of AI”, Fu will explore how artificial intelligence can foster meaningful collaboration between architecture and interior design, blending traditional craftsmanship with computational technologies.
Following its launch in Frankfurt, Texpertise Focus AI will be extended across Messe Frankfurt’s textile fairs worldwide. While maintaining a consistent framework, the concept will be adapted to reflect regional market conditions and local industry challenges, ensuring relevance across diverse global markets.
Transforming the Textile Value Chain Through AI
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing every stage of the textile value chain, unlocking gains in efficiency, quality, and resilience. In raw-material sourcing, AI-powered analytics and sorting technologies are supporting cultivation, harvesting, and textile recycling. Within design and product development, AI tools are accelerating creative workflows and enabling the simulation of material properties — an approach reflected in the immersive installation “among all” by Patricia Urquiola at Heimtextil 2026.
Production and logistics processes are also benefiting from AI-driven optimisation, helping manufacturers reduce waste, improve transparency, and enhance supply chain responsiveness. The full breadth of textile processing technologies influenced by AI will be showcased at Texprocess 2026, scheduled from 21 to 24 April 2026 in Frankfurt am Main.
AI as a Driver of Sustainability and Workforce Evolution
AI is playing a pivotal role in what the industry increasingly refers to as the twin transformation — the convergence of digitalisation and sustainability. With approximately 116 million tonnes of textile fibres produced globally each year, yet only 1% of post-consumer textile waste currently recycled, AI-enabled solutions are emerging as key enablers of circularity. Forecasting tools help curb overproduction, life-cycle assessments support environmentally responsible sourcing, and image-recognition systems enable the automated sorting of used textiles, laying the groundwork for scalable recycling systems.
Beyond sustainability, AI is reshaping the textile workforce. New roles are emerging in areas such as data analytics, digital design, and automated process control, while existing roles are being redefined. Research by the German Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University suggests that up to 70% of standardised production tasks could be automated, helping address labour shortages and enhance productivity. AI also supports recruitment by enabling more precise identification and matching of skilled professionals.
Looking Ahead
With Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt aims to provide the global textile and apparel industry with practical orientation, knowledge exchange, and real-world insights into the future of artificial intelligence. By embedding AI across its international trade fairs, the organiser is positioning its platforms as catalysts for responsible innovation, sustainable growth, and long-term industry resilience.