VDMA Members to Showcase Smart Textile Machinery Solutions at Techtextil 2026
More than 50 VDMA member companies to present innovations in technical textiles, automation, sustainability and recycling technologies at Frankfurt exhibition.
Members of VDMA Textile Machinery will participate in Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, showcasing technologies designed for technical textiles and textile processing. More than 50 member companies will exhibit solutions focused on engineering, digitalisation and sustainable textile manufacturing. Seven companies will be featured at the VDMA group stand in Hall 12.0.
The participating companies will display production technologies for technical textiles used across industries including mobility, construction, filtration, medical textiles and protective textiles. The machinery is designed to support productivity, process control and resource efficiency while addressing changing market requirements.
Focus on Automation and Digital Manufacturing
A major focus at Techtextil 2026 will be digitalisation and automation. VDMA members will demonstrate smart machinery, data-driven process optimisation and integrated production systems that enable manufacturers to improve operational efficiency, maintain product quality and enhance competitiveness.
These technologies are intended to support the textile industry's transition towards more resilient and digitally connected manufacturing processes.
Sustainability and Recycling Technologies
Sustainability will also remain a central theme of the exhibition. VDMA member companies will present equipment designed to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions and improve the efficient use of raw materials.
The companies are also developing machinery for textile recycling and circular economy applications, supporting manufacturers in meeting evolving environmental regulations and advancing material reuse.
Germany and Europe Highlight Textile Engineering Expertise
According to VDMA, the strong participation of member companies reflects the continued role of Germany and Europe as centres for textile machinery engineering. The companies combine mechanical engineering expertise with digital technologies and application-specific solutions for textile manufacturers worldwide.
Dr. Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery, said:
"We are looking forward to Techtextil 2026, as it serves as an important platform for international dialogue, business development and technological exchange."
Events at the VDMA Group Stand
VDMA will organise several activities for exhibitors and visitors at its Hall 12.0, Stand C55/56.
Panel Discussion: Technical Textiles – quo vadis?
The session will be moderated by Dr Harald Weber (VDMA), with Lutz Walter (Textile ETP), Hagen Lotzmann (Karl Mayer) and Prof. Dr Holger Erth (Textilausrüstung Pfand) discussing developments in technical textiles, sustainability, recycling, manufacturing technologies and emerging application areas.
- Date: Tuesday, 21 April, 3 pm
- Language: English
Walter Reiners-Foundation Awards Ceremony
The Walter Reiners-Foundation will mark its 60th anniversary during Techtextil 2026. The event will review the foundation's history through the careers of previous award recipients before recognising the 2026 winners.
Foundation Chairman Peter D. Dornier will present awards to five graduates for their bachelor and master theses.
- Date: Thursday, 23 April, 4 pm
- Language: German
Delegations from India
VDMA will also welcome several delegations from India, one of its key international markets, to the VDMA stand during the exhibition.