INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Techtextil and Texprocess 2026: Navigating Market Shifts Through Speed, Connectivity, and Sustainable Innovation
The textile industry is undergoing a vital transformation.
“As the insights from Techtextil and Texprocess reveal, the path forward relies on a combination of sustainable hardware, intelligent chemistry, and seamless digital workflows.”
WRITTEN BY DEBBIE McKEEGAN | CEO | Texintel
Volatile market developments are driving lasting changes in business models across the textile supply chain. Connectivity, flexibility, and speed are now the ultimate success factors for businesses navigating this complex environment. Recently, Techtextil and Texprocess demonstrated exactly how these critical innovations are moving from concept to industrial use.
With over 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from 112 countries, the events proved to be a vibrant breeding ground for new material solutions and processing technologies. The convergence of research, industry, technology and application highlighted that natural fibres, performance apparel, and AI-driven systems are rapidly emerging as key growth markets.
From technical textiles to connected, demand-driven systems, the industry is seeking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while boosting agility. During the event, we spoke with the industries innovators to uncover the technologies offering key manufacturing solutions.
Sustainable Production on an Industrial Scale
A major shift in the industry is the push to implement sustainable practices at a massive scale. Energy reduction and water conservation are top priorities for high-volume manufacturers.
At Zimmer Austria, the focus is squarely on bringing efficient, environmentally friendly solutions to the industrial environment. Zimmer operates across key technical textile markets, most notably in high-speed carpet and floorcovering production and military camouflage / defense textiles. The introduction of the all-new COLARIS-TeX serves as a definitive response to industry-wide challenges, delivering a technology that seamlessly integrates environmental stewardship with industrial efficiency.
As Andreas Rass, Sales Director at Zimmer Austria stated: "The biggest leverage for having a more sustainable textile industry is the consumer...giving them products which are sustainable and designed for longevity." [Watch the interview]
Circularity at Scale: Redefining Waste as a Springboard
Sustainability can no longer be a secondary initiative; it must be ingrained into a brand's DNA. Coats, a global leader with approximately 20,000 employees, is setting aggressive targets, including a transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and advancing textile-to-textile recycled threads that match the technical performance of virgin polyester.
A critical shift in mindset is required to move from a linear "take-make-waste" model to a circular economy. Chris Dearing of Coats explained how they approach this monumental challenge: "We kind of ask the question: what if waste is not the end of the story, but it's actually a springboard for a new story?" [Watch the interview]
3D Printing and Mechanical Adhesion
Personalisation and circularity are reshaping how we view garment lifecycles. Brands are increasingly looking for ways to manufacture on-demand or upcycle existing products to prevent them from reaching landfills.
Stratasys is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with direct-to-textile 3D printing. Their technology uses acrylic-based photopolymers cured by UV light to create a strong mechanical adhesion directly with the fabric fibres. This innovation spans from haute couture to automotive interiors and defence applications. Speaking on the value of this agility, Zehavit Reisin, Senior Vice President at Stratasys, noted: "Because we print exactly what's needed, customised, personalised. That might be giving a second life to a pair of jeans. Why throw them away when you could add a decorative element and enjoy an additional year with them. For apparel garment decoration, that might be personalisation at an industrial scale, created on demand with no waste" [Watch the interview]
Streamlining Technical Textiles
The demand for high-performance textiles - particularly in sportswear, footwear, and military applications is driving the need for smarter chemistry and simplified production steps.
Kornit Digital is addressing this with their Presto Max Plus, moving towards single-step digital solutions that replace cost-intensive analogue processes. By introducing a new polymer that enhances abrasion resistance without compromising elasticity, they are unlocking new possibilities for technical textiles like compression wear and military camouflage. Giovanni Pizzamiglio of Kornit Digital highlighted the creative potential of this streamlined approach: "It's always a combination of technology and creativity. And I think that Kornit is taking that really to the most advanced." [Watch the interview]
Building a Seamless Digital Workflow
Waste in the apparel industry isn't just about discarded fabric; it is also about wasted time, energy, and resources due to disconnected processes. Connecting the silos between textile design, pattern making, and final production is crucial for a modern supply chain.
The presence of NedGraphics and Optitex at the show highlighted the power of a fully integrated digital workflow. By carrying digital specifications seamlessly from design to production-ready patterns, brands can drastically reduce physical sampling and manufacturing errors. Frank Maeder explained the value of this connectivity: "We don't have to do this [physical sampling]. We can go straight from digital into digital... by connecting all of these constituents, you can create that accountability all the way through and that visibility." [Watch the interview]
VeriVide's innovations further underscore the importance of digital precision within the fashion and textile industries. Their advanced tools, such as DigiEye and bespoke colour assessment solutions, ensure unparalleled accuracy when it comes to colour consistency and quality control. These technologies empower brands to maintain exacting standards across global operations, streamlining decision-making and reducing waste. Adam Deakin, Managing Director of VeriVide, emphasised this point, stating, "Our solutions enable brands to trust their digital data, bridging the gap between creativity and manufacturing with unmatched accuracy." [Watch the interview]
Embracing a Connected Future
The textile industry is undergoing a vital transformation. As the insights from Techtextil and Texprocess reveal, the path forward relies on a combination of sustainable hardware, intelligent chemistry, and seamless digital workflows.
From Zimmer's industrial-scale energy reductions and Stratasys's on-demand 3D embellishments, to Kornit's single-step technical printing and the unified digital ecosystems of NedGraphics and Optitex, the tools for change are here. To stay competitive, brands and manufacturers must adopt these innovations, moving away from fragmented, wasteful processes towards a truly connected, circular economy.
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The Market Gap that Changed Everything
Future Fashion was founded in 2019, timed deliberately to coincide with a pivotal moment in global textile technology: the commercial launch of the EFI Reggiani BOLT Single-Pass digital printing system.
The founders recognised that single-pass architecture had fundamentally changed what was industrially possible - and that Pakistan's domestic market had yet to catch up.
Print is no longer defined by the inefficiencies that once characterised it…as advances in production processes and technology have significantly improved its environmental performance.
Taran Rai, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Epson explains why?
The story of what happens when young designers access digital technology is still being written.
What once was a theoretical sustainability goal seems to have shifted into an active regulatory reality.
Is the Textile Market Finally Recovering?
After a difficult few years, there are genuine reasons for optimism. Duncan was candid about the challenges: "The market for textiles has been very difficult over the last three years. I'm not going to hide the truth there. But the tide is turning.“
A profound shift is currently reshaping the sector
Changing consumer expectations demand greater design diversity, faster turnaround times, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
To thrive, interior brands must adapt their supply chains, bringing production closer to the end consumer and moving away from bulk manufacturing.
Digital textile printing offers a definitive solution to these operational bottlenecks.
Digital transformation doesn't announce itself.
It accumulates - one innovation at a time - until an entire industry looks back and realises the ground has shifted beneath its feet. That's precisely where textiles stands today.
The conversations happening now about AI, automation, sustainability, and digital product passports are not theoretical. They are shaping decisions being made on factory floors and in boardrooms right now.
“By leveraging advanced digital textile printing, Marylene Madou has successfully merged traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Her approach offers a blueprint for how independent designers can scale their brands globally while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.”
From Helsinki's printing mill to Paris's Le Marais, discover how Marimekko is scaling a design-led brand with purpose, craft, and bold innovation.
But what makes Marimekko's story compelling is not just its aesthetic legacy?
The textile industry is undergoing a vital transformation. As the insights from Techtextil and Texprocess reveal, the path forward relies on a combination of sustainable hardware, intelligent chemistry, and seamless digital workflows.
From Zimmer's industrial-scale energy reductions and Stratasys's on-demand 3D embellishments, to Kornit's single-step technical printing and the unified digital ecosystems of NedGraphics and Optitex, the tools for change are here. To stay competitive, brands and manufacturers must adopt these innovations, moving away from fragmented, wasteful processes towards a truly connected, circular economy.
Friedmans stands as a testament to the power of combining traditional textile knowledge with forward-thinking innovation.
“Operating from their UK headquarters, Friedmans now serves a diverse array of sectors, including swimwear, dance, entertainment, sportswear, interior decor, prosthetics, and even pet apparel. With a strategic supply chain that reliably serves clients worldwide”
The apparel decoration industry is decisively moving away from isolated, analogue production tools toward connected digital manufacturing environments.
"Kornit’s unwavering commitment to transformative technology continues to disrupt the status quo. For business leaders and innovators ready to capture the future of apparel manufacturing, the path forward is clear”
The Urgent Need for Sustainability at Scale
The transformation at Coats provides a vital blueprint for the wider textile and apparel sector. True sustainability cannot be achieved in silos. As Dearing emphasised:
“Cross-industry collaboration is the engine of meaningful change. Brands, machinery suppliers, chemical providers, and fibre producers must act as an interconnected ecosystem”
Today’s customers demand superior product quality, real-time data visibility, and lightning-fast turnaround times.
For large-scale garment decorators, managing these expectations while balancing seasonal demand fluctuations - such as the massive surges seen during Black Friday - presents a monumental challenge.
"Relying on transactional vendor relationships and outdated legacy equipment is no longer sufficient to secure long-term stability and growth.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
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Faversham – Kent - August 2026 – Prinfab, a UK-based print-on-demand textile company, has revealed how the industrial Monna Lisa ML-8000 printer sits at the heart of its high-quality, fast-turnaround production model.
By leveraging one of the textile industry's most advanced digital printing systems, Prinfab is removing the barriers that have long prevented independent designers and entrepreneurs from accessing commercial-grade fabric printing.
Rochester, N.Y. — August 13, 2026 — Rochester Software Associates (RSA), a leading provider of workflow automation, web-to-print, and output management solutions, has announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026.
Taking place September 23–25 in Las Vegas, the event will serve as the stage for RSA to showcase the latest releases of its flagship WebCRD® and QDirect® software platforms.
RSA will join more than 800 exhibitors and printing and graphic arts professionals from around the world at the expo.
Nottingham – UK – August 2026 – Tennants UK, a specialist number plate manufacturer, has announced the installation of a second VeloBlade Nexus digital cutting system, significantly expanding its in-house production capabilities.
The investment is designed to meet growing demand from dealership groups, increase manufacturing capacity, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Spilsby, Lincolnshire,- August 2026 - Countryside Art, a producer of premium bags and kitchen textiles, has announced its commitment to printing exclusively onto 100% cotton across its entire product range.
Central to this commitment is the Mimaki TX330, a high-performance textile printer that delivers the colour consistency and vibrancy that both the brand and its customers demand.
Green Bay, Wis. — August 2026 — BW Converting will introduce textile manufacturers to the capabilities of its Baldwin TexCoat® G4 precision spray finishing system at the 33rd Apparel Sourcing Show, taking place Aug. 18–20 at the Tikal Futura Convention Center in Guatemala City.
The company will participate through its local agent, Maprimaq, at booths 25 and 26.
Soyang Europe, a leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media, surface coverings and advanced print production hardware solutions, has underlined its long-term commitment to its partnership with Platinum Technologies LIYU by making a major investment in new customer facilities and technical expertise.
Frankfurt am Main – August 2026 – Heimtextil, the world's leading trade fair for home and contract textiles, is set to reveal its highly anticipated Trends 27/28 forecast in a digital live premiere on 7 September 2026 at 14:00 (CEST).
Developed in collaboration with the internationally recognised design platform Alcova, the event will explore one of the most defining tensions in contemporary living: the home as both a space for performance and a place of retreat.
Nanjing – China - August 2026 - The company’s integrated solution portfolio combines digital printing equipment, high-performance printing consumables, and workflow integration to help print providers improve production efficiency across DTF, UV, and sublimation applications.
Driven by shorter production runs, growing demand for personalized products, and increasing sustainability requirements, the printing industry is transitioning from traditional analog production toward more intelligent and integrated digital manufacturing systems.
Hanrun Paper, a global digital printing solutions provider, helps drive this transformation by integrating hardware, consumables, and production workflows into a more connected, efficient, and flexible digital manufacturing ecosystem
Leicester – UK – August 2026 - VeriVide Limited, a leading authority in colour assessment and quality control, has announced the availability of the NCS Exterior Fan Deck, a comprehensive colour tool designed specifically for outdoor environments.
Comprising 322 carefully selected colours, the Fan Deck is tailored for professionals working across architecture, landscaping, property development, and exterior product manufacturing.
Dorking UK – August 2026 – The FESPA Foundation has announced a landmark initiative to unite the global print community under a shared commitment to education, sustainability, and meaningful social impact.
Guided by its "Print for Good" principle, the Foundation is calling on industry stakeholders worldwide to contribute to a movement that positions print as a force for lasting, positive change.
Telford, UK – August 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd today features the availability of the Graphtec CE8000-130 1300mm Vinyl Cutter Plotter, a high-performance cutting solution designed to meet the demands of the sublimation, sign writing, and sticker and label creation markets.
Priced at £3,495.00 + VAT and backed by a one-year warranty, the CE8000-130 represents a significant step forward in cost-effective cutting plotter technology.
Gaziantep, Turkey – August 2026 – Zimmer Austria, in partnership with ERA, is continuing its installation of a Colaris machine at Plato Halı, one of Turkey's leading carpet manufacturers.
This marks the 13th Colaris machine to be installed in Gaziantep, with mass production expected to commence shortly.
Following its successful market launch at the beginning of the year, Felix Schoeller has now received the 2026 Pinnacle Award for RubyPaper in the “Technology” category.
Each year, the PRINTING United Alliance presents the award to pioneering innovations in the printing industry.
This year, a total of 154 entries from 54 companies were submitted for the Pinnacle Award.
Felix Schoeller is one of just 15 companies that entered the competition with a product for the first time and received an award straight away.
North Bergen – NJ – August 2026 – Roland DG Europe has announced that Coach USA's Perfect Body successfully produced 25 FIFA World Cup bus wraps using the TrueVis XP-640 wide-format printer, running operations up to 16 hours a day during one of the company's most demanding production seasons to date
Greentex, a leading innovator in sustainable printed fabrics, has announced its participation in Printing United 2026, taking place from 23 to 25 September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Building on the momentum of last year's event, Greentex will debut an immersive booth concept themed "Garden Casino," offering attendees a distinctive way to explore the company's latest fabric collections.
New York, NY – August 2026 – X-Rite Pantone, the global authority in colour standards and colour science, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a global leader in creative education and part of the State University of New York (SUNY), have announced a strategic partnership to advance colour education and digital innovation across the apparel, footwear, soft goods, and textile industries
St Laurent – Quebec – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading manufacturer of printing equipment and inks, has published a new customer success story featuring Spector & Co, a prominent promotional products supplier.
The case study highlights how Inkcups' direct-to-object (DTO) printing technology is enabling Spector & Co to meet the growing demand for premium, retail-inspired promotional products.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2026 – Friedmans, a leading fabric printing specialist today festures its new Printed Solids service, designed to help garment makers achieve perfectly coordinated fabrics across a range of bases.
The service addresses one of the most persistent challenges in garment construction: matching plain fabrics, such as nylon, with coordinating stretch nets and other materials.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Durst Graphics has announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place from 23–25 September in Las Vegas.
The company will use the event to present its latest advances in digital printing, software, and finishing solutions across multiple booths in partnership with key industry players.
Visitors can find Durst Group at Booth C1614, where the P5 Series will be on live display.
The showcase will highlight the practical applications of three flagship systems: the P5 350 CORE, the P5 350 HS, and the P5 350 HSR —
Lewisville Tx – August 2026 – Antigro Designer has announced the successful integration of its Sticker Builder tool into the Decals On Demand product page, operated by KRP Group USA.
The integration eliminates the need for customers to leave the Shopify storefront or engage in lengthy email exchanges, streamlining the entire custom decal ordering process into three simple steps.
Birmingham, UK – August 2026 – Epson UK & Ireland has announced its sponsorship of the inaugural Print Award for Best Wide Format Project at this year's The Print Show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 29 September to 1 October 2026.
The new award category recognises excellence in wide format print and reflects the growing importance of this segment within the broader print industry.
Frankfurt, Germany – 4 August 2026 – Heimtextil, the world's leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles, has announced the launch of 'Comfort & Connect', a new dedicated area for high-quality bed, bath and lifestyle collections.
Located in the foyer of Hall 5.1, the space will serve as a central meeting point for established brands, returning exhibitors and international buyers.
The new area marks the second targeted expansion of Heimtextil's Bed, Bath & Living offering, following the success of the 'Sleep & Meet' format.
Dorking – UK – August 2026 – The FESPA Awards 2027 are set to open for entries, inviting print and signage professionals from around the world to showcase their finest work on the industry's most prestigious global stage.
With an early bird deadline of 31 August 2026 and a final entry deadline of 2 December 2026, the call is clear: the time to prepare is now
London – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Technologies has announced that its flagship product, Razar, has been shortlisted in the Manufacturing category of the prestigious Stationers' Innovation Excellence Awards 2026.
The nomination recognises Razar as a standout example of forward-thinking innovation within the manufacturing sector.
Clay Cross – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced it will take a prominent stand at The Print Show 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham from Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The company will also maintain a presence at The Sign Show, which is co-locating with the event, marking a significant dual appearance for the brand at one of the UK's most anticipated print industry exhibitions
Regensburg, Germany – August 2026 – OneVision has announced the release of software version 26.2, marking a significant step forward in intelligent print automation.
The update introduces new artificial intelligence capabilities, expanded Variable Data Printing (VDP) functionality, and enhanced production monitoring tools designed to help print service providers increase efficiency and output quality.
Version 26.2 introduces a suite of AI Services that seamlessly integrate GPU-accelerated artificial intelligence into existing print production workflows.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – August 2026 – Sun Chemical has announced that its Xennia Sapphire pigment inks for digital textile printing have received three of the industry's most sought-after regulatory certifications: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), ECO-PASSPORT, and ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals).
The achievement positions Sun Chemical as a frontrunner in sustainable and compliant digital textile printing solutions.
London UK – July – 2026 – British digital fabric printing company Prinfab has been commissioned to produce a commemorative tea towel to celebrate the landmark birthday of iconic English fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.
Manchester – August 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles today highlights its 2555 Dimout, a versatile, dual-purpose fabric designed to bridge the worlds of fashion and interior design.
With its distinctive silver finish and subtle sheen, the fabric is positioned as a premium material for designers and makers operating across both industries.
2555 Dimout features a smooth silver surface that lends itself naturally to elegant occasionwear, flowing garments, and bold statement pieces.
Its fluid drape and refined aesthetic make it particularly well-suited to summer collections, where lightness and visual impact are equally valued.
Oswestry – Shropshire – August 2026 - Fujifilm Ink, the UK-based global supplier of UV inkjet technology, has strengthened its partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd (CPS), becoming the recognised ink supplier for the company's range of Dlican UV printing systems.
The partnership follows the successful rollout of Fujifilm Ink's thermoforming flexible ink technology, reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering high-performance, application-specific ink solutions for the wide-format print market.