Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 ─ Innovation as a Key Driver of the Textile Future
Frankfurt am Main – January 2026 – Amidst ongoing economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the textile industry is turning to innovation as its primary response to global challenges.
This message was reinforced today at the press conference for Techtextil and Texprocess, the leading international trade fairs for technical textiles and textile processing.
During a panel discussion, industry leaders explored how technological advancements—from artificial intelligence to sustainable materials—are accelerating the sector's transformation.
The discussion highlighted that innovative strength is currently the industry's most critical asset. The upcoming Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards were identified as central to showcasing pioneering solutions that drive this transformation.
Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, emphasised the importance of these platforms during challenging economic times. “Especially in times of restrained investment, it becomes clear just how crucial innovative strength is,” said Schmidt. “Techtextil and Texprocess are the places where ideas are not only presented but further developed into market-ready solutions. The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards make this innovative strength tangible – giving new technologies visibility, credibility and often the decisive impetus needed to turn research into concrete industrial applications and partnerships.”
The panel also addressed how companies can maintain competitiveness.
Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, noted, “Today, innovation serves both as a lever for efficiency and a driver of growth. Digitalisation, automation and AI enable companies to conserve resources, produce flexibly and reposition themselves more effectively and competitively.”
Practical insights from the industry illustrated how digital processes are reshaping development.
Walter Wählt, Chairman of the Texprocess Innovation Award and Senior Director Advanced Creation at adidas, explained, “3D design, virtual prototyping and AI drastically shorten development cycles and reduce material use. Yet despite all the technological momentum, people remain decisive – creativity, experience and judgment cannot be automated.”
António Braz Costa, Chairman of the Techtextil Innovation Award and General Manager at CITEVE, underlined the necessity of translating research into industrial application.
“Sustainability, particularly when applied to high-performance materials and products, only becomes economically viable through a virtuous tandem of research and innovation. Recycling technologies, circular solutions or entirely new materials are meaningless if they remain confined to the lab. What matters is their translation into real industrial processes. Trade fairs such as Techtextil and Texprocess – and the Innovation Awards themselves – are critical in bridging research and the market.”
The award-winning solutions will exemplify the ambition of the two leading trade fairs: to unite research, technology, and application in a way that turns ideas into market-ready answers to global challenges.
Techtextil and Texprocess are scheduled to take place from 21 to 24 April 2026. The winners of the Innovation Awards will be announced starting on 14 April 2026.
About Techtextil and Texprocess
Techtextil and Texprocess are the leading international trade fairs for technical textiles, nonwovens, and the processing of textile and flexible materials. Held biennially in Frankfurt am Main, they provide a platform for the entire textile value chain, from research and development to production and recycling. The events showcase the latest innovations in high-tech fabrics, smart textiles, and advanced processing technologies
About Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is a leading global trade fair organiser with expertise in connecting industries and facilitating business relationships worldwide. .
The venue features a variety of halls, the Congress Center, and the Forum, with modern infrastructure to host events of any scale.
The organization also provides extensive event-related services and has a global presence with employees at numerous locations worldwide
The company is committed to driving sustainability and innovation across all sectors it serves, positioning itself as a thought leader in addressing industry-wide challenges whilst promoting ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
