Innovation is proving to be the textile industry’s most effective answer to economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and continued restraint in investment. This was underlined at a recent press conference for the leading international trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess, where industry representatives discussed how innovation is accelerating transformation across the sector.

During a panel discussion, speakers explored developments ranging from artificial intelligence and digitalisation to sustainable materials and new production models. These advances are reflected in the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards, which highlight pioneering solutions that are actively shaping the future of the textile industry.

Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, emphasised the growing importance of innovation during challenging economic periods. He explained that Techtextil and Texprocess provide platforms where ideas are not only presented but developed into market-ready solutions. The Innovation Awards, he noted, give emerging technologies visibility and credibility, often providing the decisive push needed to translate research into industrial applications and partnerships.

Competitiveness in the face of global challenges was another key theme. Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, described innovation as both an efficiency lever and a driver of growth. Digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence, he said, allow companies to conserve resources, increase flexibility and strengthen their competitive positioning.

The impact of digital processes on development and production was highlighted by Walter Wählt, Chairman of the Texprocess Innovation Award and Senior Director Advanced Creation at adidas. He explained that 3D design, virtual prototyping and AI are significantly shortening development cycles and reducing material consumption. However, he stressed that human creativity, experience and judgement remain essential and cannot be automated.

Sustainability and advanced materials were addressed by António Braz Costa, Chairman of the Techtextil Innovation Award and General Manager at CITEVE. He pointed out that sustainability in high-performance materials becomes economically viable only through a close link between research and innovation. Recycling technologies, circular solutions and new materials, he said, must move beyond the laboratory and be implemented in real industrial processes, with trade fairs and innovation awards playing a crucial role in bridging research and the market.

Together, the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards present a clear vision of the industry’s future, demonstrating how technical textiles, nonwovens and textile processing are evolving through artificial intelligence, advanced materials and sustainable production methods. The award-winning solutions underline why innovation is becoming a decisive competitive factor and reflect the ambition of the two trade fairs to turn ideas into practical answers to global challenges.

Techtextil and Texprocess will take place from 21- 24 April 2026, with the winners of the Innovation Awards announced from 14 April 2026.

https://techtextil.messefrankfurt.com

https://texprocess.messefrankfurt.com