Dramatic structural change: How Techtextil is coping with the increasingly challenging environment
- 21. Apr.
- 3 Min. Lesezeit
With 1,700 exhibitors from 54 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 will showcase the full spectrum of innovation in the international textile industry – from new materials and recycling technologies to finishing solutions and high-performance textile manufacturing and processing technologies. And it will defy the geopolitical environment.
By Urs Seiler || April 22, 2026 || Representative of Messe Frankfurt for Switzerland and Liechtenstein
“Iran is directly impacting our industry. This is not a temporary phase, but a global structural change,” said Messe Frankfurt CEO Detlef Braun (pictured below) at the opening of the Techtextil and Texprocess press conference on April 21. This is also leading to a recalibration of the global trade fair business.
Nevertheless, he called the Techtextil/Techprocess trade fair duo a "firework display of innovations," fortunate to have maintained its status as the world's leading trade fair at such a high level despite the challenging environment, with 1,700 exhibitors and visitors from 180 countries. He also added that he has rarely seen such a packed press conference at a trade fair, with so many guests from all over the world.
Detlef Braun had already cited reasons for this counter-cyclical phenomenon at the Heimtextil press conference : “ Volatile tariff policies and geopolitical uncertainties are changing global procurement and trade structures. The need for guidance, market transparency, reliable partners, and new business opportunities is increasing. Especially in the current climate, a dependable platform like Heimtextil is indispensable as a central hub for the global industry.”
Detlef Braun is right: trade fairs have been declared dead time and again since their inception 800 years ago, as a recent discussion on LinkedIn demonstrates. But nothing could be further from the truth, even if Detlef Braun rightly describes the increasingly challenging environment. Trade fairs remain beacons in face-to-face marketing.
What are functional textiles?
A significant segment of functional textiles are protective textiles, for example for use by the police or fire brigade, but also for use in defense technology.
At the Techtextil/Techprocess press conference, a protective suit was presented that can even protect a person from a Molotov cocktail attack. The importance of textile innovations is underscored by the EU defense program, which defines "smart and multifunctional textiles" as a distinct area within defense. Detlef Braun spoke of "materials that can protect and save lives."
The main theme of the opening press conference clearly demonstrates where the innovative strength is particularly high: Performance Apparel Textiles.
Highlights also include the Textile Chemicals & Dyes segment, bundled independently for the first time, and the Nature Performance range of over 110 exhibitors presenting natural and bio-based fibers and yarns.
Performance Apparel Textiles: High demand, increasing requirements
Furthermore, Performance Apparel Textiles features twice as many exhibitors compared to the previous event.
With 200 exhibitors from 28 countries, Texprocess showcases the latest developments in textile processing – from design to finishing, characterized by automation, digitalization, and AI. A highlight is the Start-up Stars Area, where up-and-coming newcomers meet directly with partners from industry and research. Whether in sports, outdoor, fashion, and workwear applications, or in security-relevant fields – the demand for high-performance textile solutions is high. Increasing investments in security, defense, and disaster relief are driving the demand for durable, standards-compliant, and technologically advanced products – and are propelling innovation in the industry.
Techtextil/Techprocess runs until April 24th at Messe Frankfurt.
TAKEOUTS
Messe Frankfurt is further expanding its international textile network with the announcement of Val:ue Milan. Val:ue Milan transcends the traditional trade fair model, presenting itself as a prestigious, boutique-style business hub dedicated exclusively to select fabrics and accessories for the apparel industry. The event will take place from February 3-5, 2027, in the Porta Nuova mall and breaks with conventional formats through a meticulously curated environment designed for strategic networking.