Innovation has emerged as the textile industry’s strongest response to economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures, and cautious investment trends. This message took centre stage at the Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 press conference, where industry leaders discussed how innovation continues to drive sector-wide transformation.
Innovation Gains Importance Amid Global Challenges
Speakers highlighted that innovation plays a critical role when investment slows. Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, stressed that Techtextil and Texprocess actively convert ideas into market-ready solutions. According to him, the Innovation Awards give new technologies the visibility and credibility needed to move from research to real-world application.
Digitalisation and AI Drive Competitiveness
The panel explored how companies can stay competitive despite global challenges. Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, noted that innovation now supports both efficiency and growth. Digitalisation, automation, and artificial intelligence help companies save resources, increase flexibility, and strengthen their market position.
Faster Development Through Digital Design
Industry insights showed how digital tools already reshape textile development. Walter Wählt, Chairman of the Texprocess Innovation Award and Senior Director Advanced Creation at adidas, explained that 3D design, virtual prototyping, and AI significantly reduce development timelines and material usage. However, he emphasised that human creativity and experience remain essential.
Research and Materials Enable Sustainable Solutions
Sustainability also featured prominently in the discussion. António Braz Costa, Chairman of the Techtextil Innovation Award and General Manager at CITEVE, highlighted the importance of linking research with innovation. He stated that recycling technologies, circular solutions, and advanced materials only gain value when companies apply them at an industrial scale. Trade fairs such as Techtextil and Texprocess help bridge this gap between research and the market.
Innovation Awards Highlight Industry Transformation
The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards bring these developments together under one platform. The awards showcase how technical textiles, nonwovens, and textile processing continue to evolve through AI, new materials, and sustainable production methods. They also underline innovation as a decisive competitive factor for the global textile industry.
Event Dates and Award Announcements
Techtextil and Texprocess will take place from 21 to 24 April 2026 in Frankfurt. The organisers will announce the winners of the Innovation Awards starting 14 April 2026.
