Industry News
Frankfurt Tradeshow Double: Texprocess & Techtextil Reveal Future Fields
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
In apparel manufacturing, automation is shifting from an optional efficiency tool to a strategic survival factor. Rising labor and energy costs, skilled labor shortages, and geopolitical volatility are accelerating investments in sewing preparation systems and automated cutting and material handling.
AI, from its early role in the sector, enabling nice-to-have add-ons by now bears chances as an intelligent workflow integrator for all production data, integrating design, simulation, and product development toward robotic manufacturing. In this complex overall situation, Texprocess 2026 appears as an essential, overarching platform for decision-makers to prepare for strategic future investments.
A role the tradeshow takes on in times of disruptive transformation, perhaps more than ever since Messe Frankfurt established its concept for the International Trade Fair for the Processing of Textile and Flexible Materials 15 years ago in May 2011, alongside the then long-established Techtextil. Sabine Scharrer, Director, Brand Management, Technical Textiles & Textile Processing at Messe Frankfurt, therefore hits the point when stressing that: “Investment in connected, high-performance, and cost-efficient systems is critical to strengthening long-term competitiveness under current market pressures.”
At Texprocess 2026, held from April 21 to 24 at the Frankfurt/Main exhibition grounds, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will present the latest technologies for textile and apparel processing. Across 15 product groups, the international tradeshow will cover the entire textile processing value chain, from CAD/CAM systems to cutting, sewing, embroidery, and finishing. Messe Frankfurt confirms exhibitors to include established companies such as Bullmer, Brother Internationale Industriemaschinen, Eton Systems, Kai Corporation, Morgan Tecnica, Style3D, Veit, and Zünd. New participants include Amann & Söhne, Coats Group, Melco International, NedGraphics, Ozbilim, Pathfinder Australia, PGM System, and Robotextile. According to the media update at the beginning of March, “the fair highlights what it describes as the world’s most comprehensive range of cutting technologies, with new exhibitors in this segment including Anhui Han-Bond Technology, Comelz, Cutting Edge Automation Machines, and Sheffield Cutting Equipment.”
For the Start-up Stars area
Messe Frankfurt announces the exhibit by emerging tech-developers such as ProMSD – Pusztay, Prodactive Solutions, Qsee.ai, and White Pattern, presenting new solutions and connecting with partners from industry and research.
Techtextil 2026 continues to expand its position.
Techtextil takes place again in conjunction with and in close proximity to Texprocess. From April 21 to 24, more than 1,500 exhibitors from 49 countries will be presenting their products in Frankfurt, according to Messe Frankfurt. Over 120 companies are new to the show.
16 country pavilions, including those from France, Korea, and Switzerland, have been announced. For the first time, the Netherlands and Tunisia will also be represented with their own joint stands. The trade fair is also seeing growth from India, Portugal, and other international markets.
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What to find where: The ground plan for the Frankfurt tradeshow double on processing technology & high-tech textiles in 2026. [Status: February 2026 © images: Messe Frankfurt GmbH]
Sabine Scharrer, Director Brand Management, Technical Textiles & Textile Processing, Messe Frankfurt. “Texprocess shows us the opportunities that new technologies offer to many companies. Investing in fast, connected, and cost-efficient systems enables businesses to future-proof their production.”
Texprocess Forum
Complementing the exhibition with expert presentations and the best-practice case for the upcoming event will cover AI-driven end-to-end ecosystems for fashion production. Furthermore, the topic of scalable pathways toward Industry 4.0 without major capital expenditure shall be addressed.
Of particular relevance to the apparel industry: Performance Apparel Textiles is doubling its floor space. Around 130 exhibitors from 13 countries will be showcasing materials for workwear, protective clothing, and sportswear. Functional end products will be presented live in “Performance Apparels on Stage” for their applications. That product segment will be newly positioned in Hall 9.0 of Techtextil - for short distances and additional networking opportunities.
The Textile Chemicals & Dyes segment will be newly bundled in 2026 with over 30 exhibitors. In addition, the special interest area “Nature Performance” will highlight sustainable material solutions. Techtextil & Texprocess together will feature more than 1,700 exhibitors.
The Textile Chemicals & Dyes segment will be newly bundled in 2026 with over 30 exhibitors. In addition, the special interest area “Nature Performance” will highlight sustainable material solutions. Techtextil & Texprocess together will feature more than 1,700 exhibitors.
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