Techtextil says natural materials gaining ground
Functional natural materials will be increasingly important at the next edition of trade fair Techtextil, according to organisers, following the success of a Nature Performance area at the April show.
Canadian start-up Vegeto presented a degradable thermal insulation based on milkweed, biopolymer fibres made from corn starch and kapok. A jacket with a non-woven inner lining based on the new milkweed insulation attracted a lot of attention. “People were amazed a plant-based insulating material of this quality exists,” said Vegeto general manager Ghyslain Bouchard.
Anatolian Colors from Turkey showcased natural dyes. “The Nature Performance Area was an excellent platform for us, which fits perfectly with our vision of environmentally friendly and sustainable textile production,” says Sophia Merve Ince, founder of Anatolian Colors. “It was pleasing that a leading fashion brand showed interest in a pilot project with our products for its own collection.”
Swiss start-up OceanSafe presented a polyester material that, according to the company, is as durable, functional and scalable as conventional polyester but is also said to be biodegradable. “The feedback was amazing,” said CMO Matthias Fuchs. “We had significantly more visitors than expected.”
The increasing usage of natural fibres in the textile industry was also the central theme of the Discover Natural Fibres Initiative at Techtextil. The international alliance of over 40 associations, organisations, natural fibre manufacturers and research institutes aims to raise awareness of the importance of natural fibres and promote their application.
Sabine Scharrer, director of brand management of technical textiles at show organiser Messe Frankfurt, said: "The industry is ready to provide a range of functional textiles on a natural basis. In April, more than 15% of exhibitors showed natural fibres and materials. Due to the high demand and ongoing developments, we expect an even larger range of natural performance materials at the next Techtextil.”
Techtextil 2026 will be held from 21 to 24 Aprilt in Frankfurt, Germany.
