Techtextil & Texprocess close on positive note
Techtextil & Texprocess 2026, the technical textiles and apparel manufacturing shows organised by Messe Frankfurt, attracted some 36,000 visitors this week, with 1,700 companies exhibiting. Growing investment in security, defence and civil protection drove demand for high-performance, standards-compliant textiles and components, the organisers said.
Exhibitors contacted by Sportstextiles confirmed the positive mood, with high quality contacts being made. The Lycra Company, a first-time exhibitor at the show, presented a wide array of sports and workwear related innovations that have stoked interest said Arnaud Ruffin, global head of brands and retail. He cited the new Coolmax CloakFX which masks sweat marks as a smart solution for uniforms for workers in many sectors including hospitality, airline crews, and such. The need to make workwear more comfortable is also driving demand for Lycra T400, which can withstand the rigors of industrial washing and drying. The Lycra Company has introduced what it believes are industry firsts: a dope-dyed high vis Coolmax yarn which has superior colour fastness and a new antistatic Lycra yarn, which incorporates a special carbon additive while offering the comfort of ease of movement. He referred to it is a “disruptive innovation” in a market where comfort has not always been a top priority.
Valencia-based Tejidos Royo also made the trip to Frankfurt to grow its protective textiles division, built on its work in the development of Armalith denim a few years back. In a market that relies heavily on standards, sales manager José Royo said that Royo’s technical division had developed fabrics that are a step better than industry norms. “We have invested in a spinning facility, which gives us an advantage in the development of high-tech yarns that can offer superior performance,” he said citing the very high Martindale test results (350,000 cycles) of its army standard nylon/cotton fabric. “This means it performs like an aramid-based fabric,” he told Sportstextiles.
The event’s dense programme of talks were widely followed and covered a diverse array of topics, touching on potential AI applications, smart textiles, and more sustainable solutions across fibres, chemicals and processes.
“Volatile market developments are driving lasting changes in business models. Connectivity, flexibility and speed are key success factors in this environment. At Techtextil and Texprocess, relevant partners came together to rapidly translate ideas into applications. New materials and innovations on supply chains are decisive competitive advantages,” declared Detlef Braun, member of the board of Messe Frankfurt.
The next European edition of the biennial event will be held in Frankfurt from April 4 to 7, 2028.
