Card Monroe Signals a New Era for Tufting and Carpet Technologies at ICFE 2026

Exclusive MENA Covering Interviews with Card Monroe (CMC)

The ICFE 2026 exhibition marked a strong comeback for the global carpet and tufting industry, reviving what many industry veterans describe as the sector’s “golden era.” This year’s event attracted a powerful mix of regional and international manufacturers, confirming Istanbul’s growing role as a global hub for soft flooring technologies.

Speaking to MENA Covering during the exhibition, Aly Nagy, official representative of Card Monroe in the Middle East and Africa and president of ATAG Egypt Company, highlighted the quality and relevance of visitors at ICFE 2026.

“ICFE once again feels like the golden times,” Nagy said. “We welcomed many long-standing and high-potential customers, especially from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. The strong focus on carpets and tufting shows that the industry is entering a new phase. When it comes to tufting developments in 2026, CMC is clearly one of the key players shaping the future.”

CMC Showcases Advanced Tufting Technologies

Zach Monroe, Vice President of Global Sales at Card Monroe, emphasized the strategic importance of ICFE for the company, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

“At ICFE Istanbul, we are presenting our latest tufting technologies, covering a wide range of applications—from artificial grass to residential wall-to-wall carpets and carpet tiles,” Monroe explained. “One of our key focuses is advanced machinery for artificial turf, including the integration of logos directly into playing surfaces, as well as high-end residential carpet designs.”

Among the highlights was CMC’s tailored loop technology, which delivers a woven-look aesthetic using tufted production—offering manufacturers greater design flexibility while maintaining industrial efficiency.

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Middle East: A Strategic Growth Market

CMC views the Middle East as a high-priority growth market, driven by increasing demand for advanced carpet technologies.

“We strongly believe in the growth potential of the Middle East,” Monroe noted. “Each year, we see more inquiries from carpet manufacturers requesting quotations and deeper technical discussions. This is a market where we are heavily invested and committed for the long term.”

He also pointed to ICFE’s rising international profile, noting that the exhibition now attracts visitors not only from the Middle East, but also from Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia—a shift that underscores Istanbul’s emergence as a global meeting point for the soft flooring industry.

Patented Color Point Technology Redefines Design Freedom

A key innovation presented by CMC at ICFE 2026 was its patented Color Point technology, a unique solution that enables true multi-color designs and complex cut-and-loop patterns within tufted carpets.

“This is a revolutionary technology,” Monroe said. “It allows carpet designers to tuft virtually anything they can imagine—combining multiple colors, textures, and design elements in a single fabric structure.”

Looking Ahead

Despite ongoing global uncertainties and market fluctuations, CMC remains focused on what it can control: innovation, customer proximity, and technological leadership.

“As the carpet industry continues to evolve, we want to be right alongside it,” Monroe concluded. “ICFE Istanbul plays a critical role in that journey.”