In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Sabine Scharrer, the Director of Brand Management for Technical Textiles & Textile Processing, to delve into the unique features and focal points of two influential exhibitions in the textile and garment manufacturing industries: Techtextil and Texprocess.
1. Can you provide an overview of the unique features and focus areas of Techtextil and Texprocess exhibitions in the textile and garment manufacturing industries?
Techtextil and Texprocess are the leading international trade fairs for technical textiles and nonwovens and the processing of garments as well as textile and flexible materials. They are the key platforms for innovations, textile solutions and networking in the textile industry.
The variety of textile solutions presented at Techtextil is worldwide unique. Visitors experience an extraordinary range of products in twelve application areas for numerous industries – from automotive to fashion, medicine and construction. The latest developments in fibres and yarns, nonwovens, composites, coated textiles, technologies and much more will be presented by exhibitors at Techtextil, often for the first time publicly.
Texprocess is the global platform for exhibitors of the latest machinery, equipment, processes and services for garment manufacturing as well as textile and flexible materials. The spectrum on show ranges from sewing technology and materials, embroidery technology, fastening, CAD/CAM and cutting to recycling technologies and much more.
At both fairs, participants find the latest developments – be it in terms of innovative fibres, functional materials, processing methods, manufacturing processes and much more. Exhibitors present their innovations – often for the first time in public.
2. How have Techtextil and Texprocess evolved over the years, and what factors have contributed to their growth and success?
It’s fantastic that we are celebrating the 20th edition of Techtextil this year. The fact that the trade fair has met the needs of the industry and has been an important partner for so long is amazing. Techtextil has been bringing international industries together at the Frankfurt fairgrounds since 1986.
Today, the show presents a unique variety of application areas and numerous product groups. Texprocess has been part of Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio since 2011 and has been held in parallel with Techtextil ever since. The following figures show why this leads to synergy effects: around 70 per cent of visitors to Techtextil take advantage of the offers at Texprocess as well as around 90 per cent of visitors to Texprocess are also interested in visiting Techtextil.
In 2024, we expect more than 1,600 exhibitors at the two trade fairs. Just as the industry is changing, Techtextil and Texprocess are also evolving over time. We reflect the current market and see new developments in the industry. This is shown in the numerous innovations, new and further developments that are presented here, for example with regard to digitalisation and sustainability.
As a meeting place for the industry, it is important to us to address current issues that are driving the branches and to create opportunities for dialogue. We observe for example, that new, particularly sustainable materials, alternative raw materials and innovative technologies are pushing the international industry forward. Visitors to Techtextil and Texprocess will find inspiration, new solutions, the current state of research and potential partners for their projects through knowledge transfer, dialogue and discussion.
3. What are some notable innovations and technologies that have been showcased in recent editions of Techtextil and Texprocess, and how do they impact the textile industry?
The industries are characterised by an exceptional degree of innovation. To honour this and raise awareness, we recognise the most outstanding innovations with the Techtextil Innovation Award and Texprocess Innovation Award. In 2022, the Techtextil Innovation Award honoured, among others great approaches, the world’s first woven heart valve that does not require a single seam or other joining technique.
This was developed by the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at the Technische Universität Dresden together with medical product manufacturers and heart surgeons from the Cardiovascular Center Würzburg and the Universitätsklinikum Würzburg. The Texprocess Innovation Award 2022 went, among others, to Dürkopp Adler, for the “QONDAC Guided Working” software module, for real-time production management.
In 2024, our renowned jury of industry experts will once again be honouring the best innovations with the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards. It is important for us to recognise those textile innovations and technologies, that provide impulses for the industry and promise market and sales success far beyond the own sector.
4. With global participants and exhibitors, how do these exhibitions foster collaboration and knowledge exchange within the textile sector on an international scale?
With exhibitors from around 50 countries and visitors to be expected from around 90 countries, you can truly talk about a global hub for the industries. Only together, we can realise the great potential of the branches.we promote networking and knowledge transfer with our extensive content programme.
The upcoming editions present new special areas in addition to well-known and high-calibre formats. In addition to the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards, which honour the best innovations, the inspiring Techtextil and Texprocess Forums offer a high-quality, curated programme on current topics with information and exchange with renowned experts from industry and research.
The three Start-up Stars areas ‘Textile Production’ and ‘Functional Materials’ at Techtextil and ‘Textile Processing Technologies’ at Texprocess make it possible to meet and learn more about up-and-coming founders and their products. At the Denim Talks, we focus on the future of jeans production as well as processing, provide information and facilitate dialogue.
5. How do Techtextil and Texprocess address sustainability concerns, and what initiatives have been taken to promote eco-friendly practices in the textile industry?
For us, sustainability and economy go hand in hand. Messe Frankfurt’s global textile trade fairs, the Texpertise Network, are promoting this goal by realigning their sustainable formats with the overarching title “Econogy”, which combines ecology and economy.
The Econogy offer at Techtextil and Texprocess includes the Econogy Finder. The directory lists certified suppliers of sustainable products. This allows visitors to find them directly. The Econogy Talks offer the ideal setting for information and dialogue with experts. In Econogy Tours, experts guide visitors to selected exhibitors with sustainable products at Techtextil.
In addition, the Nature Performance area at Techtextil puts the spotlight on manufacturers of natural and bio-based fibres and materials with functional properties. As a highlight for visitors, the renowned trend and future agency FranklinTill showcases progressive material innovations in the special presentation Future Materials.
Recycling is also gaining in importance due to the growing appreciation and scarcity of resources and has unique development and innovation potential. With the juried special show Recyclable Fibres & Yarns and Recyclable Materials, we are putting the spotlight on sustainable reusable materials and recycling.
6. In what ways do the exhibitions support and benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile and garment manufacturing sectors?
A great part of our exhibitors are small and medium-sized enterprises and they benefit significantly from participating. Techtextil and Texprocess enable these businesses to attract the attention of the global public – from media representatives to potential business partners.
Here the companies make valuable contacts and present their solutions. Participation in the content programme and special areas gives exhibitors an additional platform and even more visibility. For example, the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards, the Econogy Finder and Econogy Tours or a presentation in the special areas such as the Denim Talks or the Nature Performance Area.
7. Are there educational components such as seminars, workshops, or training sessions associated with Techtextil and Texprocess that provide valuable insights and knowledge to industry professionals?
The Techtextil Forum in hall 9.1 and the Texprocess Forum in hall 9.0 are the perfect places for visitors who want to expand their knowledge and find out about the latest research findings, the latest product developments and the most progressive innovations.
We thereby provide a high-quality, curated programme on current topics, knowledge transfer and exchange with renowned experts from industry and research. The spectrum of topics in the Techtextil Forum ranges from bio-based functional materials to intelligent textiles and in the Texprocess Forum from automation to supply chains. The other content programme also offers knowledge opportunities on various topics, such as denim or sustainability. For example, with our Denim Talks, we provide insights into sustainable and forward-looking jeans production, processing and finishing.
8. How Do You evaluate visitors and exhibitors from the MEA region and Turkey?
Visitors and exhibitors from the MEA region and Turkey are of great importance for Techtextil and Texprocess. The regions are an integral part of the textile industry with great potential for development. Techtextil and Texprocess provide them with an attractive platform, where they find new business contacts worldwide. Turkey always ranges among the top 5 visitor countries. Like the MEA region, it is gaining importance with its increasing significance as production hubs.
9. How do the exhibitions adapt to and reflect current industry trends, ensuring that they remain relevant and impactful in the dynamic textile industry?
The industry is constantly evolving. This makes it all the more important for us to showcase the latest developments through our exhibitors at Techtextil and Texprocess and to enable participants to stay up-todate. The shows in Frankfurt are THE place to be to present all relevant innovations – this attraction can be seen at every edition of both shows. We address the current and relevant topics and bring together a wealth of expertise, the latest research results, the newest product developments and progressive innovations, for example in the Techtextil Forum and Texprocess Forum.
10. Looking forward, what are the strategic plans and visions for the future editions of Techtextil and Texprocess, and how do you foresee these exhibitions evolving in response to industry changes?
As the industry develops further, so do Techtextil and Texprocess. We reflect the current market and give an outlook into the future. Future editions of Techtextil and Texprocess will also adapt to the needs of the market and develop accordingly. We are now looking forward to the upcoming editions from 23 to 26 April 2024.
