SPESA in Frankfurt: Highlights from Texprocess and Techtextil 2026

SPESA Speaks

SPESA in Frankfurt: Highlights from Texprocess and Techtextil 2026

This time two weeks ago, our SPESA team was wandering through the packed halls of Texprocess in Frankfurt. We were talking to our members, catching up with industry friends, meeting some cool new people, and learning a bit about the current industry climate across Europe.

It was a busy few days, but we left Germany feeling energized and with a renewed focus on how we can build a stronger and more resilient sewn products industry in the Western Hemisphere. Here are a few of the key highlights and takeaways from our trip. 

The Business Summit

One day prior to Texprocess and Techtextil, we had the opportunity to attend the first-ever VDMA TFL Business Summit, jointly organized by VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies (TFL) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF). The summit opened with remarks from Guenter Veit, SPESA member and Chairman of VDMA TFL, and Stefano Festa Marzotto, President of IAF, who helped set the tone for a day focused on the future of the global textile and apparel sectors. Industry leaders from across Europe — and a few rowdy Americans, ourselves included — were given the opportunity to discuss the forces reshaping the industry, including automation, digitalization, sustainability, and shifting global trade structures.

One of the key highlights of the summit was a presentation by Anton Schumann of Gherzi Organisation titled “Threads of the Future — How Automation and Digitalisation Will Reinvent Textile Processing by 2035.” The research, which was conducted by Gherzi, reinforced many of the conversations that happened during our time in Frankfurt, particularly around how manufacturers and brands must become more agile, connected, and technologically-integrated to navigate growing uncertainty and increasingly complex supply chains. Additional panel discussions further emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and practical problem-solving as the industry continues to evolve. 

Sound familiar? These conversations align closely with what we covered in SPESA’s 2026 State of the Union. You can read that here. 

The Show Floor 

Conversations from the Business Summit carried to the show floor at Texprocess and Techtextil, where more than 1,700 exhibitors from 54 countries gathered to showcase innovations spanning the entire textile supply chain. In an interview with Just Style, Messe Frankfurt Executive Board Member Detlef Braun described the week as a “firework of innovation.” Across the show floor, attendees explored everything from advanced recycling technologies and next-generation materials to AI-supported manufacturing systems, robotics, smart textiles, and digital production solutions designed to help companies respond more quickly to market shifts and operational challenges.

The conversations throughout the week also reflected the realities of today’s global economy, from geopolitical tensions and shifting trade relationships to energy costs and volatile transportation routes. Both exhibitors and attendees from across Texprocess and Techtextil seemed to agree that waiting for stability or certainty was no longer an option. Rather, people and businesses were seeking ways to become more agile, resilient, and responsive to change, while also prioritizing collaboration across the value chain.

The Innovators  

One of the most exciting aspects of participating in Texprocess was seeing how innovation was moving from concept to implementation, and how those advancements were being recognized and celebrated. The Messe Frankfurt GmbH team did a great job showcasing that work through its Texprocess Innovation Awards and Start-up Stars. 

The Texprocess Innovation Awards recognized advancements across areas including automation, digitalization, sustainability, AI integration, and smart production technologies.

Our team was especially thrilled to see several familiar names recognized among the winners. AMANN Group, whose U.S.-based AMANN USA is a valued SPESA member, was recognized for its continued leadership in sewing and embroidery thread innovation, particularly around advanced, high-performance solutions supporting the next generation of textile manufacturing. 

Additionally, Mind Technology — a partner of SPESA member Zünd Systemtechnik AG and its North American division, Zund America — was also acknowledged as a collaborator on one of the award-winning projects in the “Digitalisation + AI” category. The winning project, led by the Portuguese technology center CITEVE, focused on an AI-powered robotic production cell designed to automate the handling and sewing of flexible textile materials. 

CITEVE’s award, plus many other recognitions, served as another reminder that the future of the industry is being built through collaboration between technology providers, manufacturers, and industry partners.

In addition to the Innovation Awards, Texprocess also featured on its floor a section for “The Start-up Stars.” This space was designed specifically to introduce emerging companies bringing fresh ideas and technologies to market. Within this area, and across the show floor, there was a noticeable emphasis on scalable solutions that reinforced the move from concept to implementation that we referenced prior. 

The People 

Oh, the people. There is something energizing about gathering with thousands of people from across the globe who are all working toward the same goal: building a stronger, smarter, and more resilient industry.

While we greatly valued the insights and innovations showcased across Texprocess and Techtextil, some of the best moments happened during conversations in our booth, around hightops at after parties, and over dinners with members and industry friends. Those moments served as important reminders that the sewn products industry continues to thrive because of its people.

We were incredibly grateful for the time spent with our partners at VDMA, IAF, and Messe Frankfurt GmbH. Everyone welcomed us with kindness and a shared interest in strengthening collaboration between Europe and the Western Hemisphere.

The Future

Now…on to the next one! 

In just over a year, SPESA and Messe Frankfurt North America will have the opportunity to welcome many of you to Texprocess Americas in Atlanta. We are excited to carry the momentum, collaboration, and innovative spirit of Frankfurt across the Atlantic and continue showcasing the incredible advancements happening throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

We look forward to seeing you there!