MEMPHIS, Tenn. — January 6, 2026 — Today, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announced that Next Level Apparel, a family-founded leader in supplying premium blank apparel, has joined its program as the newest brand and retailer member.
This membership underscores Next Level Apparel’s unwavering dedication to responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency, further strengthening its commitment to delivering high-quality, ethically produced garments.
Through the program, Next Level Apparel’s cotton sourcing is evaluated against measurable indicators such as soil health, water use, nutrient management, and greenhouse gas emissions. A digitally enabled tracking system provides verified visibility across the supply chain, giving the company insight into cotton sourcing from fiber to finished apparel.
“Responsible sourcing has always been central to Next Level Apparel’s business,” said Brett Bjorkman, CEO at Next Level Apparel. ” By participating in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, we can independently verify the sustainability of the cotton we source and ensure our products reflect our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.”
The Trust Protocol is the voluntary field-level sustainability program and traceability platform for U.S. Cotton. The program drives continuous improvement across key sustainability indicators such as land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy use. The Trust Protocol also provides independently verified data and unmatched transparency through its supply chain, supporting brands and retailers in their journey toward more sustainable sourcing.
“We welcome Next Level Apparel to the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, which will help further strengthen our collective commitment to transparent and sustainable sourcing,” said Gary Adams, President of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “Their proactive stance on responsible sourcing, particularly their focus on U.S. Cotton and supply chain integrity, aligns closely with our mission. This membership will equip Next Level Apparel with the data-driven insights needed to help meet the increasing global demand for sustainably produced cotton in high-performance apparel.”
Next Level Apparel integrates this membership alongside other ethical and operational programs, including Oritain, the Fair Labor Association, and TrusTrace, while thoughtfully designing and producing apparel built to last. This layered approach ensures that every product is made with accountability, operational transparency, and attention to measurable outcomes to uphold high environmental and social standards.
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is the voluntary sustainability program for U.S. cotton growers and a traceability platform for all U.S. Cotton. It brings quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurements to the issue of responsible cotton production and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability areas: land use efficiency, water use efficiency, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, soil conservation, and soil carbon. The Trust Protocol underpins and verifies sustainability progress through sophisticated data collection and independent third-party verification.
BRIDGWATER, England — January 7, 2026 — Nonwovenn, one of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, has been acquired by CorpAcq, the Altrincham-based business acquisitions compounder backed by TDR Capital.
The acquisition also marks the successful exit of BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor.
Founded in 2003 by the current Chairman David Lamb, Nonwovenn manufactures and supplies bespoke technical fabrics for niche markets. The company has a strong focus on harm reduction with its product range including materials for protective clothing and wound treatment. Following an initial multi-million-pound investment in 2016, BGF has supported the business through a period of significant growth.
The company has increased its annual turnover from £19m in 2016 to £46 million in 2025 and has continued its strong growth into 2026. The business has now celebrated 19 consecutive years of profit and is a significant exporter of goods. It is a major employer in Somerset and recently invested a further £1.5 million in research and development to enhance its CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) protective solutions.
David Lamb, Chairman of Nonwovenn, said: “We’re proud to have delivered such consistent growth and strong profitability over two decades, whilst remaining committed to maintaining the highest quality and customer satisfaction across our product lines. Partnering with BGF has been instrumental in maximising our potential – enabling us to strengthen innovation, diversify product lines and expand internationally. We’re excited to build on these strong foundations in our next phase of growth as part of CorpAcq.”
This exit was led for BGF by Paul Oldham and supported by Louis Hall from BGF’s Bristol team, with Alantra providing CF advice to the Nonwovenn shareholders.
Paul Oldham, BGF, said: “Nonwovenn has gone from strength to strength since our initial investment in 2016, reflected in the outstanding returns delivered for BGF. This impressive management team has built a loyal customer base by providing consistently high levels of service and product development. Our nine-year partnership with the business has been hugely enjoyable and successful and I look forward to seeing how the team builds on their success with the backing of CorpAcq.”
Stuart Kissen, Head of Acquisitions at CorpAcq, added: “Nonwovenn is an outstanding business with a leading market position, strong growth prospects and a highly experienced management team. We see significant opportunity in the fabric technology space and are looking forward to establishing a long-term partnership with David and his team as Nonwovenn enters the next stage of its development.”
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 7, 2026 — Knitted fabrics are the all-rounders among home textiles. They can be designed in many different ways and are used in mattresses, blankets and pillows as well as in terry towelling, curtains and upholstery fabrics to create trendy designs, constantly new products and good business.
Stay cool – with silk-like blankets at bargain prices
The latest innovations include super-soft blankets with the high-quality look and feel of silk at the price of conventional mid-range counterparts and which are recommended for hot summer nights. The Q-max of these blankets is 0.24 W/cm². This parameter indicates how quickly a fabric dissipates heat from the skin when in contact with the body. In practice, a value above 0.2 W/cm² clearly indicates a cool feel. *
The cosy bedding is also breathable and easy to care for: it is simple to wash, dries quickly and does not crease.
The extraordinary blanket is based on a carefully designed warp knitted fabric. The textile for the cover around a filling layer consists of bright polyamide and elastane. It was produced on an HKS 2-SE in gauge E 36 using a suitable lapping and has an extremely dense, smooth surface. The compact structure emphasises the gentle sheen of the polyamide and gives it a cool feel. The elastane material ensures suppleness through stretch.
In addition to performance, this solution is also economical. The original bedding can be produced highly efficiently on the HKS 2-SE– a high-speed machine specialized in the production of elastic articles. Thanks to KARL MAYER’s expertise, the machine can be adapted to the requirements for the production of blankets in standard sizes.
Corduroy reinvented: from classic stripes to turtle velvet
Warp knitted corduroy innovations are particularly exciting for home textile manufacturers. The distinctive ribbed structures are making a comeback – not only in fashion, but also in cushions, blankets and furniture covers. They are created by the interplay of threading and equal-length underlaps, which are cut and brushed after warp knitting.
This allows classic striped corduroy to be produced, as well as variants with different rib widths – through different threadings and underlap lengths – or faux fur effects for cosy blankets – through particularly long underlaps. The design of the underlap areas also offers scope for creativity, for example for corduroy patterns in turtle velvet style. For this design, reminiscent of a turtle shell, the underlaps are formed into square segments and arranged offset from each other along the sides.
The HKS 3-M is particularly suitable for the flexible and efficient production of these corduroy articles. This high-performance warp knitting machine is one of the most flexible in the KARL MAYER product portfolio. It also produces velour and cuddly blankets, terry toweling and cleaning articles, as well as textiles for automotive interiors, sports and outerwear, mosquito nets, shoe fabrics and coating carriers.
New curtain collection: Stripes with speed
A new curtain collection from KARL MAYER with fancy stripe patterns demonstrates the potential of Warp Knits for window decoration. The articles of the series were produced on a TM WEFT in gauge E 24 and feature striped segments of varying widths and densities. The variation is made possible by the choice of weft repeat and stitch density. The use of effect yarns provides even more design flexibility.
The production of the curtains is unbeatably efficient. Following an upgrade in 2024, the weft-insertion warp knitting machine is 20% faster than the previous version – a performance that is prompting many weavers to rethink their approach in order to reduce machine and personnel requirements.
Do you have any questions about the possibilities of warp knitting in the home textiles sector? Take advantage of your visit to Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main to make a detour to KARL MAYER in Obertshausen, just a 20-minute drive from the exhibition centre.
Here, experienced specialists are available for discussions and selected best-selling machines are on hand for performance demonstrations. On display are an HKS 2-SE PLUS with extended pattern options, an HKS 3-M EL PLUS for net-like articles – including square marquisette and shoe fabrics – and a TM 3 as a flexible all-rounder with an optimised price-performance ratio.
LAS VEGAS — January 7, 2026 — PureStar, a national hospitality laundry services provider in the United States, recently announced its acquisition of Emerald Textiles, a West Coast linen services provider to the healthcare industry. The combination of PureStar and Emerald creates one of the top commercial laundry services providers in the U.S. with a scaled, diversified platform serving both the hospitality and healthcare end markets.
Emerald Textiles is a leading healthcare laundry provider on the West Coast operating 12 facilities and three depots. As the second-largest healthcare provider nationwide, Emerald’s network of state-of-the-art facilities provides mission-critical linen services to hospitals and healthcare systems across the West Coast. Emerald has built a strong reputation for service quality, reliability, and compliance in highly regulated healthcare environments.
PureStar is a national commercial laundry provider for the hospitality market in the US with more than 100 years of combined service experience across 41 nationwide facilities and 15 regional brands. With the acquisition of Emerald, PureStar significantly expands its platform, adding healthcare as a core vertical alongside hospitality and establishing a uniquely diversified commercial laundry provider with national scale. Together, PureStar and Emerald will operate one of the largest networks of commercial laundry facilities in the country with enhanced geographic coverage, operational redundancy, and capacity to support long-term customer growth.
“Emerald has built an exceptional platform, and we are excited to bring their capabilities in healthcare laundry services to the PureStar platform,” said Brian Herington, CEO of PureStar. “This investment bolsters both PureStar and Emerald by adding additional depth of experience and best practices. The combination will also enable continued investment in our people, facilities, and systems across our national network.”
“We are proud of the business we have built at Emerald and the trust we’ve earned from our healthcare customers,” said Andy Kratky, CEO of Emerald Textiles. “Joining PureStar’s nationwide portfolio of brands and facilities provides us with the scale and resources to continue to grow with, and provide top-tier service to, our healthcare customers in both existing and new geographies.”
“This transaction represents an important milestone in our strategy to build a scaled, diversified essential services platform,” said Emily Pollack, Partner at Cornell Capital, which backs PureStar. “Emerald is a best-in-class operator with a strong management team and a culture that aligns well with PureStar’s. By bringing together leading hospitality and healthcare laundry platforms, we are creating a differentiated market leader with long-term growth opportunities.”
Jefferies LLC served as buy-side financial advisor and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal counsel to PureStar and Cornell Capital. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
WARSAW — January 7, 2026 — Harper Hygienics introduces Kindii Water Care, a new line of baby wipes created to meet the needs of the most sensitive skin from the very first day of life. Kindii Water Care is designed with simplicity, safety, and gentleness in mind, combining a minimalist formula with carefully selected, skin-friendly materials.
Kindii Water Care wipes are made with 99.9% water and contain only three ingredients, including grapefruit extract, known for its natural preservative properties. The fragrance-free formula gently cleanses delicate baby skin without irritation and is dermatologically tested, making it suitable for newborns and infants.
The wipes are produced from 100% natural viscose fibers derived from plant-based cellulose, in line with the brand’s commitment to responsible care. They are fully biodegradable, free from microplastics, and designed to naturally decompose, helping reduce environmental impact and support more sustainable everyday choices.
With Kindii Water Care, the brand reinforces its philosophy that less is more – offering parents a product that provides effective hygiene, exceptional gentleness, and peace of mind, while remaining mindful of the planet.
CARY, N.C. — January 7, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with AFS, the American Filtration and Separations Society, announces the call for presentations for the Advances in Filtration Conference, to be held October 28–29, 2026, as part of FiltXPO™ 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Filtration professionals from industry, academia, and research institutions are invited to submit abstracts highlighting original research, emerging technologies, and practical advancements shaping the future of filtration. The two-day conference provides a focused forum for technical exchange and cross-sector collaboration.
Abstract Submissions Now Open
Abstracts may be submitted through the AFS website: https://sla.yt/e/afs-filtxpo26
Conference Focus Areas
Submissions are encouraged in the following topic areas:
Artificial Intelligence in Filtration and Data Center Applications
e-Mobility and Battery Technologies
Nonwoven Media for Water Treatment and PFAS Filtration
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations in Filtration
Presentation Formats
The conference will include both oral presentations and technical posters. All submissions will be peer-reviewed by the Conference Planning Committee, which will assign presentation formats based on content and program balance. Oral and poster presentations are regarded as equally important components of the technical program.
Technical Posters
Building on the strong participation and engagement seen at FiltXPO 2025, the 2026 conference will again feature technical posters, providing an opportunity for subject matter experts, research institutes, and emerging researchers to share detailed findings and innovative concepts.
How to Participate
To submit an abstract and review submission guidelines, visit: https://sla.yt/e/afs-filtxpo26
Submission Deadline
Abstracts must be received by April 3, 2026. All submissions will undergo a peer-review process conducted by the Conference Planning Committee.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact: Deanna Lovell – conference@inda.org
FiltXPO™
FiltXPO™ is the largest filtration conference and exhibition in the Americas and is organized by INDA. The event brings together filtration professionals from around the world to share technical knowledge, explore innovations, and exchange market insights through a comprehensive conference program and exhibition. In collaboration with AFS, whose long-standing expertise in filtration education and research strengthens the technical content, the Advances in Filtration Conference will feature plenary presentations, panel discussions, and in-depth sessions addressing current and emerging filtration challenges.
Posted: January 7, 2026
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
MANCHESTER, UK — January 6, 2026 — Members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) can look back on 2025 as a year marked by notable technological advances and continued progress in global trade, despite an uncertain and volatile market.
BTMA CEO Jason Kent
“Our members have been very active over the past 12 months and this has resulted in new technologies for the production of technical fibres and fabrics, the introduction of AI and machine learning into process control systems and significant advances in materials testing,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent.
“There’s real excitement about what can be achieved in 2026 as we look ahead to upcoming exhibitions such as JEC Composites in Paris in March and Techtextil in Frankfurt in April.”
Composites momentum
Cygnet Texkimp, for example, has been nominated for a 2026 JEC Innovation Award for its collaboration with McLaren Automotive on the ART rapid tape-deposition system. Capable of depositing dry fibre tapes at up to 2.5 metres per second with exceptional precision, ART reduces scrap, shortens cycle times and delivers structural improvements already being realised across McLaren’s composite-intensive vehicle platforms.
Cygnet Texkimp’s ART rapid tape-deposition system is employed in the production of components for supercar such as the McLaren W1.
Cygnet is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of prepreg production machinery, alongside a broad portfolio of handling and converting systems for the composites industry.
In addition, the company is licensed to design and build the DEECOM® composite recycling system developed by fellow BTMA member Longworth Sustainable Recycling Technologies. DEECOM® is a zero-emission, low-carbon pressolysis solution that uses pressure and steam to reclaim fibres and resin polymers from production waste and end-of-life composites.
Other BTMA members supporting the composites sector include Emerson & Renwick, which applies deep expertise in print, forming, vacuum and coating technologies to carbon fibre processing, while Airbond is a pioneer in pneumatic yarn splicing for high-value carbon and aramid fibres. Slack & Parr meanwhile supplies high-accuracy gear metering pumps across the manmade fibre market, where they process a wide range of polymers and fibres with uniformity and consistency.
Gel spinning
Further resource savings in high-end fibre processing have been realised by Fibre Extrusion Technology through the introduction of a new process for manufacturing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The company’s patented solvent extraction system exploits supercritical carbon dioxide.
“Current UHMWPE systems are huge in scale and extremely complex,” says FET R&D Manager Jonny Hunter. “That makes the supply chain inflexible and limits new product development. These disadvantages have been addressed in our new FET-500 series lab and small-scale gel spinning system.”
Quality assurance
2025 saw data-driven developments from BTMA members including James Heal, Roaches International, Shelton and Virivide.
Alongside materials innovation, BTMA members are also reshaping quality assurance via digitalisation and data-driven manufacturing. Shelton Vision has significantly advanced automated fabric inspection with the latest generation of its WebSpector system. Using patent-pending image processing techniques, WebSpector now enables reliable real-time defect detection on complex patterned fabrics, including those subject to distortion, shear or stretch during processing.
Building on its leadership in plain fabric inspection, the Shelton system now adapts to intricate designs such as camouflage and delivers clean, stable images that allow full fault detection at high running speeds. While automotive interiors and one-piece woven airbags remain key applications, WebSpector systems are increasingly being supplied to producers of performance wear, fashion, denim, outdoor upholstery, mattress ticking, window dressings and even carbon fibre composites.
Continuous colour
A comparable shift from intermittent checks to continuous monitoring is taking place in colour management through the work of C-Tex. Traditionally reliant on periodic swatches, mills can now apply laboratory-level colour measurement directly in production.
“What we are doing is taking a lab capability and putting it into production,” says Managing Director Rob Ricketts. Working with Shelton, C-Tex has combined inline defect detection with continuous colour variation analysis, enabling both parameters to be assessed simultaneously.
Importantly, this data is now shared across supply chains. When fabrics reach garment, automotive or furniture manufacturers, downstream users know exactly what they are receiving and whether it meets their requirements.
“This visibility is a big breakthrough,” says Ricketts. “It’s well established in automotive, but now it’s coming to textiles too.”
Intuitive testing
Advanced testing remains another cornerstone of BTMA innovation. James Heal has long supplied advanced textile testing systems and its latest Performance Testing collection focuses on speed, simplicity and intuitive operation for parameters such as airflow and water resiliency. Water repellency testing has similarly been improved with the TruRain system which dramatically reduces wastewater and energy consumption.
During 2025, the company also introduced the new Martindale Motion.
The new nine-station instrument with individual lifting heads now offers the flexibility to run each station independently for carrying out different textile tests simultaneously. Once set up, the Martindale Motion can be left running with the sample holders automatically lifting at the required evaluation points, freeing up the operator’s time to do other work without the need to return until the abrasion or pilling test is fully completed, including overnight.
Colour accuracy is addressed by the VeriVide DigiEye system which provides non-contact colour measurement and digital imaging, enabling objective data capture and rapid sharing across organisations. Recent developments include 100% LED illumination, integrated dust filtration, software-controlled lighting geometry and automated image capture, improving both precision and efficiency.
Tactility challenge
The tactile sensation experienced when touching and manipulating fabric is meanwhile a critical aspect of textile evaluation, but to date has been very subjective. One of the biggest challenges faced by designers and manufacturers is in describing and sharing information about fabric aesthetics before manufacturing, or without the costly and time-consuming process of transporting physical samples.
These limitations are being overcome with the new Sentire fabric handle tester from Roaches International.
“No two people will describe how a fabric feels in the same way and the lack of a common language to describe fabric tactility poses communication challenges across the complex global fashion and textile supply chain,” says Roaches International MD Sean O’Neill. “The Sentire has been developed to allow our customers to objectively measure qualities such as softness, smoothness, drape and stiffness and market response during 2025 has been extremely positive.”
Convergence
Bringing these developments together, Jason Kent sees a clear strategic direction emerging.
“Across the BTMA we’re seeing a convergence of advanced machinery, intelligent software and rigorous testing,” he says. “Our members are responding to today’s challenges around efficiency, sustainability and quality, while laying the foundations for a more transparent, data-driven and resilient textile manufacturing sector. Despite market uncertainty, there is genuine confidence about what lies ahead for British textile machinery and its global customers.”
Founded in 1940, the British Textile Machinery Association actively promotes British textile machinery manufacturers and their products to the world. The non-profit organisation acts as a bridge between its members and the increasingly diverse industries within the textile manufacturing sector.
Posted: January 6, 2026
Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)
BEVERLY, MA — January 5, 2026 — KROHNE, a global supplier of measurement solutions for the process industries, is highlighting its latest advancements in electromagnetic flowmeter (magmeter) diagnostics and field verification tools. Building on more than sixty years of magmeter technology, KROHNE’s innovative magmeter diagnostics are setting a new standard in flow measurement with features designed to help customers maximize process reliability, safety, and efficiency.
Electromagnetic flowmeters, or magmeters, have earned a reputation for accuracy and durability in the most challenging flow applications. The integration of advanced microprocessors and sophisticated software has transformed these instruments. Modern magmeters from KROHNE offer comprehensive on-board diagnostics and verification capabilities, enabling users to continuously monitor device and process conditions. This proactive approach ensures that flowmeters operate within specified performance parameters and provides early warning of potential risks such as sensor erosion or material build-up-issues that could otherwise go undetected and impact measurement accuracy.
KROHNE’s magmeter diagnostics provide users with a clear understanding of device health and process status through intuitive reporting and real-time monitoring. Unique diagnostic features include self-check routines for both electronics and sensor hardware, as well as continuous assessment of electrode circuit resistance and process conductivity. These capabilities allow operators to identify and address anomalies before they escalate, supporting predictive maintenance strategies and reducing the likelihood of unplanned downtime.
Field verification tools further enhance operational efficiency by allowing performance checks without the need to remove the instrument from service. This not only minimizes process disruption but also helps maintain compliance with quality and safety standards. By leveraging these advanced tools, process operators can make informed decisions, optimize maintenance schedules, and ensure consistent, high-quality measurement results.
KROHNE’s ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that customers benefit from the latest developments in process instrumentation. With enhanced diagnostics and field verification tools, KROHNE magmeters remain at the forefront of reliable and efficient process measurement, supporting customers in meeting the demands of today’s complex industrial environments.
To watch the recent webinar on this topic from KROHNE, visit:
SINGAPORE — January 5, 2026 — DyStar, a specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, today formally announced that DyStar is now under the full ownership of Zhejiang Longsheng Group, following the conclusive resolution of its shareholders’ dispute. This milestone marks a new chapter of stability, governance clarity, and long-term growth for the Group.
DyStar headquarters reception library
The resolution was achieved through a series of agreements: the Share Buy-Back Agreement dated December 12, 2025, the Framework Agreement dated December 12, 2025, and the Amended and Restated Share Purchase Agreement dated December 13, 2025, which amended the original Share Purchase Agreement dated May 29, 2025.
Under the Share Buy-Back Agreement, a total consideration of USD 688,879,511.69 was paid to acquire the 37.5% shareholding previously owned by KIRI Industries. Of this amount, DyStar contributed USD 426,519,921.56, while Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co., Ltd.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sende International Capital Limited, contributed USD 262,359,590.13.
On December 30, 2025, the transaction was confirmed by the court-appointed receivers, Deloitte & Touche Financial Advisory Services Pte Ltd, with completion and closing effected on the same day.
Following completion, all litigation between the Zhejiang Longsheng and KIRI Industries relating to DyStar’s shareholding has been concluded. The two directors appointed by KIRI have resigned from the DyStar Board of Directors, further consolidating governance and control. DyStar is now 100% wholly owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co., Ltd.
Mr Ruan Weixiang, Chairman, Board of Directors, DyStar Group said, “We are delighted with the successful conclusion of this transaction as it is consistent with Longsheng’s strategic objective of becoming a world class provider of specialty chemical production services. I am confident DyStar’s consolidated profits will be further strengthened as we remain united and work together for a better tomorrow.”
Mr. Xu Yalin, Managing Director and President of DyStar Group commented, “The complete resolution of the shareholders’ dispute marks a pivotal milestone for DyStar. With full ownership and unified governance under the leadership of Zhejiang Longsheng Group, DyStar is well positioned to strengthen its global operations, accelerate innovation, and deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders.”
DyStar Group remains committed to transparency and will continue to engage openly with stakeholders as it embarks on its next phase of growth. The Group looks forward to building stronger partnerships, advancing sustainability initiatives, and delivering enhanced value across its global operations.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — January 5, 2026 — Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the textile industry – from creation and production to pricing, distribution and communication. But how can AI be applied successfully, and where does it truly add value? Heimtextil addresses these questions from 13 to 16 January 2026: The comprehensive programme dedicated to the key future field AI strengthens the global industry and opens up new business opportunities as well as practical applications for design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing. Highlights include the progressive Heimtextil Trends 26/27 by Alcova, the design installation by Patricia Urquiola and the live talk with AI pioneer Tim Fu.
AI accelerates creative processes and reshapes working methods along the entire textile value chain – from design concepts and material visualisations to data migration and everyday workflows, to the implementation of new products and concepts. Heimtextil 2026 makes these developments tangible and brings together renowned experts who demonstrate how AI is used in practice and what potential it offers the industry.
AI from stage to practice
The central knowledge hub is the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0. This is where Heimtextil brings together a forward-looking, business-relevant content programme and translates technological innovation into practical insights for the industry. One of the highlights is the live talk with Tim Fu: the London-based architect and AI pioneer discusses interior design in the age of AI with Simon Keane-Cowell, Editor-in-Chief of Architonic. On the first day of the fair, Anja Bisgaard Gaede (Founder, Spott trends & business aps) talks about workflows, data integration and the textile future shaped by AI. Elisabeth Ramm (Atelier Brückner) shares insights into AI and materials in exhibition design. Using tangible examples, Martin Auerbach (Association of German Home Textiles Manufacturers) explains how AI is used in everyday work and how companies can integrate it profitably into their daily workflows. Sleep expert Markus Kamps moderates dedicated sessions on the megatrend of sleep and technology, featuring numerous guest speakers. At the Talk Spot in Hall 12.0, Architonic hosts a discussion with exhibitor Oriental Weavers on carpets between craftsmanship and global production.
Heimtextil Trends 26/27: AI impulses for design, retail and industry
How can AI-driven design processes be combined with traditional textile craftsmanship? The Heimtextil Trends 26/27 provide answers and orientation for the coming season under the motto “Craft is a verb”. In the Trend Arena in Hall 6.1, the design platform Alcova presents six stylistic directions that explore how high-tech and craftsmanship interact. This interplay becomes visible in a vibrant colour palette, where “glitches”, unexpected digital disruptions, and radical synthetic accents deliberately break through the natural colour spectrum. Daily talks and guided tours with experts translate the trend themes into concrete business insights.
“among-all“: AI-generated design experience by Patricia Urquiola
What happens when we ourselves become part of AI-based creation? Patricia Urquiola explores this question in her installation “among-all” (Hall 3.0). The designer combines futuristic textile elements, sustainable materials and new AI technologies. “among-all” showcases how textiles can function as transformative and intelligent materials and actively involves visitors in the spatial staging. In a live talk on 14 January 2026, the design icon discusses her visionary approach on the Texpertise Stage. Daily guided tours bring the interior design of tomorrow to life.
AI as creative partner for the contract business
With Interior.Architecture.Hospitality, Heimtextil offers decision-makers from interior design, architecture, hospitality and the contract business a customised programme. At the dedicated Talk Spot in Hall 3.1, Mauro Brigham (Founder ncbham) discusses why design is never static. Helen Häkli (Freelance Architect, bdia) shows how AI is used as a creative partner in interior design. Further specialised lectures, including contributions from Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk (JOI-Design) and Robin Hepp (Kids Studio), complement the extensive hospitality programme.
New opportunities for craftsmanship and interior decoration
What AI can deliver in concrete terms for interior decoration and the crafts sector is demonstrated by AI expert Alexander Ligowski on the DecoTeam Stage in Hall 3.0. Using selected examples, he provides hands-on insights into AI-supported interior design – ranging from room and colour concepts to sales support, text generation for social media and the optimisation of quotations.
New Talents Area: perspectives of the next design generation
How is the next generation of designers engaging with AI technology? In 2026, Heimtextil offers fresh insights with the debut of the New Talents Area in Hall 6.1. The curated exhibition presents emerging design talents from around the world and enables direct exchange with international newcomers.
Heimtextil 2026 takes place from 13 to 16 January 2026.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — January 6, 2026 — Today, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announced that Next Level Apparel, a family-founded leader in supplying premium blank apparel, has joined its program as the newest brand and retailer member.
