The Innovation Forum

Each season, the Innovation Forum is carefully selected by a jury of experts from universities apparel brands, purchasing teams and fabric technologists from across the industry. Here you can find the Unseen of the industry, the latest innovations.

Munich March 2026

Fabric Innovation

Chia Her

<p><strong>Woven Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Bonded and laminated materials for jackets and pants that combine the features of the second and third layers of functional clothing systems. It is claimed to be used in 80% of all activities. Softshells may be made of woven or knit fabrics, however, the seams may not be taped. Softshells usually have elastic properties.</p>

<p><strong>Quick Dry</strong></p>
<p>Materials that distribute absorbed moisture over a larger area, effectively allowing them to evaporate faster. The quick drying properties can be achieved by the type of fiber, fiber cross section, fabric construction, or treatment.</p>

<p><strong>Stretch</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that are elastic because of their fiber inserts and/or fabric structure. This category is further sub-divided in two or four way stretch (bi- and multi-stretch).</p>

<p><strong>Recycled</strong></p>
<p>Materials, fabrics, fibers, and yarns that are recycled. The raw materials, natural materials, and synthetic materials come from either post-consumer-waste like PET bottles, or from post-industrial-waste such as paper manufacturing, and are then reworked either chemically or mechanically.</p>

Dry-Tex

<p><strong>Woven Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Bonded and laminated materials for jackets and pants that combine the features of the second and third layers of functional clothing systems. It is claimed to be used in 80% of all activities. Softshells may be made of woven or knit fabrics, however, the seams may not be taped. Softshells usually have elastic properties.</p>

<p><strong>Anti-Odor</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics, which are able to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria through the use of biocidal agents due to their fiber qualities or special treatments. Application areas are in the base and midlayer.</p>

<p><strong>Printable</strong></p>
<p>Printable carrier fabrics. The printing method is dependent on the respective base material. Various print methods include digital, transfer, and roll pressure.</p>

<p>Fabric resists water penetration by causing liquid to bead and roll off its surface, while maintaining breathability and comfort, without being fully waterproof; PFC free chemicals need to be used; no coating or lamination needed.</p>

<p><strong>Fluorocarbon-Free Repellant </strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that achieve water repellant properties without the use of harmful per fluorinated chemicals that may pose a risk to health and the environment. This information is of special interest with coated or laminated base materials since they frequently involve working with PFC’s.</p>

<p><strong>Recycled</strong></p>
<p>Materials, fabrics, fibers, and yarns that are recycled. The raw materials, natural materials, and synthetic materials come from either post-consumer-waste like PET bottles, or from post-industrial-waste such as paper manufacturing, and are then reworked either chemically or mechanically.</p>

Hemp Fortex

<p><strong>Garment</strong></p>
<p>Garment makers supply the manufacturing/assembly of clothing. There are specialists for each product category and process, for example, stretch, downs, waterproofing, and knits.</p>

<p><strong>Knit Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Knits are either active or circular knits, with or without nap or pile. Knit is worn in all layers of the clothing systems, for example, as fleece or softshells. Knit products can be produced from all types of materials, whether natural fibres, mix qualities, or synthetic fibres.</p>

<p><strong>Anti-Odor</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics, which are able to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria through the use of biocidal agents due to their fiber qualities or special treatments. Application areas are in the base and midlayer.</p>

<p><strong>Cooling</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that cool the body temperature of the wearer, for example by fiber type, fiber cross section, etc. Can also be achieved by fabric construction or finishes/ treatments.</p>

<p><strong>Stretch</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that are elastic because of their fiber inserts and/or fabric structure. This category is further sub-divided in two or four way stretch (bi- and multi-stretch).</p>

<p><strong>Biodegradable</strong></p>
<p><span>Materials which degrade to carbon dioxide, biomass, hydrogen/water, oxygen and methane with microorganisms over a certain period of time, depending on the surroundings. They can be from natural ressources or man-made.</span></p>

Takisada Nagoya

<p><strong>Woven Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Bonded and laminated materials for jackets and pants that combine the features of the second and third layers of functional clothing systems. It is claimed to be used in 80% of all activities. Softshells may be made of woven or knit fabrics, however, the seams may not be taped. Softshells usually have elastic properties.</p>

<p><strong>Anti-Odor</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics, which are able to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria through the use of biocidal agents due to their fiber qualities or special treatments. Application areas are in the base and midlayer.</p>

<p><strong>Biodegradable</strong></p>
<p><span>Materials which degrade to carbon dioxide, biomass, hydrogen/water, oxygen and methane with microorganisms over a certain period of time, depending on the surroundings. They can be from natural ressources or man-made.</span></p>

<p><strong>Circular product</strong></p>
<p>The life-cycle of a product starts with its concept or design, and is followed by production, sales, use (with or without maintenance to make it more durable / longer in use)... Somewhere along the life cycle of the products, it loses its value for the user and ends up as waste (on an official disposal site or in nature). If the product remains unused, it is called a ‘lose end’ whereas the end can also be a new beginning if the loop is closed. To compost, biodegrade and recycle a material, there are different ways to keep it in use and thereby extend the life-cycle/loop. </p>
<p>In addition to the close loop principle, "Cradle-to-Cradle" is a specific term used to describe clothing in a cycle. Instead of afterwards considering the options of how the material can be recycled at the end of its use, the best composition of the material is considered in advance in order to return it to the closed loop. The materials are thus spared of any unnecessary recycling processes.</p>

<p><strong>CO2 reduced<br /></strong></p>
<p><span>A code dedicated to materials that have reduced CO2 emissions during production.</span></p>

<p><strong>Mono Component</strong></p>
<p>Materials that consist of only one material and can be recycled completely. Membranes, more-layered fabrics as well as accessories need to be mono-component in order to be circular.<span><br /></span></p>

Xefco

<p><strong>Applications · Inlays</strong></p>
<p>Products that cannot be used independently and require a carrier material, such as padding materials, meshes, linings, shock absorption, or trimmings. These also include textile workmanships that combine padding with bonding or padding with quilting, and the special production methods required for such material designs. </p>

<p><strong>Fibres · Yarns · Insulation</strong></p>
<p>Fillers for clothing that allows climate management, i.e., warming or cooling properties. “Insulation + Fibres” indicates synthetic fibres, natural fibers, and blended fibers.</p>

<p><strong>Woven Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Bonded and laminated materials for jackets and pants that combine the features of the second and third layers of functional clothing systems. It is claimed to be used in 80% of all activities. Softshells may be made of woven or knit fabrics, however, the seams may not be taped. Softshells usually have elastic properties.</p>

<p><strong>Thermo-Regulation</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that regulate (cool or warm) the body temperature of the wearer, for example by fiber type, fiber cross section, etc. Can also be achieved by fabric construction or finishes/ treatments.</p>

<p><strong>Waterproof & Breathable</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics and agents for the production of waterproof clothing. The term waterproof implies coated or laminated materials, which can achieve the minimum water column requirements (in mm). Whether a fabric is classified as waterproof depends on the relevant standard. In Europe, the standard is EN-ISO-811, which specifies a minimum value of 1500 mm. The Japanese JIS method demands the attainment of a minimum value of 3000 mm. The height of the water column is application dependent, so higher values are sometimes necessary.</p>
<p>A functional fabric should provide good breathability. This is expressed by the MVTR. The value is given in g/m²/24h – the higher the value, the better the breathability.</p>

<p><strong>Recycled</strong></p>
<p>Materials, fabrics, fibers, and yarns that are recycled. The raw materials, natural materials, and synthetic materials come from either post-consumer-waste like PET bottles, or from post-industrial-waste such as paper manufacturing, and are then reworked either chemically or mechanically.</p>

Xefco

<p><strong>Additionals</strong></p>
<p>Various detailing solutions in textile processing and marketing. For example, special processing and printing techniques, special sewing methods, or even all sorts of packaging, like boxes, displays, or banderoles.</p>

<p><strong>Finishes · Treatments<br /></strong></p>
<p>Producer of chemical finishes and treatments which add functions such as wicking properties, UV cut, anti-bacterial/odor or anti-viral management, a soft touch, etc. to materials. The properties are added into to the yarn or washed into the fabric.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>

<p><strong>Knit Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Knits are either active or circular knits, with or without nap or pile. Knit is worn in all layers of the clothing systems, for example, as fleece or softshells. Knit products can be produced from all types of materials, whether natural fibres, mix qualities, or synthetic fibres.</p>

<p><strong>Printable</strong></p>
<p>Printable carrier fabrics. The printing method is dependent on the respective base material. Various print methods include digital, transfer, and roll pressure.</p>

<p><strong>Stretch</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that are elastic because of their fiber inserts and/or fabric structure. This category is further sub-divided in two or four way stretch (bi- and multi-stretch).</p>

<p><strong>CO2 reduced<br /></strong></p>
<p><span>A code dedicated to materials that have reduced CO2 emissions during production.</span></p>

<p><strong>Natural Fibers</strong></p>
<p>Materials, fabrics, fibers, and yarns that consist 100% out of natural materials like wool, cotton, hemp, coconut, linen, bamboo, sisal, kapok.</p>

<p><strong>Recycled</strong></p>
<p>Materials, fabrics, fibers, and yarns that are recycled. The raw materials, natural materials, and synthetic materials come from either post-consumer-waste like PET bottles, or from post-industrial-waste such as paper manufacturing, and are then reworked either chemically or mechanically.</p>

Yihua Textile

<p><strong>Woven Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Bonded and laminated materials for jackets and pants that combine the features of the second and third layers of functional clothing systems. It is claimed to be used in 80% of all activities. Softshells may be made of woven or knit fabrics, however, the seams may not be taped. Softshells usually have elastic properties.</p>

<p><strong>Heating</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that warm the body temperature of the wearer, for example by fiber type, fiber cross section, etc. Can also be achieved by fabric construction or finishes/ treatments.</p>

<p><strong>Printable</strong></p>
<p>Printable carrier fabrics. The printing method is dependent on the respective base material. Various print methods include digital, transfer, and roll pressure.</p>

<p>Fabric resists water penetration by causing liquid to bead and roll off its surface, while maintaining breathability and comfort, without being fully waterproof; PFC free chemicals need to be used; no coating or lamination needed.</p>

<p><strong>Waterproof & Breathable</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics and agents for the production of waterproof clothing. The term waterproof implies coated or laminated materials, which can achieve the minimum water column requirements (in mm). Whether a fabric is classified as waterproof depends on the relevant standard. In Europe, the standard is EN-ISO-811, which specifies a minimum value of 1500 mm. The Japanese JIS method demands the attainment of a minimum value of 3000 mm. The height of the water column is application dependent, so higher values are sometimes necessary.</p>
<p>A functional fabric should provide good breathability. This is expressed by the MVTR. The value is given in g/m²/24h – the higher the value, the better the breathability.</p>

<p><strong>WINDPROOF</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that have a very high wind resistance. This is measured in air volume over time (CCS).</p>

<p><strong>Recycled</strong></p>
<p>Materials, fabrics, fibers, and yarns that are recycled. The raw materials, natural materials, and synthetic materials come from either post-consumer-waste like PET bottles, or from post-industrial-waste such as paper manufacturing, and are then reworked either chemically or mechanically.</p>

Wu Luen

<p><strong>Garment</strong></p>
<p>Garment makers supply the manufacturing/assembly of clothing. There are specialists for each product category and process, for example, stretch, downs, waterproofing, and knits.</p>

<p><strong>Knit Fabrics<br /></strong></p>
<p>Knits are either active or circular knits, with or without nap or pile. Knit is worn in all layers of the clothing systems, for example, as fleece or softshells. Knit products can be produced from all types of materials, whether natural fibres, mix qualities, or synthetic fibres.</p>

<p><strong>Heating</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that warm the body temperature of the wearer, for example by fiber type, fiber cross section, etc. Can also be achieved by fabric construction or finishes/ treatments.</p>

<p><strong>Natural Fibers</strong></p>
<p>Materials, fabrics, fibers, and yarns that consist 100% out of natural materials like wool, cotton, hemp, coconut, linen, bamboo, sisal, kapok.</p>

Technology Innovation

COVER-SOMEONE

<p><strong>Additionals</strong></p>
<p>Various detailing solutions in textile processing and marketing. For example, special processing and printing techniques, special sewing methods, or even all sorts of packaging, like boxes, displays, or banderoles.</p>

<p><strong>Applications · Inlays</strong></p>
<p>Products that cannot be used independently and require a carrier material, such as padding materials, meshes, linings, shock absorption, or trimmings. These also include textile workmanships that combine padding with bonding or padding with quilting, and the special production methods required for such material designs. </p>

<p><strong>Garment</strong></p>
<p>Garment makers supply the manufacturing/assembly of clothing. There are specialists for each product category and process, for example, stretch, downs, waterproofing, and knits.</p>

<p><strong>DOWNPROOF</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics are appropriate for processing with down and padding because of their structure or coating. Migration of the down fibers is only prevented in these fabrics if the right material is used with the matching down. The manufacturer should be consulted for a processing recommendation. Reference points are provided by the down standards (of special importance are the air permeability of the fabric and the IDFL (International Down and Feather Testing Laboratory) values for materials and fillers).</p>

<p><strong>Thermo-Regulation</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics that regulate (cool or warm) the body temperature of the wearer, for example by fiber type, fiber cross section, etc. Can also be achieved by fabric construction or finishes/ treatments.</p>

<p><strong>CO2 neutral<br /></strong></p>
<p><span>A code referring to the global approach to control and compensate the emissions produced. Emissions are measured, reduced and compensated what cannot be reduced.</span></p>

Polygiene

<p><strong>Finishes · Treatments<br /></strong></p>
<p>Producer of chemical finishes and treatments which add functions such as wicking properties, UV cut, anti-bacterial/odor or anti-viral management, a soft touch, etc. to materials. The properties are added into to the yarn or washed into the fabric.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>

<p><strong>Anti-Odor</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics, which are able to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria through the use of biocidal agents due to their fiber qualities or special treatments. Application areas are in the base and midlayer.</p>

<p><strong>Biodegradable</strong></p>
<p><span>Materials which degrade to carbon dioxide, biomass, hydrogen/water, oxygen and methane with microorganisms over a certain period of time, depending on the surroundings. They can be from natural ressources or man-made.</span></p>

Rudolf

<p><strong>Finishes · Treatments<br /></strong></p>
<p>Producer of chemical finishes and treatments which add functions such as wicking properties, UV cut, anti-bacterial/odor or anti-viral management, a soft touch, etc. to materials. The properties are added into to the yarn or washed into the fabric.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>

<p><strong>Anti-Odor</strong></p>
<p>Fabrics, which are able to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria through the use of biocidal agents due to their fiber qualities or special treatments. Application areas are in the base and midlayer.</p>

All previous Forum items can be found in the marketplace.

Exhibitor List March 2026

Chung Ming Textiles Enterprises Co.,Ltd

GTIG Hubo

Guangdong Billion Union Textile Co Ltd

$F.A.M.I.TEX srl$

Toyota Tsusho Corporation

Diem 2 Ltd.