The Trend Forum Fabrics

March 2024

Each season, the TREND FORUM is carefully selected by a jury of experts from universities apparel brands, purchasing teams and fabric technologists from across the industry. Check out the 100% sustainable trend fabrics below and the accessories and special stories if you are interested.

 

FOCUS TOPIC

"Beyond bottles - the future of Polyester"

By 2027, the European Commission is expected to introduce minimum quotas for the use of recycled plastic components in new products. These quotas would be mandatory for the plastics processing industry and are likely to be between 15 and 30 percent. The introduction of such quotas will lead to the plastics processing industry having to adapt its production in order to use more recycled plastics. As a result, the demand for high-quality recycled plastic will increase significantly. Since high-quality plastic is currently in very short supply, the increase in demand could lead to a significant rise in prices. As a result, fabric manufacturers need to come up with alternatives to polyester derived from plastic bottles up until now. The focus topic opens up a wide range of opportunities when one considers the various types of polyester that exist: PHA, PHB, PTT, PBT; even polycarbonate. It has also lead to an increased focus on micro-plastics (and the misinformation associated with them). For this year’s Trend Forum, the jury of experts has defined six groups that could represent alternatives to conventional bottle recycling in the future. Among them, new developments in the field of membranes, fibers from mechanical recycling and chemical recycling, bio-based materials, materials from bio-plastics, textiles with carbon capture and other methods. Clear proof of the industry’s capability of switching to renewable materials is a fleece jacket from Vaude in cooperation with the Finnish forestry specialist UPM. Here we see the use of wood-based polyester for the first time. Natural fiber blends or cellulose in addition to textile to textile recycling will play an increasing role. Ultimately, a complete “Beyond Bottles” collection can be created from the aforementioned alternatives.

 

Grand Textile

IBQ

Dry-tex

Paltex

TE YI TEXTILE TRADE CO., LTD

e.dye

Pontetorto

Pontetorto

Hi-Tex

Da Fon

Grandtek

Antex

Singtex

Far Eastern New Century

Polycore Solutions

Shinkong

Yaw Liamy Enterprise Co., Ltd

Apex

Long Advance

Hermosa Textile Co., Ltd.

Far Eastern New Century

IdeaTex

Long Advance

Domiles

Paltex

Grandtek

Grandtek

Hermosa Textile Co., Ltd.

 

Additional fabrics recommended by our jury:

New Wide

Omniteksas

Baselayer

The most important of all categories is more versatile than ever for the spring/summer season 2026. Natural fibers are presented in all their diversity, with cotton, hemp, Tencel, kapok and modal omnipresent for summer. These are complimented by a repertoire of animal fibers, such as wool blends, merino wool in most cases, and no longer applied in its pure form but rather as a recycled variant. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to refibra technology, which involves upcycling a significant proportion of cotton fabric waste, e.g. from the production process of clothing, and then combined with cellulose. The raw material is then processed into new tencel-lyocell fibers. Polypropylene, preferably recycled, is not considered a single-layer, highly functional climate regulating fiber for nothing – not only does the material ensure optimal climate management, but is also odorless, even without the use of chemical additives. Recycled polypropylene is often produced from fishing nets and other post-industrial waste by means of a mechanical recycling process. Great developments are currently taking place in the recycling of waste, including mushrooms, orange peel or pineapple leaves. Interesting body-mapping structures can be seen in the group of polyamides, in some instances from recycled rubber tires, from Econyl, bio-based nylon 6.6, from pre-consumer recycling. Another highlight are polyesters, recycled with organic spandex (Lycra), from mussel shells, from both pre- and post-consumer recycling. Brrr works with Cocona fibers, which when worn, provide a cooling effect. Cocona products offer a natural UVA and UVB protection of at least UPF 25. The activated carbon pores embedded in the fibers create a protective shield between the skin and UV radiation. Technical 3D mesh structures, as well as seamless warp-knits or stormtechs, are present in the group of nylons. The diverse range presented by manufacturers is ideal for technical summer base-layers as well as for performance wear for water sports. The dominant colors for summer are stronger colors such as blue, yellow or green.

Feinjersey

Shun Yuan

TMG Textiles

TMG Textiles

Ekoten

H-One

Schoeller GmbH & Co

Suedwolle Group

Omniteksas

Sidonios

Omniteksas

Texet

Zeynar

Hemp Fortex

Arula GmbH

Arula GmbH

37.5 Technology / Cocona Labs.

Shinkong

brrrº

Carvico

Align

Texxar

Penn Textile Solutions

Textilesfuture Technology (Shandong) Co., Ltd.

Feinjersey

M.i.t.i.

Cifra

Axroma

Midlayer

In focus: Easy mid-layers for summer! The mid-layer category presents itself in a highly technical form in all its diversity. There have surely never been so many great developments in the mid-layer sector and will especially appeal to the younger generation. The classic softshell is celebrating a comeback, also in the fashion segment. Particular eye-catchers are fleeces with jersey backings, cotton jerseys, waffle constructions, uppers made of wool, woven fleeces, high-stretch softshells, along with water-repellent Sherpas. Spacer materials alternate with interlocks, ultra-light tech-fleeces with wovens (some with membranes and fleece backing) and jacquards with classic fleece qualities. Waffle structures can be found alongside new fleece structures, many technical Polartec Alpha variants and alternatives such as French Terries for the popular urban outdoor summer look. The undisputed trends are clearly Alpha qualities (Singtex and Polartec), waffle structures and wovens (wool with Tencel, cotton with recycled polyester, Cocona-wool). Further highlights in this category: Merino wool qualities, bio-based nylons, recycled polyesters, organic nylons, modal and other natural fibers. 

OceanSafe

LMA

A. Sampaio

Suedwolle Group

Pontetorto

H-One

Polartec

Fujian Unitex Technology Co.,Ltd.

Thygesen & Birk

Tessile Fiorentina

Erictex

Thygesen & Birk

AGT

Hyosung

37.5 Technology / Cocona Labs.

Far Eastern New Century

drirelease

Fujian Unitex Technology Co.,Ltd.

Carol

A. Sampaio

Hemetex

Kingwhale

LMA

Sidonios

Daewoong

Polartec

Detailgreat International

H-One

Softshell & Outer Midlayer

By 2027, the European Commission is expected to introduce minimum quotas for the use of recycled plastic components in new products. These quotas would be mandatory for the plastics processing industry and are likely to be between 15 and 30 percent. The introduction of such quotas will lead to the plastics processing industry having to adapt its production in order to use more recycled plastics. As a result, the demand for high-quality recycled plastic will increase significantly. Since high-quality plastic is currently in very short supply, the increase in demand could lead to a significant rise in prices. As a result, fabric manufacturers need to come up with alternatives to polyester derived from plastic bottles up until now. The focus topic opens up a wide range of opportunities when one considers the various types of polyester that exist: PHA, PHB, PTT, PBT; even polycarbonate. It has also lead to an increased focus on micro-plastics (and the misinformation associated with them). For this year’s Trend Forum, the jury of experts has defined six groups that could represent alternatives to conventional bottle recycling in the future. Among them, new developments in the field of membranes, fibers from mechanical recycling and chemical recycling, bio-based materials, materials from bio-plastics, textiles with carbon capture and other methods. Clear proof of the industry’s capability of switching to renewable materials is a fleece jacket from Vaude in cooperation with the Finnish forestry specialist UPM. Here we see the use of wood-based polyester for the first time. Natural fiber blends or cellulose in addition to textile to textile recycling will play an increasing role. Ultimately, a complete “Beyond Bottles” collection can be created from the aforementioned alternatives.

 

BEZSAN TEKSTIL

Ocean Plastics Co., Ltd.

Jessia and Jean

Texet

Singtex

Trueway

Hung's Fortune

ASF

Flying Textile

Evertex

Jessia and Jean

Wisher

Kunshan Sanchuan

Century Eternity

Alto Milanese

MK international

Concordia

Fujian Unitex Technology Co.,Ltd.

Manteco®

Texapel S.p.A.

Lanificio Becagli

Thygesen & Birk

Lanificio Becagli

Dragon Times Accessory

2.5 & 3Layer

In this category too, it is also quite apparent that manufacturers are striving to find feasible and, above all, sustainably produced alternatives to membranes. This is also reflected in its extreme diversity for summer 2026, surprising us with plenty of great new membrane technologies. Various categories were defined in advance: Low-cost TPUs 15/15, mono-component polyester membranes DNR- and solvent-free, hydrophilic PUs as well as microporous PUs (e.g. from Dimpora), the polypropylene group with its own new membrane alternatives such as from Pimi and BenQ, with an electro-spinning process, considered an efficient method for the direct and continuous production of nanofibers. The electro-spinning process is relatively simple and can be applied to produce polymer nanofibers for almost all polymer solutions, melts, emulsions and suspensions with sufficient viscosity. Last but not least, natural fibers – with the trend here clearly moving towards microporous membrane variants (Pimi).  

 

Seojin

TE YI TEXTILE TRADE CO., LTD

Chia Her

Apex

Xpore

FUJIAN SUNTION TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.

FUJIAN SUNTION TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.

Flying Textile

Sympatex

Sympatex

Singtex

Xpore

Century Eternity

Teijin Frontier

Dry-tex

Synnix

ASF

Brookwood

Modestex

dimpora

Kunshan Sanchuan

Huamao

Dry-tex

Flying Textile

WidePlus

Jiangsu Sunfeng

Paltex

Hwa Fune

 

Additional fabrics recommended by our jury:

Flying Textile

Hwa Fune

2Layer

2-LAYER

Innovative approaches to 2-layer concepts are finally making a comeback. This rather large and versatile category includes shell materials such as a polyester shell with polyester membrane, nylons with PU, natural outer materials such as wool or cotton, bio-based nylon membranes and various recycled polyesters. Polyester made from textile waste, fiber-to-fiber yarn, 100 % certified by Sympatex, recycled fabric remnants from Saya, polyester ripstops, hydrophilic fabrics, carbon captures – the list goes on for summer 2026. Mono components are present as carbon capture variants or made from fabric leftovers. Furthermore, Tencel with a bio-based nylon membrane, polypropylene membranes, polyester made from fabric waste, electro-spun or ion-conductive polymer membranes, which all offer great opportunities for high-performance technologies. 

Bristex

ECOSENSOR by AsahiKASEI

Jiangsu Sunfeng

Yesung Textile Co., Ltd.

Tohei Tsusho

Paltex

Li Peng

Achievetex

Gelintex

Everest

Hyperbola

Hermosa Textile Co., Ltd.

Domiles

Carol

Long Advance

Grandetex

Synnix

Flying Tex

MK international

Sunny Special

Manteco®

Zeeberry

Grand Textile

Sympatex

Yuantex

Sunny Special

Concordia

Grandetex

Lightweight & Downproof

From lightweight to heavy – this category highlights various recycled polyamides and nylons. Among them, a woven fabric from Cordura with a magnificent digital print for windstoppers and windbreakers. Recycled polyesters containing marine plastic, CCU yarn, saja fibers, fishing nets, etc… Pulptec from Korea surprises with a windbreaker material made of extremely lightweight, stretchy cotton. The recycled stretch-nylon fiber from Jiangsu Sunfeng offers superior elasticity and durability, boasts environmentally friendly qualities and a light weight, all-round 360-degree comfort and flexibility. Bionic Tech-NuSkin ensures for optimal moisture management and breathability.

Green Threads

Toyota Tsusho

Green Threads

ASF

Plptex

Green Threads

Huamao

Brookwood

Toyota Tsusho

Jiangsu Sunfeng

Unitika

Jiangsu Romrol

Onechang Material

Texet

Concordia

Plptex

Hyosung

Toyota Tsusho

Modestex

Jiangsu Romrol

Onechang Material

Green Threads

Onechang Material

Flying Textile

Erictex

Brookwood

Long Advance

Apex

Shirts

This category showcases a broad mix of summer looks, with different textures providing for innovative, exciting looks. No other category so clearly manages to reflect the range of fabulous, new and sustainable fibers currently available on the market. These include single jerseys, bio-based yarn, recycled polyester qualities made from pineapple leaves, linen-like structures and, of course, various natural fibers. Flat structures, some woven, some with seersucker qualities, set the tone. Fabrics made from old car tires, CO2-neutral, fabric leftovers and Seawool are dominant. These are complimented with natural fibers such as Tencel, Merino, cotton or Cocona.

E. Boselli

Hans Global

Universal Textile Co., Ltd.

Grandetex

Teijin Frontier

MARUI ORIMONO CO., Ltd.

Uniquetex Int. Co., Ltd.

Right Sports Apparels

TE YI TEXTILE TRADE CO., LTD

Achievetex

Hansc & co.

Wisher

brrrº

Daewoong

Daewoong

Uniquetex Int. Co., Ltd.

ECOSENSOR by AsahiKASEI

IdeaTex

Hemp Fortex

Antex

Right Sports Apparels

Chia Her

Hemp Fortex

Hansc & co.

Omniteksas

New Wide

United Berry

TMG Textiles

 

Additional fabrics recommended by our jury:

Antex

FIVEOL TEXTIL SPA

Pants & Tights

In terms of the outdoor sector, good quality fabrics are indispensable, from outdoor hiking to athleisure, performancewear is particularly in demand in this category. This explains why you’ll find many knitted and woven qualities here, as well as natural fibers, jerseys, recycled polyester variants and recycled nylon from nylon chips. There are a striking number of double-weaves present for the summer season. It is commendable that almost only recycled elastane is used exclusively or environmentally friendly alternatives that provide sufficient stretch with the required flexibility. This makes it ideal for blends, jacquards and textiles for body mapping. Many fabrics impress in softer color tones and with their exceptionally soft touch.

 

MARUI ORIMONO CO., Ltd.

Right Sports Apparels

Ekoten

Zeeberry

Tiara

IdeaTex

Hi-Tex

Textilesfuture Technology (Shandong) Co., Ltd.

Tiara

FOV

Dry-tex

Achievetex

e.dye

Dry-tex

Payen- Esf

Irabbit

Unitika

Wu Luen Knitting

MAB

Sitip

LILA

Tex-Ray

Lee Ven Industrial Co., Ltd

Ray-Fabrics

Yu Yuang

M.ar.c

Ashford

Piave

 

Additional fabrics recommended by our jury:

Hemetex

Brugnoli

Function Meets Fashion

This category offers a wide range of diverse fabric qualities for the Summer 2026 season. Along with commercial fabric qualities, natural compositions, including wonderful wool blends, recycled pineapple leaves, hemp, cotton or Tencel provide for the trendy “Natural Look”. Teddy fabrics with technical details, bonded honeycomb optics and an array of exciting new prints, some of them digitally produced, team up with daring color variations reminiscent of the 80s Rollergirl look and suited to the ongoing trendy bomber jacket style.

Hemetex

BEZSAN TEKSTIL

Century Eternity

AYIK textile

Lanificio Becagli

Super Textile

TMG Textiles

Ekoten

FuRui

TAK - Agency & Consulting incorp. LINX Europe

Qtex

Monotex

Hyperbola

Hi-Tex

Yuantex

A. Sampaio

Sidonios

Schoeller GmbH & Co

Carol

Jiangsu Romrol

Hemetex

Evertex

Shinkong

Eclat

Monotex

Flying Tex

Da Fon

BYR (Solucell)

Safety, Health & Durability

The repertoire of fabrics in the Safety, Health & Durability segment has an extremely minimalist look for summer 2026 – resulting in the jury deciding to integrate the “Tents & Bags” category into this segment for the season. In general, the following fabrics stand out: recycled polyamide with recycled elastane, reflective softshell made from recycled fabric waste, beautiful 2-layer qualities made from bio-based nylon, commercial woven and knitted fabrics, firm materials for polo shirts, jackets and uniforms that guarantee impact resistance. Back in the fall, when the category was redefined, there were hardly any fabric qualities that could be used for the tent segment. Once again, the majority of fabrics submitted were suitable for use in bags. These included great examples with waterproof PU coating, fabrics made from undyed post-industrial textile waste. In addition, mono-component fabrics, some also made from fabric waste or derived from raw materials, 3D spacer fabrics, hemp, cotton and polyester.

 

TMG Textiles

Willy Schmitz / Becker Tuche

Willy Schmitz / Becker Tuche

Willy Schmitz / Becker Tuche

MK international

Unitika

IBQ

IBQ

e.dye

Bristex

JRC

JRC

JRC

TMG Textiles

Bags & Tents

The repertoire of fabrics in the Safety, Health & Durability segment has an extremely minimalist look for summer 2026 – resulting in the jury deciding to integrate the “Tents & Bags” category into this segment for the season. In general, the following fabrics stand out: recycled polyamide with recycled elastane, reflective softshell made from recycled fabric waste, beautiful 2-layer qualities made from bio-based nylon, commercial woven and knitted fabrics, firm materials for polo shirts, jackets and uniforms that guarantee impact resistance. Back in the fall, when the category was redefined, there were hardly any fabric qualities that could be used for the tent segment. Once again, the majority of fabrics submitted were suitable for use in bags. These included great examples with waterproof PU coating, fabrics made from undyed post-industrial textile waste. In addition, mono-component fabrics, some also made from fabric waste or derived from raw materials, 3D spacer fabrics, hemp, cotton and polyester.

 

Fulltide

Honmyue

Fulltide

Bristex

Honmyue

Fulltide

Fulltide

Ocean Plastics Co., Ltd.

Trans-Textil

Trans-Textil

Ocean Plastics Co., Ltd.

Taiwan Functional Textiles

Taiwan Functional Textiles

Yaw Liamy Enterprise Co., Ltd

All previous PERFORMANCE FORUM items can be found in the marketplace.


Exhibitor List March 2024