‘India Will Remain A Key Player In Global Textile Value Chain’

Digitalisation, AI and smart manufacturing are noticeably changing the role of textile trade fairs. Visitors no longer come just to see products, but to immerse themselves in a connected ecosystem, avers Olaf Schmidt, Vice President, Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt
 
How do you view the current state of the global textile and apparel industry, especially in the light of changing consumer expectations and evolving supply chain dynamics?
The industry is currently in a phase of deep change. The markets and supply chains are under a tonne of pressure: geopolitical crises, volatile economies, new legal requirements, high energy costs and inflation cause uncertainty and slow down demand.

Consumer behaviour is changing: people are more conscious and prioritise essentials, investments must pay off, emotional, functional and ethical. Their expectations have gone way up, they want to know where a product comes from, how it was made, and what kind of environmental footprint it leaves behind. They demand for highly personalised products and unique experiences.

AI and digital transformation are adding massive shifts: consumers have more knowledge and tools than ever. On the production side, AI and digital technologies transform the industry, enabling faster design processes, more efficient manufacturing and entirely new forms of innovation across the textile value chain.

What is becoming clear is that we are moving away from a pure efficiency logic towards a new balance of environmental responsibility, resilience and innovative strength. Those who invest in cycles, digital traceability and fair production conditions today are not only ensuring their own competitiveness, they are also strengthening the credibility of their brand.

India has long been an important hub for textiles and apparel. In the light of the recently announced 50% tariff on Indian textiles by the U.S. administration under President Trump, where do you see India positioned within the global textile value chain?
India is one of the world’s leading textile producers. The USA is its most important market. The new tariffs create major challenges, especially compared to countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia with lower duties.

However, we see different opportunities for tackling this situation. India has strong opportunities to stand out. High-tech textiles, technical applications and high-end products can reduce the pressure of pure price competition. Our textile trade fairs within the global Texpertise Network support these developments and connect Indian companies with global markets. India is a key player here.

India is not only relevant for the US. The EU and other regions are becoming increasingly important. With its strengths and adaptability, India will remain a key player in the global textile value chain.

What specific opportunities do Messe Frankfurt’s international textile fairs present for Indian exhibitors and buyers?
Our textile fairs open new doors for Indian companies. The EU is already India’s second biggest market. With events like Heimtextil, Techtextil and Texprocess in Frankfurt, exhibitors can connect not only with Europe, but also with buyers from regions such as the Middle East, Latin America and the UK. Also, with our Texpertise Network and events in various relevant regions worldwide, we enable reaching new markets.

There is also big potential in high-quality and high-tech textiles. Here, India can clearly stand out from competitors. Demand is strong, and we are excited to see what Indian manufacturers will present. We’ll support them in reaching new markets and buyers worldwide.

The Texpertise Network connects more than half a million stakeholders across the textile value chain. What sets this platform apart, and how does it create tangible value for the global textile community?
Yes indeed, our Texpertise Network connects more than half a million textile professionals worldwide and brings the entire textile industry together under one roof. With over 60 international trade fairs in 13 countries, Messe Frankfurt is the global market leader in textile trade shows. What sets Texpertise Network apart is its broad scope: It covers the entire textile value chain from research and development, yarns and fabrics, to fashion, contract manufacturing, home and household textiles, technical textiles, and even processing and cleaning technologies.

With this, our Texpertise Network addresses recent trends and relevant key topics of the industry, shaping business with its worldwide events as the leading platform for the global textile sector.

Messe Frankfurt has been a committed partner of the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network. How do you integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into your global textile events?
For the past 15 years, the Messe Frankfurt Texpertise Network has been helping to accelerate transformation in the textile and fashion industry. Our aim is to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement. With our sustainability programme Texpertise Econogy, we make sustainability visible across our global textile trade fairs.

Since 2024, exhibitors can undergo the Econogy Check, an independent, standardised sustainability assessment. Successful participants are listed in special guides, giving visitors and partners direct access to curated, credible companies. Texpertise Econogy also creates clarity and comparability across our events worldwide and includes knowledge formats on sustainability.

At the same time, we build expertise within our teams, so sustainability is a shared learning journey! All of this is underpinned by Messe Frankfurt’s Code of Conduct, which defines our responsibility for people and the planet and sets clear ethical standards.

In addition, Messe Frankfurt is EMAS-certified and publishes a voluntary Sustainability Activity Report, ahead of any legal requirement.

Could you share some examples of how exhibitors or participants at Messe Frankfurt events are actively embracing circularity, traceability, or other responsible fashion practices?
At our textile trade fairs, we see concrete examples of how sustainability is driving innovation. Companies are showcasing fibres made entirely from wood sources or recycled PET bottles and textile waste. Machine manufacturers are presenting technologies that enable cotton and blended fabrics to be recycled into new fabric streams, a key step towards a circular economy. At the same time, digital solutions are being introduced that enable seamless traceability along the supply chain, for example, through marker technologies or blockchain.

With digitalisation, AI, and smart manufacturing driving transformation, how do you see these technologies reshaping the experience and impact of global textile trade shows?
Digitalisation, AI and smart manufacturing are noticeably changing the role of textile trade fairs. Visitors no longer come just to see products, but to immerse themselves in a connected ecosystem: AI ensures that exhibitors and buyers come together in a much more targeted way, digital tools extend the exchange far beyond the days of the fair and smart manufacturing brings topics such as resource efficiency directly into the exhibition halls. This turns the fair into a place where the transformation of the entire industry can be experienced live.

Looking ahead, what major trends do you foresee dominating the textile and apparel industry over the next 5–10 years, and how is Messe Frankfurt preparing to address them?
Three key developments are emerging for the next five to ten years: Firstly, decarbonization, wherein the industry faces the task of significantly reducing its emissions. Secondly, circular design, i.e. products that are designed for reuse and recycling from the outset. Thirdly, technological integration, where digitalisation, AI and smart manufacturing are reshaping the entire value chain.

For us at Messe Frankfurt, this means creating spaces where these topics become visible and stakeholders can engage in dialogue, from young start-ups and research institutes to global market leaders. At the same time, we are experiencing highly dynamic times in which conditions and requirements are changing rapidly. It is, therefore, crucial to stay very close to developments in the industry, identify needs at an early stage and adapt our offerings flexibly.

As the driving force behind the Texpertise Network, what is your long-term vision for Messe Frankfurt’s role in shaping the future of the global textile industry?
We see our central role in fostering partnerships, knowledge exchange, market access and innovation in line with the industry’s needs. At our international events, we bring together interdisciplinary communities from across the textile value chain. On our platforms, they share insights, build new partnerships, gain access to new markets and drive innovation. One of our aims is to support the global transformation of the textile industry. We drive change toward a successful circular economy aligned with ESG and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Texpertise Network, we act as an enabler, a knowledge partner and a guide – combining sustainability with business opportunities to strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the Indian textile industry as it prepares for Techtextil India 2025, which is expanding with new segments?
We look forward to welcoming you to Techtextil India 2025. Take advantage of this unique platform, especially regarding the current challenges and showcase your strengths. Whether in technical textiles, nonwovens or composites, demonstrate the versatility of your applications.

The new Sporttech Pavilion and ReCycle Zone provide additional opportunities for thematic networking and collaboration. Exchange ideas and find new customers. Your products are important for the international textile market. Show your strengths and explore new opportunities. We look forward to seeing you there!