Messe Frankfurt Unveils Five Key Priorities For A Sustainable Textile Future

Messe Frankfurt is placing sustainability in sharp focus at its international textile trade fairs with the launch of “Texpertise Econogy Insights” – a new initiative spotlighting five core issues driving the industry’s transformation. These themes, rooted in data from the Texpertise Econogy sustainability checks and insights from global experts, address the pressing need for sustainable practices across the complex textile value chain.

The global textile industry produces waste equivalent to 370,000 fully-loaded Airbus aircraft annually, yet recycles only one per cent of it. With 99.7% of the industry comprising micro, small, and medium enterprises, navigating sustainability remains a significant challenge. The newly published report, “Texpertise Econogy Insights – Five Central Developments for a More Sustainable Textile Industry”, captures the industry’s current state and outlines the hurdles and drivers shaping its sustainable transition.

“Transformation requires collaboration,” said Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt. “Our international trade fairs are becoming key hubs for driving change. Through the Texpertise Econogy programme, we are enabling progress, fostering innovation, and connecting pioneers in sustainability.”

The Five Core Themes Driving Change:
Messe Frankfurt, in collaboration with leading experts from academia, business, and trade associations, has identified five central themes for industry transformation:

• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as benchmarks for responsible business conduct.
• Transparency and Traceability across global supply chains.
• Comparative Impact of Fibre Types – natural, synthetic, and regenerated – on functionality and the environment.
• Environmentally Responsible Process Standards to promote green manufacturing.
• Innovative Approaches to Textile Recycling, including circular models and upcycling.

Contributors to the report include Aalto University, Euratex, Fashion for Good, Hohenstein Group, IKEA, IVGT, OBB, STFI, the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, VDMA, the German Association of Home Textiles Manufacturers, and the Wuppertal Institute.

Insights from the Texpertise Econogy Check
These key insights are based on the results of the Texpertise Econogy Check, a tool for evaluating exhibiting companies against international sustainability benchmarks across Supply Chain, Materials & Processes, and Strategy & Innovation. Between January 2024 and January 2025, 820 companies across 17 global events in Germany, France, the USA, and China completed the check.