The digital revolution is currently leading to fundamental changes in the manufacture and processing of home textiles. Industry 4.0 and digitalisation are the key buzzwords here, as are individualisation, automation, machine learning, big data, self-organising manufacturing systems and digital printing. At its forthcoming edition, Heimtextil will highlight the opportunities afforded by the current technological upheavals in the industry and present the latest product developments.

"With the expanded area, we are improving order options and the information offer for representatives from the industry. In addition to materials and designs, you will also find the latest technology and corresponding accessories from leading international suppliers here – all in one place," said Olaf Schmidt, vice president textiles & textile technologies at Messe Frankfurt.

The 'Textile Processing' area will have new exhibitors like Demsan Tekstil Makine and Tunca Teknik from Turkey, Joos sewing machines from the US, Monti Antonio from Italy and Neenah Coldenhove and Wybenga from the Netherlands.

Wybenga will present the complete programme of machines for the manufacture of curtains and blinds in Frankfurt. J Zimmer Maschinenbau from Austria and ZSK Strickmaschinen from Germany will also present their new products. According to ZSK, its presence at Heimtextil will focus on the trends towards individualisation and personalisation. In line with this, the latest embroidery machines with more needles will be presented. The higher number of needles should make the workflow more effective. Sales channels will be optimised and online ordering systems and shops better stocked.

Italian Textile Machinery (ACIMIT) will also be represented with a joint stand and will present the technical innovations of its members in the processing sector.

In the 'Digital Print Technology' area, printer manufacturer HP from Germany, Mtex Solutions from Portugal as well as Aleph, Fotoba International, MS Printing Solutions and Sublitex from Italy will be represented.

Valuable information about the latest technology and product development will be provided by the lecture area 'Textile Technology Talks'. For example, the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) will provide information on 'Manufacturing on demand – the future of individual and responsible production'. Industry partners Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University, the German Institutes of Textile and Fibre Research (DITF), the European Association of Screen Printing Equipment Manufacturers (ESMA), the Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI) and the World Textile Information Network (WTiN), will also support the programme as content partners.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)