#Industry 4.0 / Digitalization

2023-12-13

Smartex releases its first comprehensive report on "The modern textile factory: Charting the impact of a shifting textile supply chain landscape".

Smartex is at the forefront of transforming the textile industry through the integration of Artificial Intelligence, focusing specifically on achieving zero waste and traceability in Tier 2, the most impactful step of the textile supply chain.

They are part of a larger movement involving dynamic technology companies, forward-thinking factories, pioneering brands, and influential policy-makers all actively addressing challenges within the supply chain.

Currently, we are all witnessing a transformative shift in the textile industry, with a growing focus on commercial focuses (greater speed, more reliable quality & data-led pricing) and sustainability goals. The unregulated era of low-cost dominance is evolving, and the key to this transformation lies in the emergence of the Modern Textile Factory (MTF). Recognizing the power of collaboration, Smartex has established the first focus group dedicated to "The Modern Textile Factory." This global team of experts brings diverse perspectives to reshape the production landscape in response to the urgent need for change. This year, the focus group had four in-depth sessions convened by Smartex, delving into crucial topics that serve as the foundation for this comprehensive report. "The Modern Textile Factory" report is a synthesis of key findings that outline the transformative journey of the textile industry.

Smartex proudly introduces the members of "The Modern Textile Factory" for 2023, a collective force shaping the future of textile production.

As regulations are being set in motion, from restricting excess stock destruction to supply chain product tracking, the MTF is positioned as a critical factor, since textile production accounts for 80% of the industry's environmental impact. The urgency for the supply chain to adapt to new reporting standards and invest in sustainable technology is evident.

At the same time, commercial advantages are emerging for factories that embrace modernization, including the greater speed to market that aid brand revenue & deadstocks, improved quality control for greater factory control of their profits, and the ability to compete globally with data-led pricing strategies. The market is demanding competitive prices, increased speed, better quality, and rock-solid compliance at the same time, necessitating factories to accelerate their modernization efforts.

While challenges such as financing, macro trends susceptibility, and traditional mindsets exist, overcoming them is possible with collective support. Brands play a crucial role in providing financial assistance, technology companies must ensure a clear return on investment, and the industry must spotlight exemplary factories and their success stories. While sustainability is a powerful force, financial incentives are more developed and immediately compelling for factories and brands alike. By showcasing upcoming changes and illustrating the benefits for those adopting modernization, the Modern Textile Factory can emerge as the new standard, bringing about a win-win scenario for all stakeholders.

The report, authored by Max Easton, Global Innovation Director at Smartex, showcases a wealth of insights from this global team of experts. Easton, reflecting on the report, states, "After experiencing firsthand the benefits of collaboration during my time at Fashion for Good, an organization focused on sustainable innovation in textiles, I was excited to continue this at Smartex. The focus group has brought together a wide range of experts to delve into a vital topic: the modernization of the textile chain."

The report addresses critical questions surrounding supply chain modernization, factory data collection, communication systems between brands and their suppliers, and the need to elevate exemplary factories without penalizing their razor-thin margins. Easton expresses gratitude to the ten MTF group members, emphasizing the privilege of discussing their insights, concerns, and hopes. The report organizes key takeaways into a clear narrative, balancing member experience and real-life examples. While acknowledging that the report doesn't have all the answers, Easton believes it presents compelling ideas as economic and logical arguments for change in the textile supply chain.

The full report can be downloaded here:

https://www.smartex.ai/the-modern-textile-factory-report-2023

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Textilfabrik 7.0 launched: Mönchengladbach becomes a real-world lab for sustainable textile production

With the official kick-off event of the Textilfabrik 7.0 (T7), a major transformation project for the German textile and apparel industry has been launched in the Monforts Quarter in Mönchengladbach. At the “Textile Roundtable,” an event format organized by the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier, representatives from industry, research, politics, and the regional economy came together to jointly lay the foundation for CO₂-neutral, circular, and economically viable textile production in Germany.

OnceMore® from Södra brings end-to-end traceability for circular Man-made Cellulosic Fibers (MMCF) using TextileGenesis

OnceMore® from Södra, the world’s first large-scale process for recycling blended fabrics into high‐quality dissolving pulp, will begin using TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, to strengthen traceability from raw material to retail across the value chain. OnceMore® produces dissolving pulp made from blended textile waste and wood sourced from responsibly managed Swedish forests. By integrating TextileGenesis, OnceMore® supports the growing need for verified data and secure, transparent tracking throughout increasingly complex supply chain.

Jeanologia launches Billy

The new AI extracts precise laser designs from a garment image in minutes, transforming how vintage denim is recreated for production. If Jeanologia’s laser changed the way jeans were made at the end of the last century, its AI now takes the next step: moving from reproducing wear to designing it. / archive photo © 2026 Jeanologia

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.