The programme includes guided hotspot tours to innovative exhibitors, start-up talks and daily student meet-ups designed to foster dialogue across industry and academia. Also present on site will be the IVGT service company TREUTEX, which will present its expanded portfolio in the fields of the environment, energy and product safety.

“Our association brings together over 150 companies across the textile value chain – from raw materials through finishing to technical textiles. We represent their interests vis-à-vis politics, business and institutions at national and European level,” explains Stefan Schmidt from the IVGT.

A key focus is on skills development and transformation: The IVGT is involved in European projects such as Skills4Circularity, which is developing new training programmes for a circular textile industry. Under the IVGT’s leadership, a Europe-wide analysis was carried out, revealing significant skills gaps – particularly in regulatory knowledge, the systemic integration of circular processes, data availability and collaboration along the value chain.

The results also show clear differences depending on company size: whilst large enterprises are primarily confronted with regulatory complexity, small and medium-sized enterprises struggle with resource constraints and economic pressure. Based on this, practical training modules on recycling technologies, eco-design and sustainable production are being developed.

At the trade fair, the IVGT will provide information on initial project results as well as further activities such as workshops, seminars and specialist events on digitalisation, AI and the circular economy. “We warmly invite all interested parties to find out more on site and to come and talk to us,” said Schmidt.