With around eight months still to go before Techtextil 2015 opens its doors, 80% of the exhibition space occupied in 2013 has already been booked.

The International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens that is set to take place from 4-7 May 2015 is once again heading for new exhibitor and exhibition-space records.

“At present, we have sold 10% more exhibition space than at the same time two years ago. Thus, given the positive situation in the world market, we expect to have four full exhibition halls at Techtextil 2015,” said Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.

Attendance

According to the trade fair’s organisers, Techtextil is growing not only because of its regular exhibitors, many of whom want to enlarge their exhibition stands, but also due to the 15% of registrations coming from companies returning to the fair or taking part for the first time.

This outstanding result is having a positive impact on the new hall, where the majority of exhibitors come from the functional apparel textiles product group. The addition of a fourth day for the fair has also been given a warm reception by exhibitors because it leaves them more time for visiting the concurrent Texprocess trade fair and attending the Techtextil Symposium.

As in the past, the coming Techtextil will also be distinguished by a variety of national pavilions. South Korea, a growing market with a great export potential, will be represented by a joint stand for the first time. Belgium, China, France, India, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and the USA have also confirmed they will be taking part. A British pavilion is also a possibility.

World economy

According to the Confederation of the German Textile and Fashion Industry (Gesamtverband textil+mode), sales of nonwoven products and technical textiles were positive in the first half of 2014.

Good news comes from the European Union: the Euratex association registered an increase of 4% in the production of technical and industrial textiles from January to May 2014 compared to the same period last year. Exports within the EU (+4 %) and exports to non EU-countries (+7%) rose, whereby Belgium and Great Britain stood out with double-digit rates of growth.

The economic data from the leading textile nations outside Europe are also positive. The US textile industry reported growth of 5% in 2013 whereby sales of technical textiles are also up. China continues to expect a double-digit rate of growth in terms of sales and the production of technical textiles because domestic demand for automobiles, medical supplies and infrastructure is rising steadily.

www.techtextil.messefrankfurt.com