The global textile and apparel industry is entering a decisive phase of transformation, with artificial intelligence redefining how products are designed, produced, distributed and sold. AI is enabling new business models, addressing sustainability challenges and helping the industry respond to ongoing skills shortages.
Commercial market analyses estimate that the global AI market within the textile sector could reach approximately USD 21 billion by 2033, nearly ten times its 2023 size. Adoption is already underway: Eurostat reports that 13.5 percent of European industrial companies were using AI in 2024, including a growing number of textile manufacturers.
Against this backdrop, Messe Frankfurt will bring AI-driven innovation into sharper focus under the Texpertise Focus AI umbrella, integrating curated content, exhibitor solutions and expert-led discussions across its international textile and apparel fairs from 2026 onwards.
“The potential applications of artificial intelligence are growing rapidly and are fundamentally changing how we work, produce and trade. This also applies to the textile and apparel industry. As the world’s leading organiser of trade fairs for the sector, we make relevant developments visible and foster global dialogue,” says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. “With Texpertise Focus AI, our events provide orientation for the targeted and responsible use of AI within the industry.”
Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic Focus Area
From 2026, Texpertise Focus AI will enhance the visibility and accessibility of AI-related developments across Messe Frankfurt’s textile trade fairs worldwide. Visitors can expect panel discussions, guided tours, live demonstrations and expert talks, alongside exhibitor-led showcases of AI-powered solutions tailored to different segments of the textile value chain.
The initiative will launch at Heimtextil, held from 13 to 16 January 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, where AI-related programme elements will be clearly identifiable and searchable online under the Texpertise Focus AI theme. A key highlight includes an Architonic Live Talk on 14 January at 3:00 p.m., featuring internationally renowned AI design thought leader Tim Fu. In his session, “Woven intelligence: designing spaces in the era of AI”, Fu will explore how AI can support meaningful collaboration between architecture and interior design, bridging craftsmanship with computational technologies.
Messe Frankfurt plans to roll out Texpertise Focus AI across its global portfolio of textile fairs, adapting the concept to local market needs and regional industry challenges to ensure relevance worldwide.
Driving Efficiency, Sustainability and Workforce Transformation
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing every stage of the textile value chain. In raw-material sourcing, AI supports cultivation, harvesting and recycling through intelligent data analysis and advanced sorting systems. In design and product development, AI accelerates creative workflows and enables simulation of material properties—an approach reflected in immersive installations such as “among all” by Patricia Urquiola at Heimtextil 2026.
Production and logistics also stand to benefit, with AI-driven optimisation improving efficiency, reducing waste and increasing supply-chain transparency. These advancements align closely with the industry’s sustainability goals. Globally, approximately 116 million tonnes of textile fibres are produced each year, yet only one percent of post-consumer textile waste is currently recycled. AI-based forecasting, life-cycle assessment tools and image-recognition systems for textile sorting are seen as critical enablers of a scalable circular economy.
The full spectrum of AI-enabled textile processing technologies will be showcased at Texprocess, scheduled for 21 to 24 April 2026 in Frankfurt am Main.
AI is also reshaping the textile workforce. New roles are emerging in data analytics, digital design and process control, while automation is helping address labour shortages. According to the German Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University, up to 70 percent of standardised production tasks could be automated, creating opportunities for upskilling and more efficient recruitment through AI-supported talent identification.