Many New Developments at Heimtextil 2024

In the course of necessary transformative processes across all industry segments, the term 'trend' is experiencing a redefinition—moving away from trends as drivers towards transformation as the driving force. It is no longer about adjusting superficial attributes; the focus is now on the need for systemic change on a large scale.

Analyzed and curated by SPOTT trends & business, the megatrend "New Sensitivity" represents a careful and reflective approach to the resources of our planet, bringing together various concepts for progressive textile innovation.

It is necessary to establish a new sensitivity in dealing with textiles and to consider the impact of the entire process and the possibilities of long-term use right from the beginning of product development.

In the sourcing sector, three directions towards a more sensitive world of textiles are emerging: plant-based manufacturing, supporting textile cycles through technology, and biotechnological use of natural ingredients. The subtle yet dynamic color range for the upcoming season is based on dyeing methods with natural pigments and new dyeing processes using biotechnology.

Under the title "Econogy," the sustainability activities of the Texpertise Network of Messe Frankfurt are being realigned for a comprehensive and uniform orientation because Econogy standardizes the evaluation criteria for all textile events of Messe Frankfurt regarding sustainability. The term combines economy and ecology, emphasizing that sustainability should be an integral part of all entrepreneurial thinking and action.

The Econogy Finder helps visitors find certified providers; the Econogy Hub brings together seal providers and certifiers; and Econogy Tours and Econogy Talks offer opportunities for exchange, knowledge transfer, and training through various formats on latest sustainable innovations.

How are regenerative textiles and materials defined? Regenerative design is dedicated to developing holistic creative practices that restore or renew resources, have a positive impact on the environment, and help communities thrive. For Heimtextil 2024, design futures consultancy FranklinTill curates a global showcase of cutting-edge textiles and materials to illustrate the principles of regenerative design and acknowledge pioneering designers, producers, and manufacturers at the forefront of regenerative design. 

Once again, Interior.Architecture.Hospitality invites audiences from interior design, architecture, planning, hospitality, and furnishing into the complex world of contract textiles, which are gaining increasing importance in contemporary furnishing efforts. Smart fabrics and new technologies enable interior design solutions for the contract business that are as attractive as they are highly functional and durable. In the areas of hospitality, gastronomy, and public institutions of all kinds, attributes like fire-resistant, sound-absorbing, lightfast, antimicrobial, dirt-repellent, and abrasion-resistant are more significant than ever.

The product portfolio extends across the entire fair and culminates with the Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY in Hall 4.0, where functional textiles selected by a professional jury are presented. The spectrum is complemented by curator-led LIBRARY TOURS that provide deeper insights.

World-Architects, in collaboration with Messe Frankfurt, also organizes three TOURS with Miriam Giordano (IT), Yordanka Rotta (EN), Prof. Veronika Aumann (DE) and two TALKS & TOURS with Dr. Regina Dahmen-Ingenhoven (DE) and Christina Biasi-von Berg (EN). The guided tours are aimed at audiences from the fields of architecture, interior design, and textile design, highlighting noteworthy exhibitors across all sections. The TOURS each last 1.0 – 1.5 hours and start at the Welcome Desk in Hall 4.0, Stand B81, where the TALKS will also take place. 

Visitors can also look forward to a promising addition to the trade fair's product segments: Carpets & Rugs. Previously, carpets, traditionally an integral part of the trade fair, were included in other sections, but now, at the explicit request of many participants, they are exclusively presented in Hall 5.1. The broad spectrum of around 100 exhibitors includes high-quality handcrafted carpets, machine-produced woven carpets, as well as functional floorings, mats, or runners.

Innovative printing techniques and inspiring decors invite visitors to also visit Hall 3, which offers a colorful array of wallpapers and wall decors.

Last but not least, the topic of "healthy and regenerative sleep" remains at the center of attention due to its importance for an increasingly exhausted society. Smart Bedding is presented with new diversity in Hall 11.0, where the Heimtextil Conference: "Sleep & More", which is relevant for the specialist bed trade, invites visitors to exchange information over four days. International sleep experts give lectures on topics ranging from sleep myths, tracking technologies and sustainable materials to bedding that improves the quality of sleep at home and in hotels. Here, too, digital possibilities combine with the importance and necessity of using components and raw materials of natural origin—once again symbolizing the overarching and pioneering topics that will impact research across all instances now and in the future.