Automation, digitalization and sustainability are shaping the future of textile porcessing

The new study by VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies shows far-reaching structural changes up to 2035, with integrated and digitally networked production systems becoming the decisive factor for competitiveness.

 

 

 

Franfurt, April 21, 2026 - Global textile processing is facing profound structural change. Automation, digital networking and increasing sustainability requirements are permanently changing production structures, value chains and competitive conditions. This is shown by the new market study 'Threads of the Future - How Automation and Digitalization Will Reinvent Textile Processing by 2035', which the VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies Association (VDMA TFL) presented today at a press conference at Texprocess in Frankfurt am Main.
"Future competitiveness will no longer be decided at the level of individual machines, but in integrated, digitally networked production systems," emphasized Elgar Straub, Managing Director VDMA TFL.

Key areas of action and the transition to a networked production system
The study carried out by Gherzi on behalf of the VDMA identifies four strategic priorities for machine and plant manufacturers in textile processing and related sectors. The focus is on strengthening technological sovereignty - European suppliers must master key technologies, interfaces and data standards, particularly in automation architectures, interoperability and cybersecurity. At the same time, sustainability is becoming a competitive factor: regulatory requirements such as the European Green Deal are shifting the focus from pure compliance to measurable performance, for example in terms of energy, water and material efficiency. The study also recommends the establishment of resilient production networks: a comprehensive relocation back to Europe, especially of the clothing industry, is considered unlikely; instead, regionally differentiated, more automated production clusters are emerging, especially in neighboring European regions. Finally, the intelligent combination of man and machine remains central, as full automation is technically and economically limited in many applications; productivity gains are primarily achieved through the interaction of skilled workers, AI and digital assistance systems. A key finding of the study is that machines are increasingly evolving from isolated products to components of networked production systems. Digital platforms and Industry 4.0-based integration, new service and data-based business models as well as key technologies such as robotics, AI-supported quality control and resource-efficient processes will be crucial to success in the future. Companies that combine mechanical expertise with software, data and system expertise will set the standards in the future.

Political framework conditions as a location factor
In addition to technological development paths, the study also sheds light on industrial policy framework conditions. Competitive energy prices, reliable regulation, access to capital and the qualification of skilled workers are increasingly becoming decisive location factors for investments in automated and sustainable textile processing.

Presentation of the study results at Texprocess
The key findings of the study were presented at a press conference at Texprocess 2026. Anton Schumann (Gherzi) presented the analysis and categorized the global developments. VDMA TFL supplemented this with current market data. Member companies ASSYST and Morgan Tecnica provided practical insights into specific technological solutions. The example of ASSYST showed how digital workflows, AI-supported applications and networked process chains make garment production more efficient, flexible and transparent. Morgan Tecnica showed how the transition from forecast-driven mass production to demand-oriented, highly automated production concepts is placing new demands on speed, flexibility and sustainability in cutting technology.

Current economic data from VDMA TFL
The current economic data from VDMA TFL underlines the tense yet heterogeneous market situation: In the period from March 2025 to February 2026, order intake in the Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies sector rose by 8.8% year-on-year in price-adjusted terms, while sales fell by 5.3% in price-adjusted terms in the same period. In a three-month comparison (December 2025 to February 2026), price-adjusted incoming orders were 6.5% lower than in the same period of the previous year, while sales were 13% higher.

VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies is the conceptual sponsor of Texprocess
Texprocess is the leading international trade fair for the processing of textiles and flexible materials. It showcases innovative technologies, solutions and services for cutting, making-up and textile manufacturing processes. Texprocess will take place from April 21 to 24, 2026, parallel to Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main.

The VDMA represents 3500 German and European mechanical and plant engineering companies. The industry stands for innovation, export orientation and medium-sized companies. The companies employ a total of around 3 million people in the EU-27, more than 1.2 million of them in Germany alone. This makes mechanical and plant engineering the largest employer among the capital goods industries, both in the EU-27 and in Germany. It accounts for an estimated sales volume of around 900 billion euros in the European Union. Around 80 percent of the machines sold in the EU come from a production facility in the single market.