The 65th edition of FILO, the International Exhibition of Yarns and Fibres, opened on Wednesday at Fiera Milano Rho, positioning itself as a key sourcing platform for high-end natural and blended yarns amid shifting global textile supply chains.
Held on February 11–12 in Hall 5 of the Milan exhibition complex, FILO 2026 brings together more than 100 exhibitors from Italy and international markets, focusing exclusively on premium yarns and fibres for fashion, furnishings and technical textiles.
The biannual trade fair, founded in 1933, has evolved into one of Europe’s most specialized B2B events for yarn manufacturers and textile professionals. Unlike broader textile exhibitions, FILO concentrates on upstream innovation, showcasing developments in cotton, wool, linen, silk and advanced blended fibres, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, traceability and production efficiency.
Organizers said the 2026 edition highlights supply chain integration and responsible manufacturing, reflecting mounting pressure on textile producers to meet environmental standards and transparency requirements from global brands and regulators.
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Discussions during the opening ceremony and industry forums centered on sustainable production processes, responsible chemical management and the growing role of man-made and performance fibres in apparel and technical applications.
This year’s event runs in parallel with Lineapelle at the same venue, creating a broader materials sourcing hub that connects yarn producers, leather suppliers and accessory manufacturers under one roof. Industry observers say the alignment underscores Milan’s role as a strategic European sourcing center and enhances cross-sector collaboration within the fashion and materials value chain.
European buyers attending FILO are increasingly prioritizing certified fibres and innovative blends that balance performance with environmental compliance, as brands seek to adapt to evolving trade policies and consumer demand for sustainable products. Exhibitors are responding with collections that feature organic cotton, recycled content and advanced blends designed to improve durability and reduce environmental impact.
FILO’s tightly curated format, restricted to registered industry professionals, allows focused business negotiations and early visibility into yarn trends that often shape fabric and garment development cycles months ahead.
As global textile sourcing continues to recalibrate in response to trade shifts and sustainability mandates, industry participants say FILO 2026 offers an early indicator of demand patterns in the premium yarn segment and signals where investment and innovation are likely to concentrate in the coming seasons.
