KARL MAYER said it used Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt to reinforce its position in advanced technical textiles, showcasing innovations spanning smart fabrics, composites, performance apparel and industrial applications, as the German machinery manufacturer seeks to deepen its role in high-value textile segments.
The company reported strong engagement at the four-day trade fair held from April 21 to 24, where it met key international customers and established new contacts across multiple markets. Visitors to the KARL MAYER stand came primarily from Germany, followed by Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France and Portugal, reflecting continued European demand alongside broader international interest in technical textile technologies.
The opening days of the exhibition saw particularly high visitor traffic, with discussions focusing on next-generation textile applications and industrial scaling opportunities. KARL MAYER said the quality of dialogue reflected a shift among parts of the industry toward more application-driven innovation despite a cautious macroeconomic backdrop shaped by geopolitical uncertainty.
Hagen Lotzmann, head of technical textiles at KARL MAYER, said several customers were actively pursuing innovation projects. “Some of our customers are very strongly driving innovation topics forward. With them, we have had very promising discussions on concrete projects, where we can support efficiently through our new Textile Innovation Center,” he said.
The company positioned its portfolio around a broad set of end-use sectors, underlining the growing convergence between textiles and high-performance engineering materials. In aerospace applications, KARL MAYER highlighted its capability to produce fine mesh structures made from specialised materials used in satellite systems, underscoring the increasing role of textiles in precision space technologies.
In defence and protection, the company said its machines are used to produce a wide range of products including camouflage nets, protective underwear, helmet linings and ballistic protection components. The segment continues to be driven by demand for lightweight, durable and multifunctional materials that combine protection with comfort.
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Sustainability and fibre innovation also featured prominently in KARL MAYER’s presentation. The company is working with Austrian fibre producer Lenzing on processing TENCEL™ Lyocell and modal fibres using micro technology on warp knitting machines. The resulting materials are targeted at both apparel and home textile applications, reflecting growing industry demand for lower-impact fibre systems and circular material innovation.
In apparel applications, KARL MAYER highlighted woven-like knitted fabrics designed for corporate and workwear segments. Produced on two- and three-bar tricot machines, the fabrics are engineered to resemble woven textiles while offering improved comfort, wrinkle resistance and ease of care, positioning them as alternatives in functional clothing markets.
The company also introduced developments in footwear textiles, particularly in jacquard double raschel technologies aimed at sports and athleisure shoes. A key highlight was the HKS 3-M EL PLUS machine, designed to process heavier yarns and produce mesh structures with higher efficiency, supporting what KARL MAYER described as a new design phase in performance footwear manufacturing.
Industrial applications remained another core focus area. KARL MAYER emphasised its long-standing role in shade net production, showcasing products manufactured on its new RS 2 NET machine. The system drew significant attention at the fair due to its productivity improvements, with several visitors also evaluating its performance during guided tours at the company’s Textile Innovation Center in Obertshausen.
Construction textiles were also presented as a strategic growth segment, with applications ranging from road construction and slope stabilisation to concrete reinforcement, roofing and plastering systems. The company said its geogrids and warp-knitted structures contribute to faster, more sustainable and more efficient construction processes.
A live demonstration at the fair highlighted functional apparel innovations, including a jacket made from dense sun-protection warp-knitted fabric. According to KARL MAYER, the material offers more than twice the ultraviolet protection of comparable circular knits at the same weight, achieved purely through fabric structure without chemical finishing. The fabric also delivers lightweight comfort, breathability and a cooling effect, underlining growing demand for high-performance textiles in outdoor and sportswear markets.
KARL MAYER said its combined presence at Techtextil 2026 and the opening of its Textile Innovation Center in Obertshausen was intended to strengthen collaboration with customers and accelerate the development of application-driven textile solutions across multiple industries.
