Natural fibres are revolutionizing various industries, merging sustainability with high performance. At Techtextil 2024, the ‘Nature Performance’ area highlighted this growing trend, showcasing how natural materials are becoming essential for sectors like automotive, construction, and fashion.
One standout exhibitor was Canadian start-up Vegeto, which introduced biodegradable thermal insulation made from milkweed and biopolymer fibres derived from corn starch and kapok. Their innovative plant-based jacket lining drew significant attention, impressing visitors with its quality and sustainability.
Turkish company Anatolian Colors presented natural dyes that rival traditional chemical dyes in durability and color quality. Their participation led to talks with major fashion brands, signaling a shift towards eco-friendly textile production.
Swiss start-up OceanSafe introduced ainnovative circular polyester material, fully biodegradable yet retaining the durability and functionality of conventional polyester. The material attracted diverse interest from sectors including automotive, medical, and construction.
The Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) also played a central role at the event, promoting the use of natural fibres across industries. Sandra Bohne, Managing Director of DNFI member Fibral Material Alliance, noted the increased interest from companies exploring sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibres.
As the demand for natural, high-performing materials continues to rise, Techtextil 2026 is expected to focus even more on these innovations, positioning natural fibres at the forefront of the sustainable textiles movement.
