Heimtextil 2023: Emerging Trends & Insights from the Global Textile Industry

Is Frankfurt-based trade fair Heimtextil still important?

*Views inside the Heimtextil’s programming. Photos by Jean-Luc Valentin, courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH*

A Textile Consultant’s View

One of the largest international B2B trade fairs for home and contract textiles, Heimtextil is a show I never miss as a textile consultant. Heimtextil is an important event to spot emerging trends precisely because it is business-to-business: the new ideas, colors, and innovations shown here are often years ahead of hitting the market.

I attended the 2023 fair this year with two hats on: sourcing for my high-end clientele, and analyzing thousands of offerings from mills and manufacturers for incoming design trends that I compile into reports to help my subscribers do their best work.

Originally my proprietary show reports were available only to private consulting clients–trusting me to guide their businesses toward success. Today these valuable insights are available to all of our paid subscribers, who have amazing things to say about how The Textile Eye helps their business and creativity.

Views of products and innovations inside the Heimtextil. Images by The Textile Eye

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Heimtextil 2023: The Numbers

The global textile industry gathered in Frankfurt this past January for the highly anticipated Heimtextil 2023 trade fair. With 44,000 visitors from around the world and 2,400 exhibitors from 129 nations, the event was a hub of activity and inspiration. Although the turnout was down about 25% compared to the high numbers of 2019, the atmosphere was positive and there was plenty of excitement.

Visitors explored a diverse range of products including bedding, towels, wallpaper, upholstery and drapery fabrics, soft accessories, and textile designs and documents. Sustainability was a major theme at Heimtextil 2023, with numerous workshops, tours, lectures, and networking opportunities providing a deeper understanding of the topic. The Trend Hall was full of visual inspiration, with a focus on eco-friendly design and innovative solutions making a real difference.

Views inside the Heimtextil Trend Hall “Textiles Matter” in collaboration with FranklinTill. Photos by Pietro Sutera, courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Leading the Trade Fair Industry in Circularity

The fair explored key routes to circularity, including the technical cycle and the biological cycle. Heimtextil offered a range of sustainability measures and tools, including the Green Village area where visitors met with seal providers and certifiers committed to sustainability. Green Lectures provided expert insights on sustainability solutions, and the Green Directory listed all suppliers of sustainably produced textiles. Green Tours offered a guided exchange between visitors, exhibitors, and sustainability experts, and the Future Materials Library showcased exciting interior material innovations.

The Green Tour I gave me the latest look at innovations in biodegradable polyester, which we cover in the report’s sustainability section.

Views inside the Heimtextil’s programming. Photos by Jean-Luc Valentin, courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Information you Need to Know: Industry Insights for 2024 and Beyond

Heimtextil is an important event to spot emerging trends precisely because it is B2B; the concepts and products shown here are often years ahead of hitting the market. During the fair I am gleaning as much information as possible about trends that will be affecting the interior design world in upcoming years–from design style to color, and fiber to treatment.

Do you know what livable shade of green will be popular in 2024? What kinds of florals will feel fresh to consumers? My clients and subscribers can answer these questions because I compile and curate this information into reports so that are as informed as possible and can make well-timed decisions about product launches and development.

In the Heimtextil Special Report 2023, we outline important concepts, colors, and innovations displayed at the trade fair. Emerging design themes are broken down into easy takeaways about predominant social and stylistic influences, fiber and yarns choices, dye techniques and finishes. Predominant hues are organized by palette or shade for ease of use in your design work. Colors are contextualized and compared to previous seasons, and analyzed for social, style and material influences. Managing Editor Robyn Willson informs readers about creatives and companies at the forefront of fascinating sustainability explorations and innovations that are changing the industry.

From inspiring palettes to fascinating sustainability innovations, and ingenious themes to emerging qualities and treatments, this report is a deep dive into this enormous and influential B2B home textiles show.