ITMA 2027 sector plan confirms strong global industry participation

ITMA 2027 has released its official sector plan, giving the global textile and garment industry a clear view of the exhibition layout ahead of the event, which will take place from 16–22 September 2027 at Messegelände Hannover, Germany. Covering 12 exhibition halls and more than 180,000 square metres, the show will feature 20 technology sectors spanning the entire manufacturing value chain, from spinning, weaving, knitting and finishing to recycling, software & automation, and fibres, yarns & fabrics.

Industry interest remains strong despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. More than 1,500 companies from 43 countries have already secured participation. Manufacturers represented by the nine national associations under CEMATEX account for 43% of all applicants and over 60% of the exhibition space booked so far. Outside Europe, China leads international participation, followed by India, Türkiye and Japan, highlighting continued investment from major textile machinery manufacturing markets.

The established sectors including spinning, weaving, knitting, nonwovens, printing, finishing and garment making – remain the largest parts of the exhibition. At the same time, growing interest in Recycling, Research & Innovation, Software & Automation, and the Start-Up Valley reflects increasing industry focus on digitalisation, sustainability and commercial textile-to-textile recycling. Applications for the CEMATEX-funded Start-Up Valley have doubled since ITMA 2023, with 64 start-ups competing for 20 exhibition spaces.

Commenting on the strong response, Alex Zucchi said the broad international participation reinforces ITMA 2027’s role as a neutral platform where manufacturers can present new technologies and compete on equal terms. Charles Beauduin added that the industry’s commitment to the exhibition demonstrates continued confidence in long-term investment and growth despite global market uncertainties.

Visitor registration for ITMA 2027 is scheduled to open in March 2027, while the confirmed sector plan allows exhibitors and visitors to begin planning well in advance. The exhibition will continue to highlight developments in advanced materials, automation, digital manufacturing, sustainability, circularity and human-centric production.