The global textile landscape is transforming faster than many in Pakistan realise. What was once largely a commodity-driven business — fabrics, basic garments, bedsheets — is increasingly shifting toward technical, high-performance textiles.
The textile industry does not offer protection to those who stand still. If Pakistani manufacturers do not actively expose themselves to new technologies, new products, and new ways of thinking, other countries will move ahead — and take those buyers with them. China, Vietnam, Turkey, India and even Bangladesh all benefit from strong knowledge of technical textiles.
It is common to hear complaints about buyers pushing prices down and forcing suppliers into constant price competition. Yet Pakistani exporters who have moved into higher-value, specialised products experience a very different dynamic. They compete on capability rather than price — and that difference is obvious.
As organisers of Pakistan’s largest textile show – Heimtextil, we have seen the steady progress of Pakistani businesses on the global stage. However, to move ahead, the next step is clear: investment in technical textiles.
What are Technical Textiles?
Simply put, technical textiles are designed for function first, fashion second.
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Safety & Protective Gear: Includes PPE, industrial workwear, flame-resistant fabrics, and cut-resistant materials for hazardous environments.
Healthcare & Medical: Surgical masks, medical gloves, bandages, and disposable textiles.
Performance Apparel: Advanced sportswear, activewear, thermal insulation for winter jackets, and moisture-wicking fabrics.
Industrial Applications: Widely used in sectors beyond clothing, including: Construction & Infrastructure, Automotive & Aerospace, Agriculture & Filtration, Defense & Personal Safety
Technical features are no longer niche; they are merging with everyday fashion. What was once “high-tech” (like moisture-wicking or UV protection) is now a standard requirement for basic consumer garments.
Why Techtextil & Texprocess – Frankfurt
From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil and Texprocess in Frankfurt will once again bring together textile and machinery manufacturers with more than 1700 exhibitors. Among the confirmed exhibitors are Brother, Pegasus, Dürkopp Adler, Brückner, Groz-Beckert, Lenzig, Concordia Textiles, Coats Thread; also present are workwear specialist Klopman International, advanced fibre producer Kolon Industries, and sustainable fibre innovator Lenzing.
Techtextil focuses on value-added textile products; Texprocess provides the machinery to manufacture them. Together, they represent a complete, end-to-end solution under one roof.
China, Vietnam, India and Turkey have sent a clear message to the global market: competitiveness today is driven by value, not volume. They have strong participation at Techtextil Frankfurt and are able to export higher-value goods because of this. This momentum has been so strong that Messe Frankfurt now organises Techtextil events not only in Frankfurt, but also in Shanghai, Vietnam, and India — reflecting where global industry energy is concentrated. In Frankfurt, India will have over 100 exhibitors reflecting their strength. India is targeting USD 100 billion by 2030. If Pakistan can achieve 10% of this, it’s an additional USD 10 billion to our exports.
Bangladesh has also entered the technical textile space, supported by an EPB pavilion at Techtextil, while the new EU-India trade deal will further increase the already rapid growth of technical textiles in India.
What Pakistani Visitors Gain in Frankfurt
The exhibitions provide a strong platform for forming joint ventures – Europe has the expertise and knowledge, while Pakistan can offer its manufacturing base.
Building partnerships and enabling knowledge transfer, while also supporting compliance and sustainability, is how future manufacturing will take place. This is the time to start exploring these possibilities.
The Cost of Standing Still
Many in the Pakistani industry believed their existing knowledge, fabrics, and machinery were sufficient. Lack of innovation has resulted in many countries overtaking us. Innovations presented at Techtextil and Texprocess often become industry benchmarks within two years.
Pakistan’s textile industry has clear strengths: scale, experience, cost efficiency, and a skilled workforce. Yet without continuous innovation and value creation, our textile exports will continue to lag.
The old model is broken. Those companies that refuse to change will fund the growth of those who do.
