Techtextil will set records today when it opens at MesseFrankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. The four-day event will feature a record 1789 exhibitors from 66 countries, representing 7% growth over the last edition two years ago. Of these, 423 are from Germany and the five other largest exhibitor nations are: Italy (146), China (104), France (101), Switzerland (67) and the U.K. (61)). The biggest increase in exhibitor numbers comes from Europe, especially Spain, Poland, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, as well as China and India. This growth has increased the international scope of Techtextil.

"We will open the biggest Techtextil ever, this year. The high number of exhibitors reflects the outstanding dynamism amongst the producers of technical textiles, who enjoy cotinuing growth," says Detlef Braun, member of the board of management at Messe Frankfurt GmbH. "The multifaceted range of applications to be seen at Techtextil, from products for the automotive industry to those applied in architecture, medicine, clothing and sports stands for the innovative power of the industry."

Acording to Eurotex, technical textiles accont for 15% of total textile production in Europe and this market is expected to grow to $160 billion by 2018.

Other key events planned for Techtextil include the 14th Techtextil Innovation Award presentation, the Textile Structures for New Buildings competition for students, the 19th Techtextil Symposium and a number of special exhibitions and events.