
Earlier this month, we attended the Heimtextil trade fair in Germany, one of the key events for home and contract textiles. Since Ellie’s mission is to inspire our ecosystem, we have compiled our main reflections and interesting actor list in this post!
General Observations
- Good attendance: The fair saw a lot of visitors, particularly after a quieter first day. This reflects ongoing interest and engagement despite the (ongoing) challenges in our industry.
- Cautious optimism: Compared to last year, the mood at the fair was more positive, with many exhibitors showing confidence in the future.
Key Themes in Sustainability

- Focus on Certifications: Certificates and labels were everywhere. They remain an important tool for attracting buyers to stands, but we noticed some uncertainty about how these displays represent a company’s overall strategy or full product range.
- Recycled Materials: Most recycled offerings still rely on PET bottles or recycled cotton from post production waste. but some were offering collections (partly) made from Earth Protex and Ciclo Fibers ; recycled polyester fibers derived from post-consumer textiles.
- End-of-Life Solutions: While not yet widespread, there are signs of progress. For example, Circular Dreams (House of Beddings) is developing a collection system for post-consumer bed linen, expanding beyond down recycling.
- Natural Fibers: Linen, hemp, and jute remain strong options, and we’re seeing more interest in alternative fibers such as banana leaves and pineapple waste. These materials come with interesting properties like antibacterial effects and fast drying.
Econogy Tours & Mapping

We also joined several Econogy tours, where exhibitors listed as “Econogy organizations” shared their sustainability efforts. These companies go through a sustainability check and need to apply to be featured, though the criteria are not overly strict. This means it’s important to evaluate whether their approach aligns with your own sustainability goals.
For our Ellie.Members we’ve prepared a PDF with an overview of companies from the Econogy list, mapped onto the value chain to make it easier for you to explore potential connections.
The selection includes:
- Nxtile
- Piubelle
- Lenzing AG
- Fiberpartner
- Indorama
- Nelen & Delbeke
- Inga Wullenweber
- Felpinter
- Setex
- Eastman Chemical
- ACL Impex
- Linas
- Lanerossi / Marzotto
More information on these actors can be found in the Ellie Actor database.

Looking for more inspiration?
Looking for more inspiration to drive your sustainability journey forward? Subscribe to Ellie’s free monthly newsletter for updates, insights, and practical tips. Want to explore how Ellie.Connect can help your business? Book a demo call with Amélie, our Ellie.Connect Community Manager, and discover the benefits of joining our ecosystem!