New flame- and heat-responsive materials at Heimtextil 2027

Heimtextil, which takes place in Frankfurt from 12 to 15 January 2027, is addressing materials and function with a new special exhibition. According to Messe Frankfurt's announcement of 27 October 2026, the "Functional Futures Lab" will bring together materials with functions ranging from temperature regulation to flame protection. The exhibition is curated by Future Fabrics Expo, which works in material innovation and sustainability.

The most notable feature of the area is that it clearly shows the stage of development of every exhibit. According to Messe Frankfurt, accompanying information will explain the functional properties of the products and their stage of development based on Technology Readiness Levels. Visitors will therefore be able to tell on the spot whether a material is still a research prototype or a commercial product that can already be ordered. This matters for buyers working on material selection, product development and long-term planning.

The exhibition is divided into three colour-coded thematic areas: Circular Systems, Living Nature and Natural Performance. Materials are grouped under these headings by origin, processing and conceptual approach. The focus is on properties such as temperature responsiveness, durability, flame resistance and antibacterial effects. Messe Frankfurt says circularity and fundamental sustainability criteria guide the selection of materials.

Examples named in the announcement include upholstery materials made from untreated wool fibres and living root systems, designed to provide flame protection without toxic chemicals. Durable bio-based composites and dyes derived from food waste for textiles and wood will also be on display. The exhibition also features materials that improve thermal and acoustic comfort and products that help keep indoor environments healthy. The range extends from innovative textile fibres and dyes to durable composite materials for surfaces and design prototypes from research.

The Functional Futures Lab will be the centrepiece of Interior.Architecture.Hospitality in Hall 4.1. This section brings together contract textiles and specialised suppliers for hotel, office, healthcare and retail projects. The area will include a "Talk Spot" where experts speak on stage and a café for conversations; it will also be the starting point for guided tours at the fair.

Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, says performance is a key topic for the future of the textile industry and that this can be seen at the company's events worldwide, from apparel to home and contract textiles. According to Schmidt, the area connects early-stage developments with solutions that can be bought today. Amanda Johnston, Chief Design Officer at Future Fabrics Expo, says the partnership will connect inspiration with actionable solutions.

For curtain and upholstery fabric manufacturers the topic is not new: in hotel and public projects, flame retardancy, durability and acoustic requirements play a decisive role in purchasing decisions. Heimtextil's new area aims to be a reference point for manufacturers, architects and interior designers who want to see in one place where materials that meet these requirements are heading. Heimtextil 2027 takes place at the Frankfurt exhibition centre from 12 to 15 January 2027.