SmartX Innovation Hub at LOPEC and JEC World 2025
In late February and early March 2025, Textile ETP actively participated in two significant industry events: LOPEC 2025 in Munich and JEC World 2025 in Paris. These events showcased the latest advancements in respectively printed electronics and composite materials, highlighting the growing integration of textiles with cutting-edge technologies.
LOPEC 2025: Advancements in printed electronics
LOPEC 2025 took place on 25-27 February featuring over 150 presentations from industry experts and researchers, emphasising the increasing market penetration and the vital role of printed electronics in driving sustainable applications across various industries.
A highlight was the hands-on workshop on e-textiles, led by Dr. Marie O'Mahony, Program Leader of the MSc E-textiles and Wearable Technology at the University of Southampton, and Marina Toeters, co-founder of Fashion Tech Farm and owner of by-wire.net, and attended by our Project Manager Judith Bosch.
Participants collaborated to create functional e-textile prototypes, exploring the fusion of technology and design to foster collaborative innovation.
Discussions during the workshop were focused on AI-supported design, graphene conductivity, and the growing importance of products tailored for aging populations. These conversations underscored the potential of printed electronics in developing smart textiles responding to the diverse needs of society.
Additionally, Textile ETP co-organised the inaugural guided e-textile tour at LOPEC alongside Marina Toeters. This initiative provided a valuable opportunity to connect with experts, members, and companies leading e-textile innovation, reinforcing the event's role as a key hub for knowledge exchange and networking. It also allowed us to meet SmartX Innovation Hub members such as CeNTI, TITV e.V., Smart Textiles Hub, DITF, Satab, and Titera, all working on exciting developments in e-textiles.
JEC World 2025: Innovations in composite materials
Following LOPEC, Textile ETP attended JEC World 2025 held in Paris on 4-6 March. This composite materials fair showcased several developments in areas such as automotive, aerospace, and energy, reinforcing the crucial role of textiles and advanced composite materials in shaping the future of high-performance industries.
A strong focus on sustainability was evident throughout the event, particularly in the development of bio-based and recyclable composite materials. Innovations showcased how natural fibres can effectively replace traditional carbon composites, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions while maintaining high performance. In the mobility sector, advancements in flax fibre composites and bio-based resins demonstrated their potential to enhance both structural integrity and environmental impact.
The renewable energy sector also highlighted the shift towards circular economy solutions, with new thermoplastic wind turbine blades designed for recyclability. These developments emphasised the industry's commitment to creating lightweight, cost-efficient, and sustainable alternatives for offshore wind energy. Advanced automation techniques further contributed to improving efficiency and scalability in composite manufacturing, reinforcing the crucial role of textiles and technical fibres in shaping a more sustainable future.
During JEC World 2025, Judith Bosch had the pleasure of meeting with Textile ETP and SmartX Innovation Hub members, Saati, ITA Aachen, and the team from Centi.
Our participation in LOPEC 2025 and JEC World 2025 highlighted Textile ETP’s commitment to advancing the textile industry through innovation. Both events showcased textiles' role in sustainable technologies, from printed electronics to bio-based composites. Meeting with experts and members of the SmartX Innovation Hub reinforced our network and opened up future opportunities.
