The EURATEX Facts & Key Figures 2026, published by the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX), provides an overview of the performance of the European textile and clothing industry, covering economic indicators, trade, employment, sustainability and innovation. Among its featured sections, ‘Textiles are Everywhere – Innovation’ explores how technical and industrial textiles are contributing to sustainability, resource efficiency, safety and improved industrial performance across sectors including construction, mobility, healthcare, agriculture, sports and energy.

Key Insights

• The European textile and clothing sector continues to play an important role in the EU economy. The report provides an overview of the sector’s performance, covering key indicators such as production, employment, trade and competitiveness, while highlighting the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry’s future.
• Sustainability and innovation remain central to the sector’s transition. EURATEX highlights the growing importance of circularity, resource efficiency and technological innovation in supporting a more competitive and resilient European textile and clothing industry.
• Technical textiles are enabling more sustainable construction and environmental solutions. Examples highlighted in the report include textile-reinforced concrete, which reduces material use and carbon emissions, fog-harvesting meshes that help improve water access in arid regions, and air-purifying textile façades that contribute to reducing urban air pollution.
•  Advanced textile materials are transforming mobility and improving safety across industries. The report showcases applications including lightweight textile composites for aircraft, seat belts and airbags for passenger safety, and protective textiles designed for demanding industrial and emergency response environments.
• Textile innovations are supporting agriculture, healthcare and other high-value applications. The report highlights examples such as textiles that improve crop protection and resource efficiency, alongside medical textiles that enhance healthcare outcomes and demonstrate the expanding role of technical textiles beyond traditional apparel.
• The report demonstrates the growing contribution of technical textiles to Europe’s industrial competitiveness. By showcasing innovations across multiple sectors, EURATEX highlights how advanced textile solutions are supporting sustainability, industrial resilience and the green and digital transition.

While the report provides a broad overview of the performance of the European textile and clothing sector, it also demonstrates how technical textiles are becoming increasingly important across industries. By showcasing innovative applications in areas such as construction, mobility, healthcare and agriculture, the publication highlights the sector’s contribution to sustainability, industrial competitiveness and Europe’s green and digital transition.

For full details, readers are requested to read the entire report on EURATEX website.