With a total of 54 square meters of exhibition space—a 20% increase over the previous event—GUNOLD showcased its entire product range at Booth E20 in Hall 8: from threads and embroidery backings to films, specialty materials, and accessories. The sustainable options for threads and backings were in particularly high demand. “For us, this is a clear indication that sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the embroidery industry as well,” said Gunold.

Totally organic cotton

COTTY BIO cotton thread proved to be a highlight of the trade show. The cotton used is grown, twisted, and dyed in accordance with GOTS certification. The downstream process steps—such as winding of the final make-ups and application of a lubricant—also meet the limits required by GOTS (V6.0) for “ingredients and accessories.” COTTY 12 is available to consumers in the Sulky Shop under SULKY COTTON 12. COTTY is also available undyed—ideal for customers who prefer to dye their textiles after the embroidery process is complete.

All-natural embroidery backings

The three new sustainable tear-away stabilizers made from natural fibers, designed to provide stability during the embroidery process, also generated significant interest. One of the varieties is biodegradable; all three backings are produced within the EU, thereby helping to reduce transportation distances. The new products in the STIFFY range are OEKO-TEX certified and are sold as pre-cut sheets in plastic-free packaging. This increases productivity while reducing waste in production. The pre-cut sheets can be taken directly from the stack, hooped and processed. After embroidery, the backing can be easily removed, ensuring clean tear edges and a comfortable feel.

A source of endless inspiration

Once again, Reiner Knochel captivated the industry audience with his inspiration portfolios. These high-quality collections of ideas for embroiderers, fashion designers, textile finishers, and training institutions go far beyond traditional product presentations. As collections of trends and ideas, they combine embroidery, textile finishing, and creative material experiments to create inspiring design worlds. On display were new color and material trends, innovative embroidery techniques, and extraordinary combinations of threads, effects, laser applications, and textile surfaces.

‘There was particular interest in sustainable topics such as embroidery made from organic cotton or viscose threads on new sustainable materials like Lyocell, hemp, or olive leather, as well as combinations of embroidery with innovative techniques—such as Stratasys 3D printing over embroidered surfaces or embroidery combined with the GRDXKN structural print,’ reports Reiner Knochel, Textile Experience, for GUNOLD

Laser, engraving, sublimation

GUNOLD also impressed with its services in the areas of laser cutting, engraving, and sublimation. “Among other things, we offer precise laser cutting, engraved surfaces, and custom finishing solutions for textiles, patches, labels, and accessories,” says Stephan Gunold, explaining the portfolio, which has been specifically expanded to include modern, technology-driven applications. Materials such as felt, leather, softshell, or specialty fabrics can be processed flexibly by GUNOLD and then combined with embroidery by customers. This allows for the creation of high-quality visual effects that can be economically produced even for small batch sizes and personalized products. “This is increasingly exciting for our customers, as customized finishing concepts enable the realization of unique and distinctive embroidery ideas for a wide variety of applications,” explains Gunold.

Interconnected and digital

Texprocess 2026 clearly illustrated that there is a growing demand for networked, flexible, and digital production solutions in textile finishing. GUNOLD recognized this trend early on and has evolved from a traditional supplier of embroidery threads and accessories into a partner for textile finishing. By combining high-quality materials, creative application concepts, and digital and automated processing methods, the Stockstadt-based company is positioning itself for the future. “We are very satisfied with how the trade show went and are now cautiously optimistic about further market developments,” said Stephan Gunold. For more information, visit www.gunold.de