Highlights for textile decoration and advertising technology in 2025

14 November 2024

TecStyle Visions and wetec 2025 in Stuttgart will be showcasing the latest highlights for textile decoration and advertising technology. TV_23_010 Visitors can expect to be introduced to the latest technology available in the areas of printing and embroidery, as well as other decoration applications. Photo: Messe Stuttgart GmbH.

Advertising experts will be meeting once again early next year in Stuttgart, gathering at one of the industry’s key events. From 13 to 15 February 2025, professionals from the textile decoration and advertising technology sectors will be attending EXPO 4.0 in Stuttgart. With plenty of products and services on display, this established exhibition platform, comprising international trade shows TecStyle Visions and wetec, will provide exciting insights into the world of visual and haptic communication.

With its motto of “Print. Produce. Promote.”, EXPO 4.0 will be showcasing a broad spectrum of innovative and inspirational ideas for trade visitors from the craft, commerce and industry sectors. The events held by the GWW (Gesamtverband Werbeartikel-Wirtschaft e. V.), namely GWW TREND and GWW NEWSWEEK, will be taking place as part of EXPO 4.0 for the first time this year, further complementing an already impressive programme.

A unique portfolio 

TecStyle Visions provides a comprehensive overview of the machinery, materials and accessories used in all textile decoration techniques. Visitors can expect to be introduced to the latest technology available in the areas of printing and embroidery, as well as other decoration applications. There will also be a wide range of textiles for corporate fashion, work wear and promotional wear. With the inclusion of wetec, EXPO 4.0 is also turning the spotlight on areas such as advertising technology, digital printing, illuminated advertising and digital signage, and demonstrating the latest solutions for the entire value chain of advertising technology. One particular highlight: Visitors only need one ticket to attend both trade fairs, making it easier to access the entire exhibition portfolio.

The GWW TREND and GWW NEWSWEEK events will provide a platform for new promotional items and key products for the tasks of finishing and customising. Guest events will take place on 12 February 2025 (GWW TREND) and 13 February 2025 (GWW NEWSWEEK). A separate registration via the GWW event websites is required, however this also includes free admission to the EXPO 4.0 trade fairs. GWW TREND is open only to trade visitors, i.e. advertising media wholesalers and agencies. GWW NEWSWEEK is aimed at marketing experts from the worlds of industry and commerce who are affiliated with one of the participating advertising agencies.

Broad spectrum of exhibitors

In addition to renowned market leaders and established suppliers, EXPO 4.0 will be welcoming new, international exhibitors to Stuttgart once again this year. Leading companies such as Harmuth, IGEPA, Siebdruck Service Welle, Buth, Mimaki and swissQprint Visitors will be attending wetec, showcasing the latest innovative technology for digital printing and advertising technology. There will also be a number of promising newcomers, such as LUCOLED from Belgium, Magenta Vision from Poland, UPM Raflatac from Germany and the Dutch company EFKA B.V.

TecStyle Visions will be bringing together renowned textile manufacturers such as HAKRO, Beechfield and ID Identity with well-known textile retailers that include L-Shop and Cotton Classics. New to the group this year is Danish company Bestseller, with its popular brand Jack & Jones, also The Outdoors Company with its well-known outdoor brands Columbia and The North Face. In addition to large, established companies such as Print Equipment, Gröner-Schulze, GUNOLD or STAHL's Europe, there will also be smaller, more specialised providers such as J&A or Stickfink presenting their products. British company ADKINS will be taking part for the first time, demonstrating products for transfer technology.

Appealing special areas and live events 

In addition to the exhibition spaces, EXPO 4.0 also boasts a variety of interactive and inspiring special areas. The TecCheck Area of TecStyle Visions, for example, will explore the theme of embossing in further detail. The popular TecStyle Fashion Show will also be showcasing new trends and collections, with professional dancers and models bringing the latest collections and brands from renowned textile companies to life on the runway.

Visitors to wetec can explore the WORK AND DO Area, where they will have the opportunity to try out various techniques and gain practical experience under the guidance of experts. One particular highlight is the WRAP & STYLE special show, which is presented by UPM Raflatac. Here, visitors can even cast their vote for the team with the best skills in this creative wrapping competition.

Sustainability and the Supply Chain Act under the spotlight

Sustainability and the Supply Chain Act are increasingly becoming a focus of those at EXPO 4.0 involved in textile decoration and advertising technology. In view of the growing demands for environmentally friendly production and transparent supply chains, many exhibitors are turning to innovative, sustainable materials and responsible production processes. During the expert forums, talks will focus on environmentally friendly alternatives and best practices for the implementation of the Supply Chain Act. Participants will be shown how to successfully integrate sustainability standards into their business processes and find out which technologies can be used to ensure compliance with legal requirements along the entire value chain.

Future trends for digital printers: DTF, car wrapping and personalised products

Another highlight of EXPO 4.0 will be the talk held by easy inks during the wetec expert forum, which will look at emerging business areas in the digital printing sector. Exploring themes such as Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, car wrapping and personalised products, this event will provide insights into new perspectives for those who are involved in digital printing and advertising technology and also looking to expand their portfolios with creative products. The latest ink solutions and technologies, which allow for the use of new applications on existing machinery that would otherwise require major investment in order to gain access to fast-growing markets, will also be presented. The talk will explore practical approaches and demonstrate, using numerous images and examples, how to enhance your product portfolio with appealing and sustainable offers.

All eyes on EXPO 4.0

EXPO 4.0 provides a unique platform for an exchange between experts from manufacturing companies, industrial customers and marketing decision-makers. Visitors can expect three eventful days that will provide both inspiration and practical information.

Tickets

The trade fair code EXPO25YOURTICKET will give you a free day ticket to all shows. The code can be redeemed at  the ticketshop.

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