At Polygiene, we believe technological innovation can help us create a better world. We recognize that the textile industry must transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. But we also want it to thrive. Crucially, new technologies enable the textile sector to do both.

With this in mind, we are constantly exploring and analyzing new textile technologies. We know from experience with our own anti-odor Freshness solutions that brands and consumers continually seek new features and qualities that distinguish their clothes, make them stand out, and improve how they look, feel, and perform. From biodegradable textiles to advanced robotics in manufacturing, a whole host of innovations are changing the way textile brands do business. A comprehensive understanding of how these developments are influencing the sector gives us a better insight into where it is headed and what it may look like in one, two, or even ten years’ time.

Drawing on our industry insight and expert knowledge, we created this guide to the key textile technology trends that are changing the industry for the better.

Textile technology is advancing rapidly. Brands announce exciting developments regularly, making it a challenge to narrow it down to a select few technologies. However, ultimately, our team settled on 20 core technology trends transforming the textile industry.

  • Antimicrobial additives

Antimicrobial additives are changing how brands think about textile design by ensuring fabrics stay fresh between washes. As many of the unpleasant odors on our clothes result from bacterial growth, antimicrobial additives stop smells at the source and enable consumers to wear items more and wash them less frequently. In turn, this extends products’ expected lifespans and makes them much more sustainable.

Our industry-leading Polygiene StayFresh™ solution is an excellent example. Based on silver ion technology, the solution’s active ingredient is silver chloride, a salt that occurs naturally in soil and water. Skin-safe and capable of providing antibacterial protection for a product’s entire lifespan, Polygiene StayFresh prevents bacterial growth, keeping textiles odor-free in the process. Capable of reducing a garment’s overall environmental impact by a third, Polygiene StayFresh is helping fashion brands usher in a new age of sustainable design.

  • New plant-based textiles

While natural fibers have always been popular, it’s fair to say that synthetic fibers now dominate large parts of the textile industry, particularly when it comes to low-cost or performance wear. In 2025, we expect a shift back towards natural textiles. But not necessarily those brands relied on in the past. While cotton, silk, wool, and linen will all continue to play a prominent role in textile manufacturing, a new generation of plant-based natural fibers will also emerge.

Broadly, we can divide these new textile technologies into two categories – those made from plants grown for the express purpose of producing textiles and those derived from plant-based waste products created in other manufacturing processes. Cactus, jute and seaweed are good examples of plants that fit into the first category and bananas, olives and hemp fall into the second. As these are natural fibers, they tend to be better for the environment. The fact that some are manufactured from by-products further enhances their sustainability. While it is unlikely that any of these new plant-based textiles will be manufactured in sufficient quantities to replace or overtake any of the current top crop, we expect to see their market share grow.

  • Greater customization and personalization

New manufacturing technologies (some of which we will explore in greater detail later in this article) are allowing textile manufacturers and fashion brands much greater flexibility in their manufacturing processes. When combined with digital design solutions that enable consumers to quickly and easily propose personalized design features, these technologies should facilitate greater customization in the textile industry and make unique, highly personal textile products more affordable and accessible.

While the cost of facilitating greater customization means the trend will predominately influence the upper end of the textile industry – those brands producing higher-value items – we should see it trickle down to more affordable brands, too. The growth of e-commerce platforms that cater to customizable textile printing has demonstrated that the demand is there, and it is only a matter of time before more prestigious brands begin incorporating personalization technologies into their product offerings.

  • Digital printing capabilities

Digital printing is a textile technology trend that has already had a significant impact on the textile industry, changing the way brands apply patterns and designs to fabrics. However, new developments in digital printing technology are drastically improving print quality, efficiency and cost, allowing for more intricate designs without compromising the overall finish. At the same time, they are reducing waste and contributing to greater sustainability in the printing process.

Many of these changes are being driven by improved inks that are more vibrant and durable but less harmful to the environment. Innovative print heads are also allowing for more precise and quicker printing. Finally, AI technology is being incorporated into print systems, facilitating automated maintenance and print error prediction – both of which reduce overall printing costs.