Texcare International 2024: The Return of a Global Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Event
After an eight-year hiatus, Texcare International is back. Set to take place in 2024, the much-anticipated event is once again set to bring the global laundry and dry-cleaning industries together in Frankfurt, Germany. Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, the director of Messe Frankfurt’s Texcare show, shares insights into the preparation and focus of the event, how the pandemic has impacted the industry, and what attendees can expect from this year’s show.
Leading the Way Since 2016
Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim has been at the helm of Texcare since 2016. As the director, he is responsible for the overall content and organization of the show, including relationships with industry associations and exhibitors. Under his guidance, the Texcare model has grown into globally significant events with the TEXCARE INTERNATIONAL edition as a foundation. In China, France and in the US by taking over the CLEAN show. “I’m responsible for the content of the show, the organization, and our international portfolio of shows,” he explains.
With a gap of eight years between the last event and the upcoming edition, much has changed in the industry—and for Texcare. Schmid-Wiedersheim admits that this extended break was unusual, but also points out that the pandemic served as a reminder of the importance of such shows. “The whole experience of the pandemic has made people realize how much they valued and needed these kinds of events,” he says. Despite the cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Messe Frankfurt maintained strong relationships with exhibitors, ensuring Texcare 2024 remains a key event in the industry calendar.
Addressing Industry Challenges with Innovation
One of the main focuses of Texcare 2024 is of course innovation. According to Schmid-Wiedersheim, the event will emphasize how automation and digital technologies can address the industry’s most pressing challenges, such as labor shortages, quality control, and traceability. “I think the main role for Texcare is to show the industry how much automation can now help people solve the issues everyone has,” he says. The integration of automation technologies is leading the way toward “smart laundry and smart business concepts.”
Another significant theme at Texcare 2024 will be energy efficiency, a concern that has become increasingly important due to rising energy costs and the global focus on sustainability. “Energy is playing a different role than it used to a few years ago,” Schmid-Wiedersheim notes. Texcare will present solutions that help businesses adapt to the changing energy landscape, offering innovative technologies that aim to reduce consumption and increase operational efficiency.
A Showcase of Global Industry Leaders
Texcare International is known for attracting some of the biggest names in the laundry and dry-cleaning industries, but Schmid-Wiedersheim emphasizes that the event will also feature new and emerging players. “You can see most of the machinery in real size, even in operation,” he says. While the major brands will be showcasing their latest equipment, smaller companies and startups, particularly those specializing in software solutions, will also have a strong presence.
This blend of established and new players is what makes Texcare International so exciting for attendees. Schmid-Wiedersheim believes that the diversity of exhibitors will give visitors a comprehensive view of the industry. “The quality of the show lies in the mixture of things, from well-known big brands to newcomers that are entering this market.”
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
Texcare 2024 is expected to attract around 15,000 visitors, a figure that mirrors the attendance of the 2016 edition. The show will take place in Hall 8 and the Galleria – thanks to improved utilization of the available hall space, the exhibition area will remain virtually unchanged compared to the previous event. Set to increase even further is the number of international exhibitors. “300 companies from 31 countries have already registered for the upcoming show, including the market leaders and 80 companies that are taking part for the first time”, Schmid-Wiedersheim elaborates.
To enhance the visitor experience, Texcare 2024 will offer a range of additional activities, including daily guided tours designed to help attendees discover key innovations on the show floor. “These tours will highlight the hidden gems of the show,” says Schmid-Wiedersheim. The tours are general in nature to accommodate visitors who may only be attending for one or two days, offering a curated selection of the best innovations for both laundries and dry cleaners.
In addition to the exhibits and guided tours, the event will feature a comprehensive fringe program, including panel discussions and lectures on the most pressing topics in the industry. There will also be opportunities for networking, such as the daily happy hour, where attendees can meet and exchange ideas with professionals from around the world.
A Global Hub for the Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Industry
Texcare International in Frankfurt is unique in its global reach. While other industry events, such as Texcare Asia & China Laundry Expo and the Clean Show in the U.S., primarily attract regional audiences, the Frankfurt edition draws a truly international crowd. “Many exhibitors introduce their technology to the world for the first time here,” Schmid-Wiedersheim says. This makes Texcare Frankfurt a must-visit for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the laundry and dry-cleaning sectors.
For international visitors, Messe Frankfurt offers additional services, such as the Messe Frankfurt Business Club, which provides VIP services for top-level managers and large businesses. The event will also be fully accessible in English, ensuring that visitors from around the world can easily participate in the program.
Looking Ahead
As Texcare 2024 approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a milestone event in the industry. With its focus on automation, energy efficiency, and innovation, Texcare will showcase how the laundry and dry-cleaning sectors are evolving to meet the challenges of today’s business environment.
For Schmid-Wiedersheim, the return of Texcare International is not only a testament to the resilience of the industry but also a sign of its bright future. “Texcare Frankfurt is a global hub where you can see the latest technologies, meet industry leaders, and find solutions that will shape the future of the industry,” he says.
As the world gathers in Frankfurt for Texcare International 2024, one thing is clear: the laundry and dry-cleaning industries are ready to innovate, collaborate, and grow in the years ahead.
