The latest edition of Milano Unica revealed the key directions for Spring/Summer 2026, highlighting a perfect fusion between technical innovation and natural aesthetics.

Italian and European manufacturers confirmed their leadership in luxury textiles, with Como's silk district presenting sophisticated jacquards and innovative prints, while Biella's wool manufacturers showcased premium sustainable qualities and finishes. The strong European presence was marked by French exhibitors, who increased by 40%, bringing their expertise in high-end fabrics with creative surface effects. German, Spanish, and Portuguese manufacturers enriched the fair's offering with their technical innovations, while Austrian and Swiss companies demonstrated excellence in performance materials. The UK presence grew significantly, with a 41% increase in participation. Prato's district stood out for its circular economy approach, presenting recycled materials that maintain premium quality standards.

Sustainable luxury emerges as a dominant force, with next-generation cellulosic fibers taking center stage. Lyocell and modal fibers are redefining sustainability and performance standards. In particular, advanced lyocell is leading innovation for Spring/Summer 2026 thanks to its exclusive properties: superior moisture management, natural freshness, and a silky softness that improves with washing. Its versatility makes it ideal for both casual wear and luxury sportswear.

The new eco-friendly cellulosic variants incorporating recycled fibers in the production process represent a further step forward in circularity. These developments perfectly align with the growing demand for fabrics that combine luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Three-dimensional jacquards and innovative tactile surfaces are redefining classic fabrics. Ultra-light merino wools and premium cottons are being transformed through special treatments, while natural fibers like linen and hemp are enhanced with technical performances.

The outerwear segment shows a strong focus on eco-sustainable waterproof fabrics and next-generation breathable materials, demonstrating how functionality and environmental responsibility can coexist.

Milano Unica enhanced its offering with Special Areas and dedicated Observatories for Korea and Japan, two major creative hubs in the global textile landscape. Japanese collections stood out for their innovative technical fabrics featuring sophisticated textures and unique finishes, while combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative sustainable technologies. Korean manufacturers presented advanced performance materials and creative blends, with a particular focus on eco-friendly synthetics and smart textiles for contemporary fashion. These spaces provided a valuable window into textile excellence and emerging trends from the Asian market, creating a strategic bridge between Italian manufacturing heritage and Oriental innovative interpretations of quality and design. The presence of these Observatories confirmed the fair's role as a platform for intercultural dialogue and creative exchange in the textile sector.

In this context of innovation and sustainability, Biancalani's AQUARIA® and AIRO®24 machines perfectly align with these market demands, offering sustainable finishing solutions that create unique effects and hands, improving fabric performance while maintaining the natural characteristics of the fibers.

AQUARIA®, with its continuous washing system and wet treatments on open-width fabrics, offers eco-friendly processes that drastically reduce water consumption. Its versatility allows multiple treatments, from chlorine-free ecological bleaching to fibrillation, always ensuring superior fabric quality.

AIRO®24 completes the process by ensuring not only high energy efficiency tumble drying but especially by giving fabrics unique characteristics: from incomparable softness to a more structured and dynamic hand. Its controlled mechanical action enhances the quality of every type of fabric, whether woven, non-woven, or knitted, also improving specific effects such as the leather-like appearance of synthetic materials. 

The combined use of these technologies allows producers to obtain superior quality fabrics, perfectly responding to Spring/Summer 2026 trends with sustainable and efficient processes. This synergy between technological innovation and environmental respect represents the future of textile finishing.

Biancalani: behind every great fabric.