As regulatory pressures continue to reshape the textile finishing landscape, emtec Electronic GmbH is set to present its TSA textile analyser at Functional Fabric Fair 2026, scheduled for October 27 and 28. The showcase will focus on a growing challenge facing the industry — how switching to alternative odour-control chemicals at the finishing stage affects the physical feel and performance of finished fabrics.
Why Fabric Feel Testing Is Now a Regulatory Concern
The regulatory environment surrounding textile finishing chemicals is tightening, particularly within the European Union. Several antimicrobial substances commonly used for odour control in apparel are expected to appear on restricted substance lists and will need to be phased out and replaced with alternative chemistries. While this transition addresses compliance needs, it introduces a practical challenge: when the chemistry changes at the finishing stage, the fabric’s haptic properties can change with it.
Alterations in softness, smoothness, hand feel, and flexibility are among the most commonly observed effects of such reformulations. These changes carry real consequences for product categories like underwear and athletic wear, particularly those incorporating spandex, where comfort and fit are critical to consumer satisfaction. A shift in fabric feel can result in increased return rates and dissatisfied customers — outcomes that no brand or manufacturer wants to face.
The Role of the TSA Textile Analyser
This is precisely where Emtec TSA fabric testing offers a measurable advantage. The TSA textile analyser objectively captures key haptic properties of a fabric, enabling manufacturers to make direct comparisons between an approved reference product and newly formulated textiles. The parameters the device assesses include surface softness, smoothness, stiffness, deformation behaviour, and elasticity — the last of which provides specific insights into how a fabric stretches and recovers.
By generating objective, data-based evaluations, the TSA textile analyser equips textile producers, brands, and suppliers with a reliable foundation for assessing alternative finishing formulations without compromising the quality standards consumers expect. The device’s role is especially relevant in a regulatory transition period, where the pace of change demands both accuracy and speed in quality decisions.
Virtual Haptic Library: Connecting the Supply Chain
A standout capability of the TSA textile analyser is its Virtual Haptic Library, which allows measurement data to be stored, documented, and shared across the supply chain. This feature supports informed approval decisions and helps accelerate product development cycles. It also enables a more balanced approach to meeting regulatory compliance while still aligning with consumer expectations around comfort and functionality.
The Virtual Haptic Library’s ability to facilitate seamless data sharing means that brands, manufacturers, and their upstream and downstream partners can access consistent haptic benchmarks, reducing the risk of inconsistencies during the transition to alternative finishing chemicals.
Functional Fabric Fair 2026: Where to Find Emtec
At Functional Fabric Fair 2026, emtec will be hosted at booth number 152, courtesy of fellow manufacturing company Quick-Med Technologies, which has offered dedicated display space for the TSA textile analyser demonstration. The booth will be open to industry visitors on both October 27 and 28, with textile expert Harrie Schoots on hand to discuss the technology in detail.
Schoots will also be available for individual meetings prior to the fair for those looking to explore how Emtec TSA fabric testing can support their own transition to alternative finishing chemicals and help maintain fabric quality standards throughout that process. Appointments can be arranged via email in advance.
“Stop the Stink” Panel Discussion
A panel discussion titled “Stop the Stink” will take place during Functional Fabric Fair 2026, bringing together experts to address the challenges of odour control in textiles. The session will provide an overview of legal and regulatory requirements in this area as well as new technologies being developed to help brands continue meeting customer expectations. Harrie Schoots’ contribution to the panel will specifically focus on supporting textile manufacturers in achieving regulatory compliance without sacrificing the haptic quality of their products.
Objective Data as the Bridge Between Compliance and Quality
With the industry navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment, the need for objective, repeatable measurement tools in textile finishing has never been more evident. The TSA textile analyser addresses this need by converting subjective sensory assessments of fabric feel into quantifiable data points. Whether used in product development, quality control, or the approval process for reformulated textiles, the device brings a level of consistency and transparency that supports better decision-making across the supply chain.
Emtec TSA fabric testing, as it will be demonstrated at Functional Fabric Fair 2026, represents a practical response to a very real industry challenge — helping manufacturers transition to compliant finishing formulations while keeping product quality and consumer experience firmly in focus.
