30 January 2026
Innovation in materials has never been more active—nor more complex. From ideation and prototyping to building, testing, and iterating, the pressure on brands across fashion, footwear, furniture, and automotive sectors to define “what’s next” is mounting fast.
Yet one challenge remains constant: how to evaluate, compare, and adopt materials that make sense—creatively, technically, and commercially.
This is the context in which Materials+ is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with Material ConneXion, the world’s leading authority in material intelligence, research, and curation.
Every Idea Has a Material Solution
Photo source: Material Connexion
Material ConneXion is globally recognised for its rigorous, data-informed approach to material discovery. Headquartered in the United States, it operates at the intersection of performance, sustainability, design intent, and real-world application, helping some of the world’s most influential companies make confident, long-term material decisions.
From luxury groups like LVMH and Kering, to global innovators such as Nike and New Balance, and industry leaders in automotive and lifestyle including Ford, Bentley, Kohler, and Peloton —Material ConneXion works with companies that are not just trend followers, but category leaders shaping the future.
At Materials+ 2026, Material ConneXion will curate a selection of materials for the Future Materials Zone, highlighting innovations that are not just new, but relevant, scalable, and aligned with commercial realities.
A Global Voice in Innovation: Dr. Andrew Dent Headlines TechTalk
Photo source: Ted.com
This collaboration extends beyond the exhibition floor. At the NextGen Fashion Material TechTalk on 13 March 2026, we welcome Dr. Andrew Dent, one of the world’s most respected leaders in materials science and sustainable innovation.
Dr. Dent is the Executive Vice President of Research at Material ConneXion and Chief Material Scientist at Material Bank. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, spoken at TEDx, co-authored the Material Innovation book series (Thames & Hudson), and shaped how entire industries approach materials strategy.
His session, titled:
Emerging trends and Innovations: identifying and delivering what is New & Next in leather and its alternatives
will examine the key trends shaping the industry—across product launches, runways, and sectors like automotive—paired with exclusive insights from Material ConneXion’s internal reports. Dr. Dent will explore how both heritage and emerging brands can position themselves amid shifting material landscapes.
When Material Intelligence Meets Supply Chain Reality
By connecting Material ConneXion’s global intelligence with the commercial sourcing ecosystem of Materials+, this collaboration reinforces a simple yet essential message: Innovation isn’t separate from sourcing—it must be connected to industrial reality.
For more information about Materials+ and the NextGen Fashion Material TechTalk: https://www.aplf.com/aplf-2026/materials-fair-details/
