Historic growth in exhibition space, new exhibitors, overseas buyers, and technological advances hailed — Art Boncato reports
SHANGHAI, China — The Texcare Asia & China Laundry Expo 2026 (TXCA & CLE) concluded on a high note with record-breaking numbers in exhibitor count, exhibition space occupied, and quality of buyers from around the globe, Messe Frankfurt Asia excitedly shared with Hospitality News Philippines (HNP).
Held from September 21 to 23 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the two trade exhibits occupied 25,000 sqm and hosted 328 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Attendance reached 28,436, including 4,598 overseas visitors, up 70% from the previous edition.
For the hospitality sector, the exhibition offered a glimpse into how automation, artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and resource-efficient technologies are transforming laundry operations, from large hotel facilities to smaller businesses serving the accommodation industry.
HNP scoped the record-setting shows and got introduced to the biggest global textile care players. 
Technology drives commercial laundry innovationAmong the biggest, Jiangsu SEA-LION Machinery Co. Ltd. confirmed their unstinting support of the annual shows, noting the growing demand from major markets like the hospitality industry.
In an interview with HNP, Jiangsu SEA-LION Machinery Co. Ltd. General Manager Aaron Zhang confirmed how technology is driving competitiveness. He also reaffirmed the importance of exhibition as a platform for connecting with customers and exploring opportunities in key markets, including hospitality..
“We are introducing new machines this year that are more economical and are using more advanced and sustainable green technologies,” he said.
The shows highlight China’s dominant position in textile care innovation by showcasing both established and emerging companies that offer high-tech and smart manufacturing solutions.
Automation and integrated services were also prominent at the Haier pavilion, where solutions were presented for hotels, hospitals, universities, and residential communities.
“Our commercial smart laundry ecosystem automates hotel industry textile care by bundling advanced AI, IoT, and industrial-grade mechanics,” a Haier pavilion representative explained to HNP. 
The key feature in these bundled services is Haier’s smart laundry infrastructure that shifts the mode from manual hotel operations to an autonomous, minimum-to-zero human capital setup.
Beyond machinery, exhibitors also presented developments in water management and resource efficiency. These included waterless and low-water washing technologies, advanced water recycling systems, high-efficiency commercial washers, and environmentally oriented detergents formulated for low-temperature washing.
For hotels facing rising operating costs and growing sustainability expectations, such technologies offer potential avenues for reducing resource consumption while maintaining linen quality and service standards.
Smart linen management opens opportunities for hotels
While large-scale laundry facilities continue to invest in autormation, other exhibitors presented technologies that could be relevant to smaller hospitality operators and businesses seeking better control over linen inventories.
Jiangsu NiuZhangGui Technology Co., Ltd., showcased solutions combining smart linens, intelligent sorting, and laundry management software.
It’s smart linen system uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags allowing operators to monitor wash cycles and track linen inventory. The technology can help businesses maintain accurate records, and reduce losses involving sheets, towels, and other fabrics.
A company sales representative told HNP that the software can also serve linen rental businesses and smaller hotel groups.
For Philippine hotels, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), such systems could offer a practical way to improve inventory management without necessarily investing in a fully automated laundry facility.
Self-service laundromats offer alternative business models
Another business model is highlighted by a new player, Xiaoya, which promotes new-generation sanitary self-service laundromat bundles.
“We have different business models in Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and Mexico. Our Thailand model is set up as a small business with complete washing and drying capability housed in a container van.” Ms. Mia, a company representative, said during a brief interview with HNP.
Xiaoya is also seeking its first Philippine partner, presenting a potential opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in alternative laundry business formats.
Although the Philippine market continues to rely heavily on labour-operated laundry shops, self-service concepts and modular facilities could offer additional options for selected locations, depending on local demand, investment requirements, utilities, and operating conditions.For hospitality businesses, these developments are worth watching as operators explore different ways to manage laundry requirements, particularly where outsourcing or conventional in-house operations may not fully meet their needs.
International participation strengthens industry connections
Beyond the technology displays, TXCA & CLE 2026 served as a meeting point for manufacturers, laundry operators, industry associations, and buyers from China and overseas markets.
Nearly 40 buyer delegations attended, including 13 overseas delegations comprising close to 200 visitors from countries and regions such as Australia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Eight forums and conference sessions complemented the exhibition, addressing industry developments, operational challenges, technical advances, and opportunities for collaboration.
One of the highlights was the Hotel Group Laundry Service Supply Chain Management Innovation Forum, which launched an initiative calling for more consistent practices in hotel linen laundering and reuse.
The discussions reflected the industry’s broader shift towards more intelligent, sustainable, and standardized textile care operations.
As hotels continue to balance service quality with cost control and environmental responsibility, developments in commercial laundry technology are becoming increasingly relevant to the wider hospitality supply chain.
TXCA & CLE is an annual event organised by the Laundry Committee of China General Chamber of Commerce and the China Light Industry Machinery Association, as well as Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and Unifair Exhibition Service Co Ltd.
The next edition will be held in 2027, with full details to be announced in due course. For more details about the show, please email txcacle@china.messefrankfurt.com or txcacle@unifair.com.
