Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics successfully concluded its 30th anniversary edition from August 27-29, 2024. The event reaffirmed its position as a global leader in apparel textiles sourcing, showcasing innovative products and solutions that address industry challenges and trends.
Key highlights of the event include:
• Strong international attendance: Over 100,000 visitors from 115 countries and regions attended the fair, with a 29% increase in international buyers compared to the previous year.
• Focus on sustainability and innovation: Exhibitors showcased products that prioritize functionality, sustainability, and digitalization, reflecting the evolving needs of the fashion industry.
• Expanded fringe program: The fair offered a comprehensive program featuring industry experts discussing topics such as testing compliance, generative AI, and digital innovation.
• Debut of new pavilions: The Malaysia and Uzbekistan Pavilions made their first appearances at the event, joining other returning pavilions from Asia and Europe.
• Milano Unica's return to Intertextile Shanghai: 40 Italian companies participated in Autumn Edition, with some like Rossi Lorenzo e figli returning after a hiatus and noting changes in consumer behavior. Teseo by Laura Clerici made its debut, while Inseta veteran Uberto Ciatti acknowledged market challenges. The event showcased Italian textile resilience amidst a complex market.
Show Highlights
Fashionable Fabrics: Showcases innovation and sustainability
Fashionable Fabrics was one of the main show highlights of Intertextile Shanghai 2024, focusing on innovative fabrics. Trend Tours, Forums, and Seminars provided insights into market dynamics, sustainable practices, and fabric-to-fashion processes. The event showcased the latest trends and innovations in the textile industry, inspiring attendees to embrace sustainable and innovative fabric choices.
As Ms. Mutsuko Tatsukami, Planning Director of Textile Div. at Japan Fashion Week Organization, commented, "Japan has such wide-ranging fabrics from top to bottom. It is important for Japanese companies to exhibit at Intertextile Apparel to develop their Asian markets."
Econogy: A new sustainability initiative
The recent Intertextile Shanghai 2024 highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in the textile industry. Initiatives like Econogy, introduced by Messe Frankfurt, aim to promote sustainable practices by combining ecological responsibility with economic viability. The event featured discussions, tours, and exhibitions focused on sustainable materials, production methods, and technologies. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the potential of a more sustainable fashion industry.
Mr. Marc Sidler, Group CMO at Testex AG, noted, "Intertextile is the most important apparel fabrics fair on the planet... What has not changed is the interaction between human beings, this is what fairs are for – we are all social creatures, we want to interact, we want to talk, we want to explore our friendship."
Digital Solutions Zone: A hub of innovation
Intertextile Shanghai 2024 showcased a new Digital Solutions Zone as one of the key show highlights, featuring advanced knitting machinery, design systems, AI solutions, and more. The zone highlighted the transformative power of digital technologies in the textile industry.
Ms. Monika Januavita Kopeng, Lead Fashion Designer at Love, Bonito Singapore, said, "Intertextile Apparel is a really great place to meet many exhibitors from different countries, with suppliers bringing their own expertise and fabric specialties."
Functional Fashion: Fabrics of the future
The event featured Functional Fashion as key show highlight, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions, highlighting how clothing can elevate everyday life.
Fringe Programme included thought-provoking discussions
The event offered a comprehensive program featuring industry experts discussing contemporary topics, innovations and thought-provoking sessions.
European Green Deal's Impact on Textile Industry
One such discussion focused on the European Green Deal's implications for the global textile industry. Speakers highlighted the EU's push for sustainability through regulations, the importance of traceability, and the competitive advantage of eco-friendly practices.
ASEAN shines as a global textile investment hub
The recent event emphasized the region's strong growth, favorable investment climate, strategic location, and commitment to sustainability. ASEAN's apparel market is projected to reach US$300 billion by 2025, driven by domestic demand and exports. Investors are encouraged to focus on high-value segments and collaborate with local partners.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to the Future
Intertextile Apparel's 30th anniversary edition demonstrated its unwavering commitment to evolving with the textile industry. The fair's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and fostering global connections ensures its continued success as a leading sourcing platform.
