Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics celebrated its 30th anniversary with a spectacular inauguration event held on August 27th morning marking a significant milestone for the global textile industry. The grand event is being held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai during August 27-29, 2024.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt, the event is set to hold thousands of exhibitors and visitors from over 27 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable practices in the global textile industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Detlef Braun, a member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, reflected on the journey of Intertextile Shanghai. He noted that the first edition of the event in 1995 featured 123 exhibitors. However, the origins of the exhibition date back even further to 1987, when Messe Frankfurt launched its first overseas show, Interstoff Asia, in Hong Kong. “This was Messe Frankfurt’s first ever overseas show,” Braun said, “and it led to the launch of Intertextile Shanghai.”
Over the past 30 years, Intertextile Shanghai has grown significantly, with a total of 103,000 exhibitors and more than 2.4 million visitors. Braun emphasized the event's importance, stating, “It is one of Messe Frankfurt’s crown jewels and a major sourcing hub for the global textile industry. It is an incredible success story, and the best is still in front of us.”
Highlights of the 30th Anniversary event
The autumn edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is showcasing a variety of key highlights, focusing on global reach, sustainability, and innovation:
Global Reach: The event features a diverse range of exhibitors from over 27 countries and regions, highlighting a broad spectrum of products and services tailored to different markets.
Milano Unica returns
Milano Unica continues to play a prominent role, 43 Italian companies are participating in Milano Unica Shanghai with their offerings and varying experiences. While many companies have been selling textiles in China for years, others are new to this vast and complex market.
Sustainability Focus: Reflecting a growing demand for eco-friendly materials and production processes, a significant portion of the exhibition is dedicated to the sustainable textiles.
Innovative Technologies: Attendees will explore the latest advancements in textile technology, including digital printing, functional fabrics, and smart textiles.
Trend Forecasting: The event provides valuable insights into the key trends for the Autumn/Winter 2025 season, aiding designers and manufacturers in planning for the future.
Networking Opportunities: The exhibition serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and build relationships.
Trends and innovations on display
Several notable trends are set to emerge during the event, emphasizing the evolving landscape of the textile industry:
Sustainability: Exhibitors are showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly materials, certifications, and innovative production methods.
Functional Fabrics: There is a high demand for functional fabrics featuring properties such as moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and UV protection, particularly in the sportswear and outdoor apparel sectors.
Digital Printing: The popularity of digital printing technology continues to rise, offering increased flexibility, customization, and a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
Smart Textiles: The integration of technology into textiles, such as wearable devices and sensor-embedded fabrics, represented a growing trend in the industry.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics continues to be a pivotal event for the textile industry. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration aligns with the changing landscape of the market.
