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Industry Talk

Innovation and sustainability are driving demand in China

As the Chinese economy recovers and business resumes, the country is seeing an increase in demand for innovative and sustainable textiles and apparel products.

26th May 2021

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Shanghai, China

Clothing/​Footwear

As China’s economy firmly bounces back and the country’s trade fairs are back in full swing, the textile market is moving full steam ahead on a fast track of recovery, along with an apparent increased demand for innovative and eco-friendly products.

Over the past year, Intertextile Apparel has continued to connect the industry with the Spring Edition in March welcoming nearly 2,600 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, along with 80,533 buyers. Intertextile’s All About Sustainability and Functional Lab zones in particular remain as popular as ever, with sustainability and innovation at the forefront of many Chinese buyers’ minds.

I think China's demand for unique products moves very fast. Every year people want something new, pushing us to develop our fabrics and products

The concurrently held Yarn Expo Spring was also warmly welcomed by the industry in March, amidst a backdrop of optimism for the domestic market’s recovery. 387 exhibitors showcased their latest yarn and fibre products, attracting 21,204 high-quality buyers.

What’s more, whilst many businesses have been restricted by travel limitations, both fairs have introduced hybrid and online solutions to enable participation for overseas companies.

Crowds throng at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics. © Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt spoke with fairgoers at Intertextile Apparel’s Spring Edition about their experiences and thoughts on the market and new trends: 

“Since the pandemic, anti-bacterial, anti-virus and other health concepts have become more popular, so our pavilion has been quite busy. Also, environmental protection is a hot topic, including recycled, sustainable and organic products. I think China's demand for unique products moves very fast; every year people want something new, pushing us to develop our fabrics and products,” commented Mr Tianzhong Dong, Vice President, Hua Mao Nano-Tech (Shanghai) AN Office.

Mr Yonghui Zheng, Manager, Shanghai IRIS Garment Accessories, added: “Our products are made with eco-friendly materials and are biodegradable which meets the biggest sourcing needs in China. Major brands here are becoming more aware of environmental protection and the demand is higher than in previous years. I think the demand for sustainable products in China will become even greater in the future.”

“Despite the pandemic, the fair still gathered high-quality suppliers from Korea, Japan, the UK and other regions. Through the fair’s new Hybrid Showcase display area, I even discovered a high-quality fibre supplier and I’m very interested in their sustainable and environmentally friendly fabrics. As the industry pays more attention to regenerated, eco-friendly and protective products, I’ve noticed that more suppliers are investing in sustainable and innovative products,” said Ms May Wu, Fabric Purchaser, CPAX Ltd.

How can you showcase your sustainable products at the industry’s leading trade fair this August?

There are several ways for you to join Intertextile Apparel and Yarn Expo this Autumn including in-person, hybrid and online solutions:

-Have your Chinese representatives or branch office attend the fair in-person to manage your onsite booth

-Join the fair with our Hybrid Exhibition Package – showcase your products onsite and interact with buyers via our online platforms

-Not sure what’s right for you? Contact us to discuss your options:

[email protected]

© Messe Frankfurt

What’s included in the Hybrid Exhibition Package?

-Onsite booth to display your products along with AV equipment

-Access to Connect PLUS and the fair app for business matching

-Instant messenger and product enquiry services

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held concurrently alongside Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition, Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value, providing a one-stop sourcing platform for the entire industry, under one roof.

www.intertextileapparel.com

www.yarnexpochina.com

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