As international exhibitors gathered at Intertextile Apparel’s Spring Edition in March 2021, sustainability was a main theme not just for its dedicated product zone, All About Sustainability, but also a frequently brought-up topic across the fair’s halls. With many newly developed sustainable products on display to visitors who came to the fair with this in mind, fairgoers had much to say on how this worldwide movement is gaining traction in China.
Orta Anadolu Focus on Kenevir
The fair hosted nearly 2,600 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions and Turkish brand ORTA shared why they focus on a specific sustainable material, hemp, which proved to be popular among local brands. “Hemp can grow four times a year, whereas cotton can only grow two times a year. It also saves more water during the production stage and naturally has anti-bacterial properties, which is what makes it a globally popular product right now,” explained Mr Jackal Tsang, Regional Sales of Orta Anadolu. “Over the past year, we have become more focused on the domestic scene because the market in China picked up quite quickly after the pandemic outbreak. Intertextile provides the ideal platform for us to meet our existing and potential customers in China and we have met with many big local brands as well as more e-commerce brands at this edition.
The main focus on ‘Food Textile’ at Japan Pavilion
Meanwhile, the popular Japan Pavilion was regularly crowded with visitors enquiring about quality sustainable products. Toyoshima showcased a range of innovations including products made from biodegradable corn fibre as well as its ‘Food Textile’ series that reutilises food waste products as dye. “We joined Intertextile to promote our products, attract customers and facilitate business deals, and all of these expectations have been met. The fair is forward-looking and promotes the communication and progress of the industry,” said Ms Xiaoli Pan, Dept 3 Supervisor of Toyoshima International (Shanghai) Co Ltd, who also noted that “export orders have returned.”
“As a Japanese company, we believe that China is the most anticipated market for the future. With the improvement of living standards in China, many consumers have a higher pursuit of comfort. We believe that this area has great potential for development – comfort and environment protection will be an ongoing trend. As the number of upper class people in China gradually increases, we hope to introduce them to our more comfortable and environmentally friendly products, and this will be an area of revenue growth for us,” commented Mr Heling Mo, Fibers Sales Dept Manager of Asahi Kasei Advance (Shanghai) Co Ltd.
Italians are investing in Organic Fabrics
Italy-based Ratti SpA also believes there is great potential in China and a real growing consumer demand for luxury brands that use their high-quality fabrics, according to the company’s Asia Sales Manager, Ms Elisa Ravera. “China has recovered well from the pandemic and so presents us with a lot of potential for business here. At the moment, we are investing in sustainable products such as organic and natural fabrics.”
Sustainability recognised as the future direction of China’s textile industry
At Intertextile Apparel’s Spring Edition, visitors were looking specifically for sustainable products. Ms Fiona Qian, Procurement Specialist at Tongxiang Huiquan Garments Co Ltd, China said she was looking for “some regenerated, environmentally friendly fabrics, as well as synthetic fibres and wool yarns such as Lyocell and Modal”.
Mr Rongfei Hu, Head of Fabric Development, EP Yaying Fashion Group Co Ltd, China paid a special visit to Mitsubishi Chemical’s booth at Intertextile. “Mitsubishi Chemical is a supplier that we value and have been cooperating with. Their Soalon triacetate fibre is environmentally friendly and recyclable, which is in line with the environmental protection concept our brand is promoting,” he explained. “From international to domestic clothing brands, environmental protection is considered by everyone, for example raw materials that are made with renewable elements. Many exhibitors have introduced new ideas at their booths, which is nice for providing guidance to brands like us.”
Visitors were also surprised by what they could find at the fair’s new Hybrid Showcase area, where overseas exhibitors sent their products to be displayed onsite for visitors to touch and feel. “I discovered a high-quality fibre supplier, Sateri. I’m very interested in their sustainable and environmentally friendly Lyocell and EcoCosy fabrics,” exclaimed Ms May Wu, Fabric Purchaser at CPAX Ltd, China. “As the textile industry is currently paying more attention to regenerated, natural, eco-friendly and protective products, I also observed that more suppliers are beginning to invest in sustainable products. I think these trends are bound to be the future direction of China’s market and the global industry.”
Fringe programme covers latest applications, sustainable fashion and circular economy
Impact Hub Shanghai moderated a forum about material selection in fashion products and their impact on the industry, including factors associated with consumer behaviour. Ms Karen Du, who is the Director of Sustainable Fashion, Impact Hub Shanghai as well as Managing Director of R.I.S.E. Sustainable Fashion Lab, hoped to gauge the level of awareness for sustainable fashion in the Chinese market through presenting at the fair.
“Over the past few editions of Intertextile it is clear that the booths have become more and more ‘green’, which is great!” commented Ms Du. “When the pandemic first broke out, everyone was speculating whether there would be retaliatory consumption afterwards, but this did not happen. Consumers are becoming more rational about this. After the pandemic, this may become the new normal and people will reflect more on their relationship with the society, which is a very obvious trend for the promotion of sustainable fashion.”
According to research published by the R.I.S.E. Sustainable Fashion Lab in October 2020, Chinese consumers have a sense of ‘moral anxiety’ and fear that their purchase and consumption would have an adverse impact on aggravating environmental issues – around 85% consumers surveyed said they will not purchase from brands with negative environmental news.
For the latest developments on sustainability in the Chinese apparel market, don’t miss out on the upcoming Autumn Edition of Intertextile Apparel, which will be held from 9 – 11 October 2021 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). There’s several ways for you to join the fair including in-person, hybrid and on-line solutions.
Contact us to discuss your participation options!
Maggie.tse@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
Autumn Editions of Intertextile Shanghai and Yarn Expo rescheduled to October
In light of recent Covid-19 cases in China, the Autumn Editions of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles and Yarn Expo will be rescheduled to 9 – 11 October 2021. The fairs were originally due to take place at the end of August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
You can find out the details about related news under the link below;
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held concurrently alongside Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition, Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value.
