Intertextile Shanghai is all about sustainability

Fashion

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, taking place from 21st to 24th October 2013, ist all set to show its sustainable side. For the first time, the trade fair features an “All about Sustainability” zone and underscores its eco focus at the Planet Textiles

Conference.

The overall theme

of the “All about Sustainability” zone is ‘Recycle’, featuring recycled textiles and products. “The issue of sustainability is becoming increasingly important for Chinese consumers as they become more conscious of environmental protection. This zone, therefore, provides new opportunities for overseas companies that have strong environmental credentials to enter the Chinese market as this trend begins to take off,” explains Wendy Wen, senior general manager of fair organiser Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

Sustainability throughout all phases of production

As a display and educational zone, “All about Sustainability” will not only offer presentations and discussions but leading companies in the field of sustainability will present their products and services. Among them outdoor clothing supplier Patagonia, a pioneer in the use of Repreve fibres, which contain recycled materials, including post-industrial waste and used plastic bottles. Repreve fibres are produced by Unifi, another exhibitor at the fair.

Swedisch clothing giant H&M will present its ‘Conscious’ collection as well as ‘Conscious Exclusive’, a new line of party wear for spring 2013. Both collections feature garments made from organic cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel.

Hong Kong-based NGO Redress will show visitors how to promote environmental sustainability in Asia’s fashion industry by reducing textile waste, pollution and water and energy consumption. The Crystal Group, also based in Hong Kong, will display their eco-friendly jeans production processes including laser and ozone bleaching and denim waste usage. Popular recycling fabrics will also be a hot topic in the “All about Sustainability” zone.

Together with the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, Yarn Expo Autumn and PH Value (formerly known as the China International Knitting Trade Fair), will run concurrently. All fairs will take place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Image: 'Best of British' at Intertextile Shanghai / Messe Frankfurt