On September 16, the “Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics,” held in Shanghai, China, from August 29 to 31, announced that it had reached a historic milestone with its 30th anniversary edition.
Known as the world’s largest sourcing platform for the apparel industry, the event hosted approximately 4,000 exhibitors from 26 countries, showcasing innovative products and solutions that will shape the future of the industry. The event drew over 100,000 visitors from 115 countries, with a 29% rise in international buyers compared to the previous year.
This year’s edition placed significant focus on three key themes: sustainability, functionality, and digitalization. Cutting-edge technologies, such as recycled materials, organic accessories, and digital design solutions, were successively introduced. In response to the growing interest in sustainable practices and technological advancements across the industry, new areas were opened, including the “Econogy Hub” and the “Digital Solutions Zone.”
The Econogy Hub, a rebrand of the previous “All About Sustainability” zone, hosted 36 exhibitors and featured three display areas and an eco-boutique. Additionally, a tool called Econogy Finder was introduced, allowing visitors to easily locate exhibitors focused on sustainability. The hub also hosted Econogy Talks, consisting of 14 sessions, as well as guided Econogy Tours featured exhibitors certified as sustainable, offering deep insights into a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, the Digital Solutions Zone showcased cutting-edge digital technologies, including industry-leading knitting machines, design systems, AI solutions, and more. This zone served as an ideal platform for companies looking to advance their digitalization efforts, playing a crucial role for buyers in discovering innovative technologies and solutions. The Digital Solutions Exploration Space was also established, facilitating networking among industry players and creating new business opportunities.
Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented, “We have been eager to communicate that while Intertextile may be the world’s largest sourcing hub for apparel textiles, it is so much more than that. Industry players from all over the world come here seeking inspiration and innovation for the constantly evolving textile market.”
“For 30 years, this fair has grown and stayed relevant by consistently moving with the times – hence the launch of our new Econogy Hub and Digital Solutions Zone, and an expanded fringe programme that featured leading experts discussing everything from testing compliance to generative AI’s role in textile design. These kinds of insights are key for companies looking to operate successfully in a sustainable, technology-driven future,” Shea explained.
Exhibitors also highly praised the role of the Econogy Hub in promoting eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the importance of this exhibition as a space for collaboration and new business opportunities.
The 240,000 square meter exhibition space featured the debut of pavilions from Malaysia and Uzbekistan. Among the seven returning pavilions from Asia and Europe, the Japan Pavilion marked its 21st appearance, Milano Unica participated for the 20th time, and the Korea and Taiwan pavilions celebrated over 25 years of participation.
Mutsuko Tatsukami, Planning Director Textile Div., Japan Fashion Week Organization, the organizer of the Japan Pavilion, stated, “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, and they feel it’s more efficient to be grouped together in the Japan Pavilion.”
Tatsukami continued, “Our Japan Trend Corner serves as a gateway to all of the booths and helps attract buyers. Seasonal trends mean it is very important to be here for S/S and A/W. Over the years, the standard of buyers, the fair’s overall standards, and the quality of fabrics have all greatly improved.”
On the visitor side, delegations from India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the event. Buyers included global garment manufacturers, wholesalers, brands, department stores. The number of international visitors continued to rise this autumn, boosting the strong turnout of attendees.
Visiting as part of the Singapore Fashion Council delegation, 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, and to expose ourselves as a brand to opportunities from different mills. We came here with a sourcing agenda, and we’ve discovered new advanced technology and fabrics that we’ve never seen before. It has been a really great opportunity for us. We would like to join the fair next year for Spring / Summer.”
More than 50 fringe events were held as part of the 30th-anniversary edition, with 25 of them focused on sustainability under the Econogy Talks umbrella. Additionally, a panel discussion organized by AFTEX covered textile investment opportunities in the ASEAN region, and seminars on digital innovations were held by Avery Dennison, Shima Seiki, and Symmpix. Topics and trends related to upcoming fashion seasons were also discussed by Pantone and WGSN, offering deep insights into trends, technology, and market developments to both exhibitors and buyers.
The next edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is scheduled for September 2-4, 2025, where further innovations, sustainability efforts, and international collaboration are expected.