Textination Newsline

09.02.2016

RAPIDLY GROWING GERMAN FASHION EXPORT TO CHINA

Volumes considerably upgradeable
Italy loses Top Position to North Korea

Beijing (gtai) - Chinese consumers appreciate German goods from cars to saucepan. Fashion "Made in Germany" is only now discovered. German providers benefit from the good image of their country of origin - and from the desire of the growing middle class to afford something "good". Local production usually has a rather bad reputation. However there is a lack of presence, German brand names are hardly known. Despite the high growth rates the sales potential is by far not yet exhausted.

Volumes considerably upgradeable
Italy loses Top Position to North Korea

German Fashion in the PRC is coming: according to Chinese custom statistics in the first ten months of 2015 Chinese purchases from Germany of knitted and crocheted clothing and garments (HS-Pos. 61) rose by a whopping 31.8% and by 5.1 % in other apparel and clothing accessories (HS-Pos. 62). This is all the more remarkable because the total imports for clothes grew in the same period by 3.6% only, - and China across all sectors even recorded a stately import reduction by 15.7%.

But a sales volume of USD 5.6 million USD of a total import of products of these HS headings of USD 4.9 billion is rather negligible. In fact, German fashion brands, with a few exceptions such as Hugo Boss and Escada, are yet barely visible in the PRC. A really good positioning was reached by Adidas only.

Main delivering country for the PRC was Italy until September 2015, its highly quality textiles and clothing are greatly appreciated. It shipped in the first ten months of 2015 sector products worth USD 688.7 million. However, given the ongoing austerity and anti-corruption policy the Italian imports tend downwards significantly (-11.6% compared to the same period last year).

Luxury purchases are shifted abroad

The Shanghai Daily wrote in October 2015, Chinese luxury purchases have been shifted to abroad at two-thirds since 2012. In Paris, Milan, London, New York or Tokyo one can buy anonymously and also cheaper than on the mainland. In addition, there is a trend away from the "quasi everywhere" available "big names" to new, less known, more individual designers.

At least there seems to be a still unabated propensity abroad: For example, the Financial Services Global Blue reported an increase in tax refunds of Chinese tourists in August 2015 of 65.6% (July: + 73%) compared to the same month of the previous year.

Detached from the top position was Italy in October from Korea (Dem. P.R.) with USD 663.9 million. On the third and fourth place follow Vietnam (USD 587.5 million) and Bangladesh (USD 364.7 million). The success of these three countries is probably due to an already shifted production capacity of Chinese manufacturers, which bring their products back to China to sell them there.

Chinese imports of clothing
(in USD million, change in % compared to the previous year period)
HS-Pos.	Designation	2012	2013	2014	January til October 2015	Change
61	Apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, coming from	1,344	1,666	2,067	1,894	9.9
	.Vietnam	87	169	242	280	39.9
	.Italy	231	267	296	226	-8.2
	.Bangladesch	63	89	144	146	20.2
	.Korea (Dem.)	67	88	119	139	34.3
	.Germany	5	2	2	2	31.8
62	Apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted from	2,664	3,141	3,559	3,034	0.1
	.Korea (Dem.VR)	373	499	622	525	-4.8
	.Italy	514	577	631	463	-11.6
	.Vietnam	154	236	310	307	18.9
	.Bangladesch	90	142	191	219	30.7
	.Germany	5	4	4	3	5.1
	Total	4,009	4,807	5,626	4,927	3.6

Source: China Customs

As in many other areas of consumer goods in the “Dress-Question” Germany does not utilize its opportunities on the Chinese market. According to sector insiders “here could happen much more" - not least because of the excellent reputation that the label "Made in Germany" enjoys among Chinese consumers.

The recommendation is - and this was repeated on the last "Chic" once again - to see China not only as a procurement market but increasingly as a sales market too. In the words of a German leather jacket provider: "Twenty years ago we bought leather from China, now we sell leather to China."

"Light Luxury" demanded

The "big" Italian or French brands such as Gucci, Armani or Chanel remain inaccessible for the most. Fashion "Made in Germany" can cover a niche in the medium price range that is affordable for the growing urban middle class, that also would like to buy "something international" and has come to appreciate German products from automobiles to saucepan. For them German fashion is not for luxury, but for good execution respectively processing and good material. At the same time other competitors are active in this field. In a similar notch for example, the Dutch men’s wear supplier Suitsupply abuts, which opened in Shanghai in the summer.

Fake products are not an alternative for this clientele. In fact, the Chinese consumer does not make its decision for a German product due to the low price, but rather by the desire to acquire a piece of excellent quality. This then may cost something and stands out from the mainstream, whether through innovative materials, unusual combinations of materials, individual or humorous cuts or by a special design. Increasingly demanded are accessories such as matching belts, bags or shoes. As a micro-trend in the younger generation applies also wearing hats - and who wants to leave is going to the popular Octoberfest in a real Dirndl.

Sales price at least three times the purchase price

German manufacturers take advantage from the "demographic factor": the Chinese society is aging rapidly. Accordingly the demand is shifting away from "more funky and young" goods towards timeless, trendy-fashionable, quality orientated clothing, which then may be slightly more expensive - and it de facto also is. Experiential German import goods become more expensive due to transportation, customs and usual trading margin up to at least three times the buying price.

However, as successful niche products yes, - for the masses German goods therefore are not suitable. This may apply to lovingly designed eco-slippers as well as for trendy hats or quality handbags in a "Light-luxury segment". Not seldom the one or the other gap in the market can only be detected by local presence - so for example - each country has its own "house shoe culture", with which one must learn to deal with as a provider.

According to the experience of many exhibitors, sometimes Chinese buyers like with high standards masterfully crafted products even more than the Germans themselves. Moreover it is advantageous, to be able to offer customers next to the actual product, "a story". So it absolutely impresses, when a company is family-run by the fourth generation - or high craftsmanship can be documented with a film.

More information:
Deutsche Mode in China China Fashion Mode

Source:

Stefanie Schmitt, Germany Trade & Invest www.gtai.de

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02.02.2016

CHINA'S TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY IS ORIENTATING TOWARDS NEW

Creating local branding
Gradual relocation towards abroad

Beijing (gtai) - Away from cheap mass production or relocation are the alternatives for the Chinese textile and clothing industry. A domestic "Go-West" does probably not pay off in the long term, the migration however to Southeast Asia has already started. At the same time German quality suppliers expect new sales opportunities if the companies strengthen their competitive position through more quality. This became clear at the last "Intertextile" October 2015 in Shanghai.

Creating local branding
Gradual relocation towards abroad

The Chinese textile and clothing industry is under massive pressure of costs. Away from cheap mass production or relocation is the need of the hour. Until now the industry is primarily located at the Pearl River and the attached Yangtze River Delta, where wages on average are the highest nationwide. According to the China National Garment Association (CNGA) about 70% of the production volume account for the five provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong.

Supported by the policy is the move to the more favorable central and western provinces. This happens not least to the preservation of local jobs and the development of the far less booming regions of the country. In this sense not only the CNGA endorses the relocation of clothing manufacturers to Xinjiang. In the western province 30% of the cotton of the country is grown, which with 6.2 million tons in 2014 is the largest cotton producing area in the world. After association investments the authorities are planning investments amounting to USD 3.2 billion, amongst other things for the establishment of "Textile Industry Parks".

Another attempt to shift the Chinese textile industry from the coast to the west, represents the Ningxia Ecological Rextile Industrial Demonstration Park, which was opened in December 2014. According to China.org.cn by 2020 here about 50,000 people work should be working there in the textile industry.

"Go West" is not attractive for private textile and clothing companies

To which extent these efforts will be successful remains to be seen. However, said by a Chinese businesswoman, "Go West" at best will be a medium-term solution, because also there sooner or later the wages would rise (not to mention the already there noticeable higher logistics and other costs). If to move, then only to permanently cheaper overseas locations. A migration to Vietnam, Bangladesh or Cambodia is already going on. But the fact is that so far a large displacement wave - at home or abroad - has not yet happened.

That Vietnam and Bangladesh have climbed in a few years to the third and fourth place of the main source countries for the PRC in terms of clothing (Vietnam: USD 587.5 million, Bangladesh: USD 364,7 each in the first ten months of 2015 for HS-Pos. 61 and 62), results very predominantly on already shifted production capacities of Chinese manufacturers. They bring their products from there back to China to sell them here.

Vietnam as a manufacturing site should also gain in the course of the in October 2015 successfully completed negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement between the US and Vietnam in importance for Chinese enterprises. After coming into effect exports from Vietnam to the United States will be duty-free. In November 2015 for example was to read in China Daily, the Huafeng Co. of Shandong would be planning to build a textile mill in the Southeast Asian neighboring country with an investment of 700 million Renminbi (RMB - approximately 110 million USD, 1 USD= 0,157 RMB, the average rate as of November 2015).

Cambodia does not play in the foremost league yet, but pushes with power forward: During the named period, imports of knitted and crocheted clothing rose by 38.1% to USD 124.8 million (HS-Pos. 61) and other clothes (HS-Pos. 62) by 18.4% to USD 32.3 million.

However, for the relocation certain limits are set as the target countries often reach their capacity limits. Considered has to be the in China existing extremely advantageous integration of the various stages from cotton growing over the wide textile processing up to the final cutting and sewing of clothing.

Superiority in quality rather than relocation

Instead on a further relocation innovative companies and designers rely on an upgrading of their products. The aim is to serve more demanding customers in the Chinese market - and to position themselves abroad. To these belongs the fashion designer Ma Ke, who designs clothes for China's First Lady Peng Liyuan, or Guo Pei, who caused stir with her creation for the singer Rihanna at the Met Gala 2015 in New York.

Apart from individual stars of the scene also increasingly large companies such as the down jacket specialist Bosideng or the men’s wear designer Mark Fairwhale and Ningbo PeaceBird move away from pure volume production towards brand building and quality. Bosideng has even opened its own flagship store in London. The awareness of important Chinese brands such Heilan Home or Metersbonwe is still limited to local customers, for the majority of European buyers they are not a concept. But according to sector insiders this is likely to change, step by step.

**Market share of the 10 most important suppliers for men’s wear in China 2014**
Brand	Country of origin	Market share (in %)
Heilan Home	PR China	2.9
Jack & Jones (Bestseller)	Denmark (Tianjin)	2.4
Nike	USA	1.0
Youngor	PR China	1.0
Uniqlo	Japan	1.0
Romon	PR China	1.0
GXG	PR China	0.9
Adidas	Germany	0.8
Metersbowe	PR China	0.8
Mark Fairwhale	PR China	0.7

Source: China Daily based on Euromonitor

For German suppliers in terms of top materials (usually the most expensive materials), accessories (such as interlinings, buttons, thread, packaging) or also in cutting and sewing, China remains interesting. This was demonstrated once again at the last "Intertextile" in October 2015 Shanghai.

Two opposing trends are apparent: On the one hand exhibitors reported about a shift in demand to other countries in the wake of rising wages and ancillary wage costs. On the other hand suppliers of more expensive products can now look and hope beyond of inexpensive mass markets to the emergence of new niches, so a producer of woven-real hair fur materials. A provider of real horn buttons thinks similar.

The next "Intertextile" with a German pavilion takes place from October 11th to 13th 2016 in Shanghai ("Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition"; information under www.auma.de or www.intertextile.com.cn).

Generally exhibitors recommend for risk diversification to build a second pillar next to the site in China. "The caravan moves on," is said. Currently the lowest wages for garment workers are being paid in Bangladesh, the country also benefits from duty-free agreements for imports into the EU. The latter also applies for Cambodia. Also very competitive the seamstresses are working in Vietnam and India. Moreover, Africa (specifically for example Ethiopia) will play an important future role, also a production facility in Korea (Dem.) is not outrageous for Chinese textile companies.

In general free trade agreements should get considerably more weight in future, as this is the case today.

More information:
Intertextile Chinese textile and clothing industry

Source:

Stefanie Schmitt, Germany Trade & Invest www.gtai.de

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26.01.2016

IMM COLOGNE/LIVINGINTERIORS A SUCCESSFUL START TO THE NEW YEAR FOR THE INDUSTRY

80.000 trade visitors from 128 countries
Significant increase in visitors from Europe
1,185 exhibitors from 50 countries
LivingInteriors dazzles with Smarthome

From 18 to 24 January 2016 at imm cologne and LivingInteriors, a total of 1,185 companies from 50 countries presented the trends in furniture and furnishings for the coming year. Buyers from the trade with decisionmaking authority made for a dynamic trade fair during the first five days. With around 80,000 trade visitors from 128 countries, the event recorded a slight increase (4.8 percent) in trade fair visitor numbers compared to 2014. The proportion of visitors from abroad was 46 percent (based on the trade visitor days).

80.000 trade visitors from 128 countries
Significant increase in visitors from Europe
1,185 exhibitors from 50 countries
LivingInteriors dazzles with Smarthome

"This outcome shows that imm cologne is unmatched as a business event for the global furniture and furnishings industry", said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse, summing up the event.

"This is where the world comes together to do business, which offers a lot of new opportunities for export-oriented companies. At the same time, this fair duo has proved once again that business and creative inspiration are not mutually exclusive", Böse continued. "imm cologne was a wonderful furniture show and has got us off to a very successful start to the 2016 furniture year. With so many new products and ideas, innovations and great models in all price ranges, we are confident that the German furniture industry will achieve another increase in sales this year", added Dirk-Uwe Klaas, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM). This was confirmed by Hans Strothoff, President of the Federal Association of German Furniture, Kitchens and Furnishing Retailers (BVDM): "This year's imm cologne really stimulated a keen interest in furniture. Rarely has the mood in industry and trade been so positive as at this fair. Wherever you looked, only smiling faces and great optimism. imm cologne has really catapulted the industry into the new business year with a swing."

The atmosphere among visitors was characterised by business, networking and the search for trends. In the past few years, imm cologne has raised its international profile, not just among exhibitors, but also among visitors. 2016 saw a significant increase in buyers from Europe, primarily from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain and Austria. The event also registered a clear increase in the number of visitors from overseas, especially from the USA, China and India. Including estimated figures for the last fair day, a total of 120.000 visitors were inspired by the interior design worlds.

In addition to the products on show, the highlights of the 2016 trade fair once again included "Das Haus - Interiors on Stage", a walk-through simulation of a home, which was designed this year by Sebastian Herkner, and the "Smart Home" special exhibition at LivingInteriors, where numerous companies showcased solutions for a cleverly networked home that are already available today.

Trends at imm cologne/LivingInteriors 2016

Homes are becoming homier once again Cosiness and a feeling of security are increasingly important in the home. There is also a clear enthusiasm for new combinations. Along with furniture and decorations, accessories and home textiles that suit people's preferences when used individually are combined freely. The result is homes that are as unique as their inhabitants.

Mid-century design is booming
Across all product sectors, a striking number of furniture designs are reminiscent of those from the 1940s through the 1960s. These designs make efficient use of materials, have delicate features and are lightweight and above all smaller. The trend can be explained by the smaller living spaces available in city homes, though also by a general sense of nostalgia. Like an old friend, sleek mid-century furniture proves its value in uncertain times.

Natural materials are on the rise
Wood, glass, stone and metal: natural materials are particularly popular. In addition to the large proportion of wood used, for example in tabletops, chair and table frames, valuable natural stone is an increasingly common material in tabletops. Popular varieties include the European classic "marble" as well as exotic South American stone with particularly unique veining. The use of tree bark in wall decoration is another trend on the horizon.

The next imm cologne will be held from 16 through 22 January 2017 in Cologne - together with LivingKitchen, the international event for all topics related to the kitchen.

More information:
imm cologne LivingInteriors

Source:

Textination GmbH

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Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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16.01.2016

INCREASE IN EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS BOOSTS HEIMTEXTIL

A higher than ever percentage of international exhibitors at 89 per cent
Celebrity guests attracted large crowds in the halls

Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will finish today with a clear increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors. Over 69,000 trade visitors (2015: 67,861) and 2,866 exhibitors (2015: 2,723) from across the world travelled to Frankfurt from 12-15 January to start the economically promising 2016 business and trade fair year together. Detlef Braun, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, was visibly satisified with the outcome: ‘The world world of textile interior design came to Frankfurt and the increase in exhibitors and visitors alike speaks for itself. The positive economic indicators also boosted discussions between suppliers and purchasers.

A higher than ever percentage of international exhibitors at 89 per cent
Celebrity guests attracted large crowds in the halls

This statement was confirmed by Cristobal Montero Álvarez, purchaser at Europe’s biggest department store chain El Corte Inglés: ‘For us, Heimtextil has been the most important trade fair when it comes to the purchase of home and house textiles for a number of years. No other trade fair offers such an international range of exhibitors. The quality and price of suppliers at Heimtextil appeals to us. This year, we were particularly impressed by the new technical solutions in the sun protection segment’.

More international exhibitors than ever before

Heimtextil in Frankfurt is by far the most international event of its kind. ‘From northern Europe to South Africa, from America to Asia: visitors to Heimtextil come from across the world and all of them want to see the latest trends in the textile market’, summarises Paola Ribera of the décor and furniture supplier Texathenea from Spain. As was the case last year, 68 per cent of trade visitors came from abroad. There was an increased number of visitors from Italy, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Japan and South Korea in particular at Heimtextil 2016.

However, it is not just the visitors, but also the exhibitors that form a microcosm of a global industry. 89 per cent of exhibitors (2015: 88 per cent) come from abroad. This year’s Heimtextil saw a growth in exhibitors from Europe, in particular Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as global exhibitors from many countries including Brazil and the USA.

Growing product segments

In terms of products, Heimtextil was able to considerably expand its portfolio in various segments. For the fast-growing segment of décor and upholstery materials, hall 4.0 was even equipped with a new, additional hall level, where primarily high-quality exhibitors from Italy showcased their wares. Textile digital printing with all the market leaders such as Epson, Hewlett Packard, Kornit, Mimaki and Zimmer was also considerably expanded in comparison to last year. The product group “bed” with bed linen, bedding, covers, decorative pillows and mattresses was also added to. The increase in mattress manufacturers in particular, such as Rössle & Wanner and f.a.n. Frankenstolz, who were both exhibiting at Heimtextil again after several years’ absence, was warmly received by trade visitors.

Jessica Schwarz, Nena, Guido Maria Kretschmer, Barbara Becker

The glamour factor was once again a major element in 2016. Actress and hotel owner Jessica Schwarz was an honorary guest at the opening press conference on Tuesday, informing the public that she intends to expand her hotel in the Odenwald town of Michelstadt. On Thursday she took the opportunity to go on a purchasing tour through the halls for this very purpose.

Also present on Tuesday was musician and artist Nena, who presented her new wallpaper collection at the Marburger Tapetenfabrik stand and rocked the house in the evening in front of an audience of invited guests.

Ullrich Eitel, CEO of Marburger Tapetenfabrik, was inspired: ‘The collection by Nena was the main focus of our trade fair presence. And Nena herself was of course the absolute highlight. Heimtextil offered the perfect platform for this. We could experience Nena because the affinity to wallpaper was there. We’ve put Nena’s signature on the wallpaper. The Nena collection was very well received by our customers and we had the perfect start to 2016. The fringe event with Nena, i.e. the presentation at our stand, the interview and, last but not least, the concert in the evening, provided the perfect way to round off our presence. Nena garnered the full support of and inspired enthusiasm in our guests’.

On Wednesday, it was star designer Guido Maria Kretschmer’s turn to be honoured in the Frankfurt trade fair halls. At the P+S International stand, he presented his wallpaper collection “Fashion for Walls” and was pleased about being there: ‘For me, Heimtextil is an excellent trade fair because it’s all about interiors and materials. It’s great to see the world coming together here and people bringing new looks and how everything is organised’.

The celebrity guests’ visits were completed on Thursday by regular trade fair visitor Barbara Becker at Kleine Wolke.

Heimtextil goes City

For the twelfth time, the promotion “Heimtextil goes City” will bring trends from Heimtextil to the city centre. On Saturday 16 January at 10 a.m., the needs of all those who want to see the latest trends and products in interior design before they officially go on sale will be met. In cooperation with the Decorator’s and Upholsterer’s Guild, a total of 19 specialist shops, galleries and public institutions will present new materials, on-trend colours and designs to end consumers.

The next Heimtextil, international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will take place from 10-13 January 2017 in Frankfurt am Main.

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

More information:
Heimtextil, Leitmesse, Messe Frankfurt international trade fair

Source:

Textination

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12.01.2016

MEHLER TEXNOLOGIES: TRAINEES ENGAGE IN „SOCIAL WEEK“

Each year, trainees from Mehler Texnologies engage in a "Social Week". In December 2015 six trainees were released a week to assist the Tafel in Heinsberg and the SPS Foundation, a non-profit association for refugee assistance.

Support for refugees

Many refugee camps lack not only financial resources, but also volunteers who help active locally. For this reason, the trainees of Mehler Texnologies made the clear decision to support refugees. For one week,
they helped in the emergency shelter in Niederheid and in a refugee shared flat in Lindern and won herewith deeper insight into the everyday life of refugees.

Assisting the Tafel

Even before the rise in numbers of refugees there were people in need in our ranks. This often withdraw from society, so that they remain unnoticed in everyday life. To help these financially and often socially disadvantaged, the trainees supported the Tafel in Heinsberg. For this facility, they collected food in supermarkets to make it available for the Tafel.

Positive feedback

As a global employer Mehler Texnologies is aware of its responsibility towards society and proves good intention thanks to the project "Social Week" for three years. Besides social skills, the trainees benefit from the development of professional skills: the independent planning, implementation and taking charge of responsibility of the project are valuable experiences that have a positive impact on the performance of
future tasks in their work environment. In addition, the social engagement is an opportunity to develop personally in a very different work experience.

Mehler Texnologies is one of the leading international companies in coated fabrics market. More than 53 million square metres of material are produced and sold each year under the brand names VALMEX®, POLYMAR® and AIRTEX®. Over 60 years of development and production experience represents the basis for sophisticated products.

http://www.mehler-texnologies.com/

More information:
Mehler Texnologies Soziale Woche

Source:

Textination

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05.01.2016

HEIMTEXTIL 2016: SPECIALIST PROGRAMME FOR THE HOTEL TRADE, DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

The significant growth in exhibitor numbers is a clear indication that Heimtextil remains the most important platform in its sector in 2016 and that the themes are very much in line with the sector's current preoccupations. From 12 to 15 January 2016, Heimtextil will assemble more than 2,700 exhibitors at the world's largest trade fair for home and contract textiles. The range of products covers the world's largest international selection of contract textiles for the hotel trade, architectural use and interior design. More than 350 of the Heimtextil exhibitors, who come from all over the world, will be presenting their portfolios under the 'Contract Creations' seal.

The range of contract products and services not only covers a multitude of materials and suppliers of all qualities and all pricing levels; visitors can also expect an exciting mix of new stimuli as well as experienced partners to help with their ideas and projects. Guided tours of the fair and a lecture programme specially dedicated to hoteliers and architects will provide valuable input. Moreover, in its uniquely inspiring showcase for trends, the 'Theme Park' in Hall 6.0, Heimtextil offers an excellent overview of current and future trends, something that is unique in interior design anywhere in the world. The 'Theme Park' also risks a glance into the future of 'Hospitality' and showcases some stimulating and visionary ideas.

As a first port of call and a meeting place for architects and hoteliers, the 'Salon Interior. Architecture. Hospitality' in Foyer 4.0 provides an inviting venue. It not only offers a comfortable atmosphere in which to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair. It is also the meeting point for trend scouts, as well as for the guided tours for architects and hoteliers and it is where attendees of the lecture programme can find out about the subjects to be covered, the speakers and where they can sign up for the lectures.

The enormous range of products at Heimtextil is subdivided into clearly identifiable sections. 'Contract' logos on the stands indicate that the exhibitor carries a range of contract textiles and/or solutions for furnishing hotels, restaurants and other commercial or public spaces. The Contract Guide offers lots of help in finding your way around and contains an overview of all the suppliers of contract textiles exhibiting at Heimtextil. This index is directed at architects, hoteliers, planners and interior designers. The Contract Guide will be available for people to take away at various points throughout the Exhibition Centre and is a service that Messe Frankfurt offers free of charge to both exhibitors and visitors.

Furthermore Heimtextil presents the results of a recent study about the importance of textiles for the high-quality hotel sector in form of a Management Report which will be published at the beginning of the fair. The Management Report will be available on the Heimtextil website.

Lecture programme: Interior.Architecture.Hospitality

In collaboration with the architecture magazine AIT and the IHA Hotel Association, Heimtextil offers a varied programme of lectures for architects, interior architects, designers and hoteliers. All lectures will take place in the Europa Room in the Foyer of Hall 4.0 on 13 and 14 January 2016.

The trade journal AIT offers an exciting programme of lectures and panel discussions, each lasting approximately half an hour and involving internationally renowned architecture firms. On the afternoon of 13 January, all sessions will come under the banner of “compact.good.exclusive – the new luxury in residential construction”. On Thursday 14 January, from 1:00 p.m. onwards, the theme will be: 'Travel yesterday and today – Hotel architecture as a retreat in a foreign environment'.

On the morning of 14 January 2016, the German Hotel Association (IHA) will report on trends and developments as they relate to sustainability in the hotel industry. Specialist speakers such as Martina Baumgärtner (ALEGRIA), Christoph Haub (REMONDIS), Frank Martin (Cofely Deutschland) and Florian Zeitler (Electrolux Professional) will give details of sustainable hygiene solutions and technologies in the hotel trade. They will deal, in their lectures, with the following subjects amongst others: “Outsource or do the cleaning yourself?” and “What challenges does a modern environmental management system bring?” Individual topics range from housekeeping to economical energy provision. The event will be rounded off in the morning by the distinguished tourism expert Olaf Schlieper from the German Tourist Office. He will give a concentrated overview of the challenges of sustainable travel.

Architects and designers select Heimtextil products

Some 30 architects and interior architects will be looking for a new generation of innovative products from the sections on contract textiles, textile room dividers and sunshade systems, wall coverings, wallpapers and furniture that are on display at Heimtextil. The results of AIT's trendscouting activities will be available in the 'Salon Interior. Architecture. Hospitality' in Foyer 4.0. For those with a particular interest in innovation, the trend scouts will be offering a guided tour of the award-winning exhibitors.

In addition, the architecture journals AIT and xia will, in cooperation with Heimtextil, once again be organising the 'Innovation Award Architecture and Textile Contract'. This award underscores the importance of architectural quality in textile products and interior-design solutions. The competition is aimed at architects, interior architects and designers, as well as industrial companies and companies that process textile products, contract textiles and interior-design solutions.

The Award Ceremony for 'Architecture and Textile Contract' competition and the 'AIT Trend Scouting Display' will be held in the Europa Room, Hall 4.0, on 13 January 2016 at 5:00 p.m. The exhibition to accompany the innovation awards can be seen on the AIT stand throughout the trade fair. The nominated products from the AIT's trend scouting exercise will be displayed in Foyers 5.1 / 6.1 and will also be identified on the exhibitors' stands.

Finest Interior Award 2015

Heimtextil is a partner in this year's 'Finest Interior Awards' and, with them, seeks to honour the creative work of interior architects, interior designers, interior decorators and furnishings consultants. The 'Finest Interior Awards' were presented in November 2015 as part of a formal evening event in the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, and were given for particularly individual and professional contract furnishing projects. The Netherlands are the official partner country for this year's 'Finest Interior Awards'. The winning exhibits are there to be discovered at Heimtextil 2016 in a special display in Hall 11.0.

Guided tours for architects and hoteliers

In cooperation with the trade journals AIT and Hotel Design/AHGZ, Heimtextil will be offering guided tours tailored to the needs and interests of architects and hoteliers. The meeting point for all tours is the 'Salon Interior.Architecture.Hospitality' in Foyer 4.0.

From 11:00 a.m. onwards on both Wednesday 13 January and Friday 15 January, the trade journal AIT will present the product innovations for contract furnishings on offer from well-known manufacturers, which they, in conjunction with leading international interior architects, have identified. On the Wednesday, the tour will be led by Ushi Tamborriello (ushitamborriello Innenarchitektur_Szenenbild). On the Friday it is the turn of Sabine Krumrey (bki brandherm + krumrey) to take those with a special interest in this area through the halls. Each tour lasts approximately two hours. On 14 January 2016, also at 11:00 a.m.,
the AIT trend scouts will offer a tour which takes in the 15 products selected by architects and interior designers.

In conjunction with the trade magazine HotelDesign/AHGZ, Heimtextil will be inviting decisionmakers in the hotel industry to a conducted tour of the trade fair. In the company of Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk from Hamburg architects JOI Design and Ms. Denise Boxler, Head of Design at Pentahotels, participants will get an overview of furnishing trends in the hotel and contract industries. The tours start at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on 14 January 2016.

Further informationen about Contract Creations on Heimtextil: www.heimtextil.de/contract