From the Sector

In sync with the fair’s 30th anniversary, the sourcing platform will host around 12 fringe events for fairgoers to stay ahead of the curve, under the following segments: Design Inspiration, Business O2O, Textiles & Technologies, and Industry Empowerment. Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles has joined forces with Danish trend agency SPOTT trends & business to present the design theme for 2025 – ‘Healing Home’ – together with eight trend directions set to captivate the home textiles market. Set to be a hotspot for in vogue sourcing and industry exchange, the show will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from 14 – 16 August 2024.

To help home textile industry players set the tone and direction for the upcoming business season, the fair will present Trends 2025 along with leading trend agency SPOTT trends & business, to illustrate the ‘Healing Home– Spaces for Thriving Living’ theme that marks the path ahead for the evolving sector. This concept conveys the idea of a home that promotes a remedial, prosperous lifestyle, improving peoples’ general health and well-being, with several key factors contributing to the overarching theme:

• Eight key directions: Age-Old Crafts, Nature-Tech Synergies, Regenerative Possibilities, Wellbeing Spaces, Colourful Gatherings, Bio-Engineered Innovations, Transitional Practices, and Circular Systems.
• Five key colours: deep burgundy, warm terracotta, light creamy shade, saturated nostalgic green, and vaporous blue.

The founder of SPOTT trends & business, Ms Anja Bisgaard Gaede, will be onsite to share insights related to these new design trends. Fairgoers are invited to join her interactive trend tour, and physically experience the concepts steering the industry's future.

With the intention of sparking further design inspiration for industry players, an expert panel discussion of Chinese interior architects and designers, InterDesign Forum, will be held on the afternoon of Day 1. Focusing on design trend topics related to sustainability, Mr Shen Lei, Founder and Design Director of Interior Architects Design and the Chinese representative of the Intertextile International Lifestyle Trend Committee, will lead the discussion. Adding an international perspective, Ms Anja Bisgaard Gaede will join them for the accompanying round table talk.

In addition to serving as a gateway for efficient sourcing, the show will inspire fairgoers through its fringe programme, with various formats and topics unpacking current talking points.

Highlighted sessions include:    

• Round table discussion: Bridging Borders: A Designer x Producer Talk on Sustainability – a dialogue between designers and manufacturers, exploring how to collaboratively overcome sustainability challenges and reconcile the demands of both sides, from both Eastern and Western perspectives.
• Econogy Talks: selected exhibitors, including 3M, Advansa and many more, as well as a representative from Indorama will showcase their innovative green products, giving attendees in-person insights into some of the market’s latest sustainable developments in the Sustainable Fibre Forum. Additionally, a Messe Frankfurt representative will explain the Texpertise Econogy concept, the combination of economy and ecology that represents the sustainability activities in the company’s Texpertise Network. The discussion will show how crucial sustainability is for the economic success of a business today, and indicate how fairgoers can benefit from such an approach.

Beyond the subject of a greener textile industry, other topics will be explored at various events. With more to be announced in the coming weeks, the following seminars hosted by international experts will provide the latest trends and market updates:

• Bridging Worlds: Design Strategies for Success in Middle Eastern Markets: Ms Esra Lemmens (Day 1)
• How Psychology Impacts the Way We Design Spaces: Ms Pallavi Dean (Day 1)

Moreover, the 10th Home Textiles and Furniture Industry Ecological Integration Forum will bring together home textile and furniture brands to explore cross-industry collaboration and provide one-stop home solutions. The 30th China Home Textiles Design Festival & Designer Recommended Brand Awards will showcase the latest trends and achievements in home design, allowing participating brands to gain recognition from designers. Meanwhile, the 7th China International Fibre Art Exhibition will invite influential artists from home and abroad to present diverse contemporary fibre artworks; and the China Intangible Cultural Heritage of Textile Exhibition will showcase some remarkable displays.  

ACI announces the launch of its conference, Bio-Based Textiles in Clothing: Europe 2025.

Following in the footsteps of the successful Biobased Coatings Europe series with latest edition bringing together over 160 senior level attendees in Valencia in June 2024, this inaugural conference will explore the latest advancements in sustainable clothing made from renewable resources.

Taking place on the 15th & 16th January 2025 in Helsinki, Finland, just after the EU's pivotal Textile EPR Directive comes into force, this event will provide a deep dive into the world of bio-based textiles, examining how plants, microbes, and other novel organic feedstock are being revolutionised into sustainable, stylish garments.

The Circular Valley Convention is a new trade fair format organised by Messe Düsseldorf in cooperation with the non-profit Circular Valley Foundation and with scientific support from the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology called UMSICHT.

The convention looks at the circular economy from a holistic perspective: across industries and materials – and all phases of the circular economy, from smart circular design to the reuse and further utilisation of products.

As a central global platform for the circular economy, it brings together decision-makers and experts from business, academia, politics, and society in one place. Under the motto "Uniting Industries for a Circular Tomorrow", it promotes their networking in order to present and jointly develop circular solutions and processes and drive forward the transformation towards a circular economy.

Messe Düsseldorf is contributing its many years of expertise to the Circular Valley Convention stemming from a wide range of trade fairs such as K, interpack and drupa, which are closely related to the circular economy. The non-profit Circular Valley Foundation, the cooperation partner of the convention, has a comprehensive understanding of the circular economy and a large network. The scientific support provided by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT and the associated expertise round off the extensive professional support.

The Circular Valley Convention covers all phases of the circular economy: from the use of renewable raw materials to product design, manufacturing, logistics, and operations all the way through to collection, sorting, and recycling, featuring solutions for different material classes and value chains. The convention combines applied research and practice and is a content hub for top decision-makers and experts. With the guiding theme "Enabling Circular Economy", the focus is on three central topics that enable the transformation towards a circular economy:

• Enabling Value Chains: the implementation of efficient, sustainable, and cross-industry circular solution strategies to maximise the use of resources and make business models fit for the future.
• Enabling Technologies: the transfer of circular competencies such as redesign, refurbish, remanufacture & recycle. The goal is to optimise products and processes using technologies that comply with the principles of the circular economy.
• Enabling Materials: the promotion of the efficient use and recycling of various materials, aiming for the extension of product lifespans and the integration of cross-material circular strategies for the sustainable use of resources.

the Circular Valley Convention offers a three-part event format consisting of a conference, an expo, and a networking event on the evening of 12 March 2024. Over 100 high-calibre speakers are scheduled to attend the conference. More than 130 exhibitors and partners are expected to attend the expo, the marketplace for future-oriented circular solutions, which offers insights into new trends, innovations, and best practice examples.

A navy blue nylon dress, providing elegance and comfort to the wearer while simultaneously highlighting the entire Made in Italy production chain: this is the new project RadiciGroup is presenting at Milano Unica, from July 9th to 11th at the Innovation Forum promoted by the TexClubTec section of Sistema Moda Italia.

The dress is the result of a traceability project led by RadiciGroup, involving different players in the textile sector: from the yarn producer to the fabric manufacturer to the final consumer.

A "tracer" has been inserted into the yarn, which is detectable through a scanner and allows to map the entire garment creation process - both physically and digitally - from the origin of the fibre to the item end of life. Through a QR code printed on the label, all the "stages" defining the outfit's journey can be seen, including the production of the fabric made by another company from Bergamo, Sitip. In this way, the final consumers can learn more about the production sites of what they wear, making more conscious purchasing choices.

At the booth of another Italian textile company, Tessitura Vignetta, visitors will be able to touch several types of fabric made with the "traced" nylon produced by RadiciGroup.

This is another example of how important it is to work transparently and collaboratively in the textile supply chain. Through the traceability of textile products, the goal is to fight counterfeiting and enhance products made in Europe, in line with the principles of the Digital Product Passport under development at the European Union.

Vielfalt und Qualität bietet die Supreme Kids vom 12. bis 14. Juli 2024 im MTC world of fashion / Haus 1 in München, die Plattform für Marken und aufstrebende Newcomer der Kindermodebranche. Von Bekleidung über Accessoires bis hin zu Schuhen und Erstausstattung präsentieren die Aussteller an drei Tagen die gesamte Bandbreite des Marktes, zeigen Highlights und Must-Haves für die Frühjahr / Sommer Saison 2025.

Viele Newcomer und Neuaussteller sind im Juli erstmals auf der Supreme Kids vertreten, darunter Namen wie das dänische Label SOFIE SCHNOOR, VILEBREQUIN aus Frankreich, die Outdoor-Marke ISBJÖRN OF SWEDEN und das Münchner Label KEKZ mit seinen kindgerechten All-In-One-Audioplayern. Auch Brands wie u.a. HUMMEL, AFFENZAHN, STYLE LABEL, HUST & CLAIRE, EISEND, BLUE EFFECT, CARS, DÄUMLING, EWERS und NOUKIES sind wieder dabei.

Darüber hinaus überrascht die Messe mit Konzepten, die die Ordermesse erlebbar machen und den Einkäufern neue Inspirationen für ihren stationären und Online-Handel aufzeigen. So wird die Halle 5 im MTC wieder zu einer Erlebniswelt der besonderen Art. Im Umfeld von Kindermodemarken wie DONSJE, LIEWOOD, GUESS, HUGO, CALVIN KLEIN, BELLE ROSE oder KARL LAGERFELD sorgen ein DJ, eine Candybar sowie eine Getränkebar für einen entspannten Messecharakter. Am ersten Messeabend, Freitag, 12. Juli 2024, findet in der Erlebniswelt außerdem das beliebte Get-together statt.

Für die positiven Vibes steht auch die Fläche „Marketplace“ in Kooperation mit „Family Circle x Supreme Kids“, die nach dem großen Erfolg im vergangenen Winter im Juli erneut in Halle 3 stattfinden wird. Das Lifestyle-orientierte Konzept bietet auf der kommenden Supreme Kids vor allem kleinen Lifestyle-Brands und aufstrebenden Newcomern abseits der Mode eine Präsentationsplattform und ein passendes Umfeld und zeigt den Einkäufern neue Potenziale jenseits der klassischen Kinderbekleidung auf. Ausstellende Marken sind hier: DIMO-TEX, WAVY MONKEY und SCHOKO SCHATZ, um nur einige zu nennen.

Viola Schmidt, Studentin an der TEXOVERSUM Fakultät Textil der Hochschule Reutlingen wurde in Florenz mit dem Award „Feel the Yarn“ ausgezeichnet. Sie studiert im Masterstudiengang Design mit dem Schwerpunkt Künstlerische Konzeption an der TEXOVERSUM Fakultät Textil der Hochschule Reutlingen. Der Preis ist mit 5.000 Euro Preisgeld dotiert.

Ausgelobt wird der Preis für Fashiondesign-Studierende vom Zusammenschluss 41 italienischer Spinnereien, dem „Consorzio Promozione Filati“. In der diesjährigen 15. Auflage des Wettbewerbs überzeugte Viola Schmidt vor starken Mitbewerbenden und den Zweit- bzw. Drittplatzierten von der „London School of Fashion“ und des „Politecnico di Milano“ sowohl die internationale Fachjury als auch das ebenfalls stimmberechtigte Fachpublikum der Messe vor Ort.

Für die Umsetzung ihrer eingereichten Entwürfe bekamen insgesamt 36 Teilnehmende des Wettbewerbs hochwertigste Garne italienischer Spinnereien zugeteilt und konnten damit ihre Entwürfe Realität werden lassen. Das Thema des diesjährigen Wettbewerbs lautete „CONTRADICTIONS“ und forderte dazu auf, kreative Lösungen zu finden, um die Harmonie zwischen Technologie und Tradition zu erforschen und eine zeitgemäße Vision zu präsentieren.

Violas Schmidt setzte ihr Design „Closer Distance“ im modernen Labor für Maschentechnologie der Fakultät Textil des TEXOVERSUMS um. Sowohl die internationale Jury als auch das Publikum der Messe zeigten sich beeindruckt und überzeugt von Schmidts Design. Das in Rottönen gehaltene, gleichzeitig elegant und progressiv anmutende, aufwendig gelayerte Design spiegelt das Thema des Wettbewerbs perfekt wider und zeigt eine bemerkenswerte Symbiose aus maschineller Präzision und gestalterischer Einzigartigkeit. Besonders beachtenswert und anspruchsvoll ist zusätzlich, dass Schmidts Design „fully fashioned“ gestrickt ist. Ein nachhaltiges Vorgehen, bei dem weder Schnittkanten, noch Abfälle entstehen.

Bereits 2022 hatte Schmidt, damals noch Studentin des Bachelorstudiengangs Fashion & Textile Design, ebenfalls an der TEXOVERSUM Fakultät Textil an der Hochschule Reutlingen, den European Fashion Award – FASH gewonnen. Mit ihrem jüngsten Erfolg bei „Feel the Yarn“ setzt sie ihre Karriere fort und präsentiert gemeinsam mit anderen Fashiondesign-Graduierenden der Fakultät ihre Bachelorkollektion „Inner Garden“ im Rahmen der Neo.Fashion auf der Berlin Fashion Week.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that wipes leaders across the supply chain convened for new connections, intelligence, sustainability strategies, and business at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 17-20 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The winner of the World of Wipes Innovation Award® was Rockline Industries for their Facial Care Wipe with Glycine Amino Acid Complex. This new Skin Care Wipe contains a unique multifunctional complex of two medium chain glycine, a phospholipid and a blend of special glycol ingredients that provides for a multitude of skin care benefits as well as providing a unique preservation system for nonwovens. The Skin Care Wipe provides substantiated improved skin smoothness, elasticity, and hydration alongside an anti-ageing claim. This innovation is amongst the first to use these glycine ingredients in a Skin Care Wipe formulation.

In a special recognition, INDA presented the 2024 Lifetime Service Award to David Powling, Technical Leader, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (retired), and the 2024 Lifetime Technical Achievement Award to Paul Latten, Director of Research & Development & New Business, Southeast Nonwovens, Inc. INDA honors both Powling and Latten for their decades of contributions to the nonwovens industry as well as being strong advocates for INDA.

The 1.5-day WIPES Academy, led by Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC, and Paul Davies, Ph.D., Consultant, Crown Abbey, LLC, preceded the WOW Conference June 17-18. This course focused on the essentials of wet wipes construction and ingredients. Participants learned how to bring nonwovens, lotions, and packaging together to launch a successful product. The next WIPES Academy will be held July 21-22, 2025 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, Columbus, Ohio in conjunction with WOW 2025.

The WOW conference program featured experts discussing these key topics:

• Sparkle & Shine: How Wipes Became WOW
• Wiping Smart: The Rise of Sustainable Practices in the Institutional and Industrial Wipe Markets
• Transformative Trends in Wet Wipe Formulations: A Dual Focus on Skin Health and Sustainability
• Leading Alternatives to Traditional Plastics Used in Wipes
• Panel Discussion: Leading Alternatives to Traditional Plastics Used in Wipes
• Eclectic Perspectives: Unraveling the Threads of I&I Wipes and Scaling Strategies
• Putting $$ in Your Pocket
• Recycling & Regulations

In addition to the premium content in the conference program, WOW featured four pre-conference webinars (with recordings available for full conference attendees), tabletop exhibits, Lightning Talks, a Skin Care Formulation Workshop 101, and a mentorship program for participants who are new to the wipes industry.

WOW 2025 will be held July 21-25, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio.

After navigating the challenges of 2023, Vietnam's textile and garment exports have been gradually recovering. Additionally, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam during the first five months of this year reached USD 11 billion, a 2% year-on-year increase, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). To cater to Vietnam’s renewed business opportunities, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return from 26 – 28 February 2025 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC).

The fair’s inaugural edition attracted 409 exhibitors and 17,262 visits from 17 and 55 countries and regions respectively. Building on this solid foundation, VIATT 2025 will continue to showcase the latest industry trends, and expand its focus on various pertinent areas. This will include the fair’s new Econogy Hub, a dedicated zone to advance the topic of sustainability in the textile industry, and to relate it closely to the demands of economic and social change. Together with the evolving environmental landscape, the fair will also help industry players adapt to the rapid adoption of new technology in the business world with the debut of the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone. This zone will allow exhibitors to unveil the latest technology and solutions such as AI design, digital manufacturing, big data analytics, and more.

Concurrently, VIATT 2025 will continue to present a diverse range of exhibitors across the apparel, home textile and technical textile sectors, with positive feedback received from many quarters at the fair’s inaugural edition.

Apparel Fabrics & Fashion
In the first four months of 2024, textile and garment exports grew 6.3% year-on-year to over USD 10 billion. The US remains Vietnam’s top export market, followed by the EU, South Korea, China, and Japan. To meet this demand, Vietnam's textile industry continues to import a significant amount of raw materials. At VIATT 2024, yarns, fibres and fabrics for casualwear, sportswear and uniforms, as well as garment accessories, were in high demand.

Home & Contract Textiles
Vietnam’s home textile market is projected to undergo a steady CAGR of 2.4% from 2024 – 2032, driven by the rising need for modern and stylish home textiles, e-commerce expansion, and favourable government initiatives. At the fair’s previous edition, product groups included bedding, loungewear and bathroom textiles, curtains and curtain fabrics, upholstery and sofa fabrics, and home textile accessories.

At VIATT 2025, exhibitors can additionally present their latest offerings in the Home Textiles Display Zone or at dedicated product presentations, to maximise their visibility to potential buyers.

Technical Textiles & Technologies
Across the textile industry, investors are now focusing on optimising production capacity, streamlining supply chains, and enhancing product quality to maintain competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. With the new Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone to supplement the textile technology category, VIATT 2025 is set to play host to providers of textile and nonwoven machinery, CAD/CAM, CMT, and technology for embroidery, knitting, sewing, printing, and more. Exhibitors can draw more attention to their latest solutions by participating in the fair's new innovation showcase area.

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain. The second edition will be held from 26 – 28 February 2025.

Graduierte vom Fachbereich Textil- und Bekleidungstechnik der Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) präsentieren ihre Kollektionen bei der Berlin Fashion Week. Auf der Neo.Fashion haben Absolvent:innen jedes Jahr die Chance, Einblicke in ihr kreatives Schaffen zu geben. In diesem Jahr läuft die Neo.Fashion vom 2. bis 3. Juli.

Passend zum Titel ihrer Kollektion „skinsitive – pure cotton“ legte Anna Reintges (Bachelor Design-Ingenieur Mode) den Fokus auf eine besonders hautfreundliche Dessous-Loungewear aus reiner Bio-Baumwolle. Selbst Bestandteile wie die Versteller der Träger und Gummibänder sind aus Bio-Baumwolle oder Naturkautschuk gefertigt sind, sodass die gesamte Kollektion biologisch abbaubar und vegan ist.

Florian Schilders (Bachelor Design-Ingenieur Mode) Kollektion „Form Follows Flora“ soll das Bewusstsein für bedrohte Pflanzenarten schärfen. Dabei fokussiert er die Naturfaszination des Menschen und reflektiert die Auswirkungen ihrer Ausbeutung. In Schnitt, Muster und Materialien lässt er sich von gefährdeten Pflanzen inspirieren. Monochrome Teile imitieren Eukalyptusblätter, Drapagen verkörpern Irisblüten, Falten ahmen Blattstrukturen nach.

Kerstin Greuls (Bachelor Design-Ingenieur Mode) Kollektion heißt „Reworked Radiance“ und ist vorrangig für Herrenbekleidung konzipiert. Durch Upcycling hat sie gebrauchten Kleidungsstücken neues Leben eingehaucht und dafür altes Material mit neuen Elementen kombiniert. Schnürungen und Cut-Outs sorgen für einen avantgardistischen Look mit Designs, die nachhaltig und trendbewusst sind.

Leonie Bachstädter (Master Textile Produkte – Design) hat für ihre Linie „PHYGITAL WEAVE“ sechs Outfits erstellt. Sie bringt die Verwobenheit zweier Realitäten zum Ausdruck: physisches Handwerk und virtuelle Designprozesse. Renderings von textilen Oberflächentexturen, Reflexionen und Faltenwurf werden hier auf Organza gedruckt oder auf Jacquard gewebt. Leonie Bachstädter verarbeitete zudem ausschließlich fehlerhaftes Leder. Entstanden sind Anzüge, Kleider und ein Mantel mit 3D-gedruckten Knöpfen und Gehörschutz-Accessoires.

Tatjana Reider (Master Management of Textile and Trade Technology) verwendete für ihre Kleidungsstücke passend zum Titel „BAD MOON RISING“ einen Farbton, der zwischen Blau und Lila wechselt. Die genderneutrale Kollektion kombiniert klassische Silhouetten mit futuristischen Akzenten wie Designelementen aus transparenten Stoffen.

Nora Abdel Hadi (Bachelor Design Ingenieur Mode) fusioniert verschiedene Stilrichtungen innerhalb der schwarzen Szene – inspiriert von Mode, Musik und Lebensphilosophie. Unter dem Titel „In the Realm of Shadows“ hat sie für die Frühjahrs-/Sommersaison eine Linie für den Alltag und eine für besondere Anlässe entworfen. Entstanden sind sieben Outfits aus je mindestens drei Einzelteilen, welche beliebig kombinierbar sind.

Bei Naahal Sanatigars (Bachelor Design Ingenieur Mode) Kollektion „knock knock. who‘s there? its‘you! who‘s you?“ trifft Psychologie auf Mode. Dabei reflektierte sie verschiedene Phasen ihres Lebens. Bei der modischen Umsetzung von Emotionen wie Geborgenheit oder Angst entstanden sechs Outfits, die für je eine Etappe ihrer Persönlichkeitsentwicklung stehen und Silhouetten von fließend bis körperbetont beinhalten. Dafür arbeitete sie mit wasserbasiertem Digitaldruck auf Baumwolle und „Cameo-Druck“.

In „I’ll be your mirror“ stellt Lisa Opitz (Bachelor Design-Ingenieur Mode) die Großeltern- und Enkelkind-Generation gegenüber. Auf der Grundlage von Familienfotos arbeitete sie die stilistischen Mittel der Generation Babyboomer heraus. So wurden Elemente der Kleidung aus der Vergangenheit betont und durch die Einbindung aktueller Trends der Generation Z neu interpretiert.

Sophie Plöttner (Bachelor Textil- und Bekleidungstechnik – Produktentwicklung) und Lisa-Marie Brodka (Bachelor Design-Ingenieur Textil) treten in Berlin als Team an. Mit ihrer Kollektion “DEAR JANUS” - Namensgeber ist der römische Gott Janus, der in die Zukunft und Vergangenheit blickt - präsentieren sie Gegensätze in Schnitt, Farbe, Form und Stil. Die beiden Absolventinnen verbinden traditionelles Handwerk mit modernster KI-Technologie. So werden Codes zu Pinselstrichen, Prompts zu Bildern. Die Schnittgestaltung basiert auf einem experimentellen Ansatz und dem freien Drapieren. Das Duo nimmt zudem an der Best Graduates Show der diesjährigen Neo.Fashion teil.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that absorbent hygiene professionals can register, sponsor, or reserve a tabletop exhibit for Hygienix™, November 18-21, Nashville, Tennessee. Industry leaders from around the world will gather for four days of networking, presentations, and business opportunities.

The theme for this year’s Hygienix is “Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions.” The event’s focus is on price tiering, shipping and trade impacts, FemTech, period poverty, pet care, adult care innovations, the UN Plastic Treaty and PFAS regulations.

Nominations are being accepted through Sep. 16th for the Hygienix Innovation Award™. Three finalists will be selected to present their absorbent hygiene technologies on Tues., Nov. 19th. The winner of the Award will be announced at the end of the event, Thurs., Nov. 21st.