From the Sector

At Chinaplas 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will present its latest technological innovations for the efficient and sustainable production of plastic films. The extrusion specialists will showcase at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from April 15 – 18 solutions that address the key challenges of today’s plastic industry: reducing resource consumption, increasing recyclability, and making production more autonomous and efficient. Meeting these demands requires advanced production technologies that Reifenhäuser already offers today.

A central focus at the show will be the use of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technologies for producing fully recyclable mono-material films with performance and cost-effectiveness equivalent to conventional multi-material structures.

Marcel Perrevort, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains: “In the flexible packaging sector, we are currently seeing a huge trend away from conventional and non-recyclable mixed material laminates towards fully recyclable mono-material composites, both for blown and cast films. Our state-of-the-art MDO stretching units enable enhanced mechanical properties for all-PE or all-PP films. Thus, PET films commonly used in material composites can be replaced. By downgauging, we also reduce production costs to a competitive level, making recyclable films a profitable choice.”

MDO for blown film lines
With the EVO Ultra Stretch MDO unit for Reifenhäuser’s blown film lines manufacturers produce all-PE mono films for applications such as high-barrier food pouches. Due to the stretch process film thicknesses of 18μm (with properties of a 25μm product) and less can be achieved, keeping production costs within the range of conventional films. With the patented integration of the MDO unit directly into the haul-off, the film is stretched in the ideal phase of the process – using the first heat – for maximum efficiency and film stability. Furthermore, the all-PE film achieves the required barrier effect with an EVOH content of less than five percent, fully meeting the criteria for recyclability. At the same time, Ultra Stretch enhances the performance of the EVOH barrier layer while reducing material usage, delivering cost and sustainability benefits.

From now on, Mehler Texnologies and Heytex will be known by the new name of MehlerHeytex. This name is a visible sign of the merger between the two companies and sets with greater innovation strength new standards for customers and other business partners.

MehlerHeytex brings together Mehler Texnologies and the core business of the Heytex Group, both leading global specialists for coated technical textiles. With some 1,000 employees at the production locations in Germany, Czech Republic and China, as well as sales offices worldwide the company serves numerous markets. MehlerHeytex products are used, for example, in truck tarpaulins and container covers, door seals, biogas membranes, drinking water tanks, tents, inflatable boats, as well as advertising media in large-format digital printing.

Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH, the parent company of Mehler Texnologies, acquired the core business of the Heytex Group in December 2024. Since then, this part of Heytex with three production locations in Germany and China, as well as all headquarter-related functions, belong to MehlerHeytex, the newly-formed specialist for coated technical textiles.

“The standardized market presence is an important step towards more clarity and transparency for our customers and other business partners. It represents the best of two worlds. We continue to work at top speed on the merger of Mehler Texnologies and Heytex, so that our customers can benefit from all the advantages of this acquisition as quickly as possible,” Dr. Henk R. Randau, Senior Vice President Coated Technical Textiles, said.

For the time being, the new corporate brand is the only change for customers and other business partners of the coated technical textiles specialist. All other aspects of business relations such as contacts, addresses and banking details remain unchanged for the present. The further merging of the two companies will take place step-by-step. MehlerHeytex will keep its customers and business partners continuously updated on relevant changes.

Mit über 1.175 Ausstellern und 1.211 Marken auf 117.200 Quadratmetern ist CHIC die größte Modemesse Asiens. Ihr strategischer Fokus – „Neue Marken, neue Kanäle, neue Ästhetik“ – spiegelt die strukturellen Veränderungen in der chinesischen Modewirtschaft wider und bietet internationalen Unternehmen Ansatzpunkte für Wachstum und Markteintritt. Mehr als 165.000 Fachbesucher verzeichnete die diesjährige Frühlingsausgabe der CHIC Shanghai und erzielte damit einen erneuten Besucherrekord.

CHIC Shanghai hat als erste große Modeveranstaltung des Jahres vom 11. bis 13. März 2025 im National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) einen erfolgreichen Auftakt gefeiert. Mit einem Fokus auf ästhetische Neugestaltung, Markenvielfalt, Erlebnisoptimierung und nachhaltige Branchenentwicklung bot die Messe eine eindrucksvolle Plattform für die Modeindustrie. Sie setzte nicht nur inhaltlich, sondern auch visuell starke Akzente: Bereits beim Betreten der Messe empfing die Besucher eine immersive Inszenierung mit kugelförmigen ‚kleinen Geistern‘ – einer Metapher für die soziale Dynamik der Generation Z. Visuelle Symbole für Verbindung, Gemeinschaft und Individualität zogen sich durch die Hallen und verbanden durch kunstvolle Raumgestaltung unterschiedliche Stilrichtungen – von Streetwear über traditionelle chinesische Mode bis hin zu funktionaler Bekleidung. So wurde die Messe zur Bühne für die Innovationskraft der Branche.

In 12 Themenbereichen präsentierte die Messe verteilt auf 5 Hallen eine klare Segmentierung von Modekonzepten und kreativen Impulsen und zeigte die Branchen-Power durch innovative Markenpräsentationen: CHIC WOMEN'S - CHIC MEN'S- CHIC KIDZ - CHIC YOUNG BLOOD - CHIC WINTER'S - DIGITAL FASHION - CHIC IMPULSES - CHIC ACCESSORIES, BAGS & SHOES - OUTDOOR & SPORTS - DENIM WORLD - CHINESE STYLE - PH Value die als Show-in-Show auf der CHIC stattfand, nahmen 150 Knitwear Brands teil.

Die Ausstellungsbereiche boten eine Vielfalt für jede Marktstrategie, Spezialbereiche sprachen gezielt unterschiedliche Marktsegmente an wie der Bereich CHIC YOUNG BLOOD mit Streetwear, Denim und Casualwear im Mittelpunkt – eine der am schnellsten wachsenden Kategorien in China. Ein 10.000 m² großes Areal präsentierte in der North Hall avantgardistische Trendmarken von angesagten Schauspielern und Trendmarken. CHIC IMPULSES, der Designerbereich der Messe ist auf 142 ausstellende Marken angewachsen. Neue Materialien, nachhaltige Produktionsmethoden und innovative Technologien, die die Zukunft der Mode definieren, standen im Fokus der Brands. CHIC WOMEN‘S mit Premium Womenswear & National Fashion: Junge, aufstrebende Marken und etablierte Labels präsentierten moderne Damenmode mit starken Markenidentitäten. CHIC WINTERS zeigte technologische Innovationen bei Daunenjacken und hochwertige Leder- & Pelzprodukte. DENIM WORLD präsentierte internationale Outdoor-Marken und hochmoderne Denim-Kollektionen. CHIC MEN’S wartete mit renommierten Designern auf, die exklusive Herrenmode mit innovativen Schnitten und hochwertigen Materialien zeigten. CHIC TAILORING bot Business- und Maßkonfektion an – für einen Markt, der zunehmend individuelle Lösungen sucht. CHIC KIDZ, der Kindermodenbereich, ein stark wachsender Markt, angetrieben von Chinas zunehmend lifestyle-orientierten Familien, brachte u.a. Kinder- und Schuluniformen mit hochwertigen Designs und funktionale Mode auf die Bühne.

Distributionskanäle und Markterschließung
CHIC ist die strategische Plattform für den Markteintritt in China und die Expansion bestehender Geschäftstätigkeiten. Internationale Marken profitieren von einer Vielzahl an Distributionsmöglichkeiten, die während der Messe gezielt erschlossen werden können. Unter den über 165.000 Besuchern waren Vertreter sämtlicher Distributionskanäle vertreten:

Multi-Brand-Stores & Concept Stores – Chinas Einzelhandelslandschaft wird zunehmend von kuratierten Boutiquen und Premium-Stores dominiert. E-Commerce & Social Commerce – Plattformen revolutionieren den Modehandel. Direktvermarktung an den Endkunden (DTC) und Influencer-getriebene Verkaufsmodelle gewinnen stark an Bedeutung.

Department Stores & Shopping Malls – Internationale Modehäuser setzen verstärkt auf exklusive Markenkooperationen und zählten zu den Besuchern der Messe. CHIC erleichtert den Zugang zu Entscheidern und Einkaufsdirektoren dieser Häuser.

Omnichannel-Retail – Die Verbindung von Online- und Offline-Handel ist in China weiter fortgeschritten als in Europa. CHIC bietet Einblicke in Best Practices und Kooperationsmöglichkeiten für Modefirmen.

Business-Services: Vernetzung & Effizienz auf höchstem Niveau
Als zentrale Plattform für den internationalen Modehandel setzte die diesjährige Frühlingsausgabe der CHIC verstärkt auf effiziente B2B-Vernetzung. Mehr als 80 Business-Matchmaking-Events ermöglichten gezielte Kontakte zwischen internationalen Marken, führenden Einzelhändlern und digitalen Plattformen. Das Miniprogramm der China National Garment Association bietet Marken und Einkäufern ganzjährige Networking-Möglichkeiten als digitale Verlängerung der Messe. Als persönlichen Service bot die CHIC ein Team aus „CHIC Guides“ an, das die Besucher vor Ort bei Orientierung unterstützte.

Besonders die „CHIC New Fashion Experience Officers“ – über 100 Mode-Influencer – trugen mit Live-Streams und Social-Media-Berichterstattung dazu bei, die Messe über die Hallen hinaus in die digitale Welt zu transportieren.

Marktpotenzial für internationale Marken
Europäische Marken genießen in China weiterhin einen exzellenten Ruf – „Made in Europe“ steht für Qualität, Design und Exklusivität. Doch der Markteintritt erfordert strategisches Geschick und lokale Anpassungen. CHIC bietet die perfekte Plattform, um Einblicke in den chinesischen Konsumentenmarkt zu gewinnen, Vertriebswege zu testen und langfristige Partnerschaften aufzubauen:

• Authentizität & Markenstorytelling: Konsumenten in China legen großen Wert auf Herkunft, Handwerkskunst und Exklusivität.
• Digitale Präsenz & Social Commerce sind essentiell für Markenbildung und Absatz.
• Schnelle Lieferketten & Flexibilität: Die Marktdynamik erfordert eine hohe Anpassungsfähigkeit in Produktion und Logistik.
• Kulturelle Sensibilität & lokales Marketing: Erfolgreiche Marken integrieren chinesische Designelemente und setzen auf lokale Markenbotschafter.

Eastman, global specialty materials company and manufacturer of Naia™ Renew cellulosic fibers, unveiled the most comprehensive product application matrix of its Naia™ fiber brand at the China International Textile Fabrics and Accessories (Spring/Summer) Expo. Making its debut, the innovative “Naia™ On The Move” new blending solution concept offers a fresh take on active urban fashion, redefining comfort and versatility, and reinforcing Eastman’s commitment to driving sustainable innovation in the fashion industry.

Naia™ Renew is a sustainable circular fiber composed of 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified recycled* waste materials. Utilizing Eastman’s carbon renewal technology (CRT), this process breaks down hard-to-recycle waste material into basic molecules to make new cellulose acetate fibers without compromising quality. This innovation offers a scalable solution to two of the world’s most pressing environmental issues: waste pollution and raw material overconsumption.

At the expo, Eastman also highlighted Naia™ Renew staple fiber's application in denim, achieving a balance between comfort and sustainability in denim. Additionally, its use in woven woolen fabrics, ranging from structured shirts to tweed coats, showcases its versatility. The fiber’s integration into home textile fillings further embeds sustainability into everyday living, demonstrating its vast potential.

Five Years of Innovation: From China Debut to Global Expansion
“Since its initial successful adoption in the Chinese market in 2020, Naia™ staple fiber has embarked on a five-year journey of innovation and persistence. As a novel fiber, Naia™ staple has not only filled a market gap but has also become a key force in helping brands achieve their sustainability goals,” said Chad Doub, global segment leader of staple fibers for Eastman’s textiles division. “Over the past five years, Naia™ staple fiber applications have expanded from loungewear to casual T-shirts, knitwear, and beyond. At our booth, visitors discovered the latest applications in activewear, denim, woven fabrics, and home textile fillings – our most extensive showcase yet.”

Curtains will open next week for Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition 2025, taking place from 11 – 13 March, and offering the home and contract sectors a comprehensive selection of products with a strong emphasis on smart bedding and sustainability. Alongside innovative fringe events, over 350 exhibitors from four countries and regions are ready to convene in Hall 5.2 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to showcase an impressive range of products, including bedding, duvets, pillows, towelling, carpets, rugs, and more.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition 2025 will be held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).

Key exhibitors to display extensive range of home textile advancements
Throughout the show floor, various exhibitors will showcase their innovations across the sector, including:

• 3M China Limited (USA) – as one of the first thermal material brands to emphasise thinness, its product 3M™ Thinsulate™ is an insulating fabric made from a blend of synthetic fibres, including polyester. Its fibres have a diameter of around 2 – 5 micrometres, making it much smaller than the other synthetic fibres used for insulation.
• CoolisT Life Technology Co Ltd (China)  – CoolisT Group specialises in bio-based biodegradable sponges, including bio-based Zero Foam and Hydrophilic Foam. Utilising advanced technology, its products are certified by USDA, OK bio-based, and TÜV AUSTRIA.
• Changzhou Huaji Wool Co Ltd (China) – the company produces wool and linen raw materials, with proprietary patented equipment and technology for shrink-resistant wool and wool strips. Its innovative wool products have received OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and RWS Responsible Wool certifications.
• Fujian Anran Textile Technology Co Ltd (China) – holding over 50 patents and multiple certifications, it specialises in 3D spacer materials, fabrics, and various products.
• Jiangyin Hongliu Bedsheet Co Ltd (China) – the company’s bedding set is crafted from high-quality nylon and spandex, offering a soft and comfortable texture. It features moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties while maintaining an elegant appearance.
• Shinwon Felt (Korea) – utilising a needle punching technique, the company regenerates plastic waste into felt products. Its sustainable product lines, certified by GRS, contribute significantly to addressing plastic waste issues.
• Tela's Design (Portugal) – a design studio specialising in home textile designs and decorations. Its core principles – colour, design, and detail – have established Tela as one of the leading and most successful textile design firms globally.

Uncovering trends driving change in home textiles
In addition to a robust lineup of exhibitors, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles will host various fringe events to keep attendees informed about emerging developments, trends, and key insights, including:

• Timeless and Transformative Colour Celebrating the Rich Diversity of Modern Living for 2026: held by Pantone Color Institute, participants can experiment with various styles, from industrial to rustic, and explore the vibrant colour palettes for home interiors in 2026.
• Sleeping Aid Summit 2025: one of the most vital yet often overlooked aspects of wellness is achieving quality sleep. At the summit, sleep technology will once again take centre stage, providing in-depth insights into sleep quality and exploring related business opportunities.
• Green and Low Carbon Forum: a growing number of individuals are opting for natural materials and sustainable textiles in their bedrooms and homes. The forum will highlight sustainability and the future direction of the industry.

Starlinger & Co GmbH puts the focus on its technologies for sustainable and efficient polypropylene tape production as well as food-safe recycled PET and polyolefins at Chinaplas this year.

With a maximum melting capacity of 1000 kg per hour and production speeds of up to 550 meters per minute, Starlinger’s starEX 1600 tape extrusion line unites high efficiency with resource-saving state-of-the-art design. It produces top-quality PP or HDPE/LLDPE tapes for high-performance packaging applications for dry bulk goods such as woven PP sacks or big bags. Specially developed and worldwide unique machine components such as the eqoSTRETCH stretching and annealing system ensure energy-saving production and uniform tape characteristics, while the eqoCLEAN filter system enables the processing of high shares of recycled polypropylene for producing more sustainable woven PP packaging.

“We have gathered decades of expertise both in woven plastic packaging production as well as in plastics recycling,” said Harald Neumüller, Chief Sales Officer at Starlinger. “By combining this know-how, we have developed technology that helps packaging manufacturers to establish closed packaging loops and make plastic packaging circular.” Starlinger has already realised lighthouse projects with customers in the FIBC sector, proposing a closed-loop economy for big bags made from rPP and rPET. “We consider used plastics as a resource, not waste,” Neumüller continued. “This is the only way to get a grip on the increasing amount of plastic waste worldwide. By collecting used plastics and reprocessing it we protect our environment, conserve natural resources, and at the same time save money that would need to be spent for waste treatment facilities and environment clean-ups.”

Precision to the core
With its high-speed winding technology, the twinTAPE+ automatic precision winder is Starlinger’s top-scale tape winder model. It ensures that the produced PP tapes from the starEX tape extrusion line are wound into perfect packages that improve productivity and fabric quality on the looms. The bevelled bobbin edges avoid that tapes come off during doffing, transport and handling and increase loom efficiency during weaving. The automatic bobbin change procedure of twinTAPE winders reduces operator work significantly, and the patented linear traverse system features an infinitely variable stroke, allowing a wide variety of bobbin designs. As the winder does not need lubrication, maintenance work is reduced to cleaning, which saves significant amounts of operator time.

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued the following statement today from President and CEO Kim Glas regarding the Trump administration’s notices imposing 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and additional 10 percent tariffs on China.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“The newly imposed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada threaten a crucial textile and apparel coproduction chain with our two valued trade partners—one that sustains nearly 500,000 American jobs and a total of 1.6 million jobs across North America.  Destabilizing this production chain coupled with the de minimis loophole will only exacerbate migration and the fentanyl crisis.  We appreciate that President Trump has drawn much needed attention to these significant problems, but we believe there is another way that achieves critical objectives that grow U.S. jobs, stabilizes the Western Hemisphere, and closes dangerous tariff loopholes that are hurting us all.  We want to work with the President to find solutions that work to meet all these objectives.

“The U.S. textile industry ships $12.3 billion, or 53 percent, of its total global textile exports to Mexico and Canada and those component materials often come back as finished products to the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This coproduction chain under USMCA represents $20 billion in two-way trade and spurs U.S. investment in the region as well as at home.

“Equally as important, it serves as an alternative and counterweight to the China-led, Asia- based production platform that competes based on illegal tactics, such as the used of forced labor, subsidies and counterfeits, and has largely come to dominate global trade.

“For these reasons, we are extremely concerned that the imposition of penalty tariffs on imports from our critical USMCA partners will only serve to benefit China and other Asian countries and harm the U.S. textile industry, which has lost 27 plants in the past 20 months.

“Separately, we welcome President Trump’s plan to impose an additional10 percent penalty tariff on imports from China, bringing the total of new tariffs on China to 20 percent this year. In fact, we encourage even higher penalty tariffs on China and recommend that these penalty duties be specifically targeted to finished apparel and textile imports.

“In addition, we are calling on President Trump to close the de minimis loophole to all commercial shipments from China, Mexico and Canada, and more importantly from all countries. This loophole facilitates 4 million shipments a day to the United States that often hide illegal and unethically made products, unsafe goods and illicit fentanyl and other narcotics to our doorsteps.

“Raising tariffs on countries without closing this destructive loophole will only serve to drive more shipments to the duty-free de minimis loophole. Incentivizing greater use of de minimis will further harm U.S. manufacturers and exacerbate the fentanyl crisis, because this loophole will continue to provide a workaround for importers of consumer products and drug cartels alike who are seeking to avoid punitive trade enforcement.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Trump administration on these important trade policies that have widespread implications for the U.S. textile industry and those of our free trade partners. This is a pivotal moment for the domestic textile industry, and we believe the right policies will preserve and bolster this vital manufacturing base and spur more job creation and investment.”

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), National Chamber of the Textile Industry (CANAINTEX), and Canadian Textile Industry Association (CTIA) issued a joint statement urging President Donald Trump to reach a deal with Mexico and Canada to avoid imposing 25 percent tariffs on imports from these countries and to close the de minimis loophole immediately.

“All three of our countries are partners in a vital textile and apparel coproduction chain that generates $20 billion in two-way trade and helps support over 1.6 million jobs under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) — a trade deal that was negotiated during President Trump’s first term in office,” the associations said.

The U.S. textile industry ships $12.3 billion, or 53 percent, of its total global textile exports to Mexico and Canada. Those inputs come back as finished products to the United States under the USMCA.

Mexico exports $9 billion in textile and apparel to the United States. Mexico is the 4th largest exporter of textiles and the 6th largest exporter of apparel to the United States.

Canada exports approximately $1.8 billion in textiles and apparel to the United States and Mexico, with the United States being the destination for 64 percent of its total global textile export, including high-quality flame-resistant materials and medical equipment including PPE.

“While we fully support President Trump’s efforts to stem illegal migration and to address the fentanyl crisis as quickly as possible, we urge the administration to refrain from imposing penalty tariffs on imports from USMCA partners. We are focused on ensuring a normalized trading relationship between our countries,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “Imposing penalty tariffs on imports from critical U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) partners will only serve to benefit China and other Asian countries that don’t play by the rules and to harm the U.S. textile industry and manufacturers in our Western Hemisphere supply chains.”

“As part of any deal with Mexico, Canada—and China—we also call on the Trump administration to end the de minimis tariff exemption immediately for imports from all countries. This loophole in U.S. trade law, which allows imports valued at $800 or less to enter the United States duty-free hurts our textile and apparel industries, rewards countries like China, and helps facilitate the flow of illegal and toxic products, such as fentanyl and fentanyl precursors into the U.S. market,” Glas added.

“Despite steps taken by our countries to prevent the importation of goods that are undervalued, made with forced labor or transshipped, we have seen firsthand how the Asian market has gained an unfair advantage through predatory trade practices, displacing companies and workers in our industries and undermining our critical coproduction chain,” said Rafael Zaga Saba President of CANAINTEX.

“Canada is seeking to preserve our strong coproduction chain with Mexico and the United States which spurs investment, trade and employment in our three countries,” said Jeff Ayoub, Chairman of the Board of CTIA. “These additional tariffs would harm our industries and workers, and we urge President Trump stop these expected tariffs from being imposed.”

“We look forward to working closely with the Trump administration and continuing to educate officials about the adverse impact of penalty tariffs on imports from Western Hemisphere countries and de minimis on our industries and workers, while highlighting the critical nature of our strong coproduction chain, which contributes to our overall investment, job growth, and economic stability,” the associations jointly added.

NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers.

• U.S. employment in the textile and apparel supply chain was 501,755 in 2023.
• The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $64.8 billion in 2023.
• U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $29.7 billion in 2023.
• Capital expenditures for textiles and apparel production totaled $2.27 billion in 2021, the last year for which data is available.

CANAINTEX is a Mexico City-based trade association representing Mexican textile producers.

• The textile industry in Mexico provides over 1.1 million jobs.
• Mexican textile exports are projected to reach 9 billion USD in 2024.
• Mexico is the 4th largest exporter of textiles and the 6th largest exporter of apparel to the United States.
• One out of every three pairs of pants sold in the U.S. is made in Mexico.
• With 36% domestic content in its exports, the textile industry generates the highest value-added of any manufacturing sector in the country.

CTIA represents domestic textile manufacturers across Canada, advocating for policies that support innovation, sustainability, and growth in the sector.

• The Canadian textile industry employs approximately 30,000 textile and apparel workers.
• The total value of shipments for Canadian textiles and apparel was approximately C$7.5 billion in 2023.
• Canada exported approximately US$2.66 billion in textiles in 2023, with 64% (US$1.71 billion) going to the United States.

Source Fashion, Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show, opens next Tuesday 18th February, at Olympia London, welcoming buyers, retailers, and sourcing professionals from around the world. Running until 20th February 2025, the show will host hundreds of makers and manufacturers from over 20 key sourcing regions, including Turkey, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, India, the UK, France, Hong Kong, and Portugal.

With leading retailers and brands such as ASOS, Barbour, Boohoo, Flannels, Frasers Group, French Connection, GANT, Hawes & Curtis, Jaded London, John Lewis, Lipsy, Lucy & Yak, ME+EM, Marks & Spencer, Moss Bros, Mothercare, New Look, Next, Oliver Bonas, Primark, Saraha, Toast, The Very Group, Whistles, already pre-registered, Source Fashion is set to be a must-attend event for businesses looking to source responsibly and discover innovative solutions to industry challenges.

A Platform for Innovation and Sustainability
The three-day event goes beyond sourcing, offering a dynamic content programme across two dedicated stages: The Source Catwalk Stage and the Source Debates Stage.

Visitors can explore the latest trends and insights into responsible fashion with The Source Catwalk Show – taking place three times daily, showcasing curated womenswear looks built from exhibitors’ collections, highlighting trends such as Circus Play, Romance, Plant Power, and Hyper Tactile.

Exhibitor Highlights
Source Fashion will feature an impressive line-up of responsible manufacturers from around the globe with the spotlight on the UK, Egypt, India, and Portugal. Highlights include:

• Dee Kay Knitwear (UK) – A leading supplier of high-quality wholesale knitwear.
• YOKA YO (UK) - Helping take designs from initial concept through to final product development.
• The Natural Fibre Company (UK) – An award-winning yarn manufacturer working with rare breeds and natural fibres.
• National Weaving (UK) – Specialists in premium woven and printed labels, with a focus on sustainability The Fashion Incubator (Egypt) – A sustainable fashion manufacturer specialising in knit, woven, sportswear, and swimwear.
• Desert Crafts Design Studio (India) – A womenswear manufacturer focused on casual and resort wear.
• WonderRaw (Portugal) – Experts in luxury blanks and fully customised garments made from 100% organic cotton.

Headline Designer: Stuart Trevor
Scottish-born fashion designer Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints and sustainability advocate, is set to headline the Source Catwalk. After years mentoring brands with a positive social and environmental impact, Trevor’s latest label, STUART TREVOR, focuses on sustainable fashion made from repurposed materials. Trevor set out to create the world’s most sustainable brand with a mission to make buying sustainable products easier, more fun and create non-destructive clothing from other peoples’ waste. His designs will take centre stage at the Source Catwalk, demonstrating how fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.

The Source Catwalk also offers a diverse and informative programme of conversations with thought leaders, retail case studies and challenging panel discussions. Now located on the balcony, presenting leading voices within ethical fashion.

• Source Debates – A new stage for this year, providing an opportunity to voice thoughts and get involved in the conversations - tackling the industry biggest questions and challenges, from sustainability and circularity to transparency and the future of fashion sourcing.

Speaker Highlights

Source Fashion’s comprehensive speaker programme will bring together industry leaders, sustainability experts, and fashion innovators. Key sessions include:

• ‘From Fast Fashion to Circularity’ (Source Catwalk, Tuesday, 11:30 AM) – A discussion on how brands can shift towards sustainable models while competing in the fast-fashion landscape, featuring leaders from Vivo Footwear, Neem London, YOU Underwear, and Johnston’s of Elgin.
• ‘A collaborative journey from farm to fashion’ (Source Catwalk, Tuesday, 1:30pm) - explores how The Natural Fibre Company and John Smedley have forged a groundbreaking partnership, transforming heritage craftsmanship and sustainable innovation into a powerful success story.
• ‘Tech and sustainability: why data holds the key for a greener future’ (Source Catwalk, Tuesday 2:10pm) - Linda Pimmeshofer from Insider Trends explores how data-driven innovation can revolutionise fashion’s fight against emissions, with global examples and a vision for a tech-enabled future
• ‘The Urgency of Transparency’ (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 11:00 AM) – A fireside chat with Andrew Xeni, Founder of Nobody’s Child and Fabacus, on why transparency is critical in building consumer trust.
• ‘Ecosystem Thinking in Fashion: Redesigning for Regeneration’ (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 2:10 PM) - Safia Minney MBE, Founder of Fashion Declares is joined by Dr Sri Ram, Founder - Bags of Ethics, Supreme Group, Matthias Knappe, Head of Unit, International Trade Centre (ITC) and Nick Reed, Founder, Neem London for to explore scaling circular practices, adopting regenerative models, and building stronger supply chain relationships to inspire action and meaningful change.
• ‘A Clothing Company That Doesn’t Produce Clothes’ (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 1:30 PM) – Stuart Trevor in conversation about his upcycling-focused brand and the future of circular fashion.
• Designing tomorrow: Is speculative thinking the key to fashion retail's future? (Source Catwalk, Wednesday, 1:30 PM) - Geraldine Wharry, Fashion Futurist, Trend Atelier on speculative design.
• ‘Taking the Lead When Legislation Falls Short’ (Source Debates, Thursday, 11:00 AM) – This session, with Safia Minney MBE, looks at how businesses can drive sustainability initiatives beyond Government mandates.
• Can fashion brands embrace sustainability without the fear of being perfect? (Source Debates, Thursday, 11:30 AM) - Jonny Rowe and Joe Russell, Co-Founders, Land of Plenty look at encouraging small wins, while questioning the common fears surrounding building out sustainable practices and the role storytelling and branding to help overcome these.

As part of an ongoing collaboration, The International Trade Centre, under the UK Trade Partnerships Programme, will showcase ethical suppliers from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Nepal, providing visitors with an exclusive look at sustainable sourcing options from these regions.

The European Commission’s communication on e-commerce - adopted by the college of Commissioner’s today- rightly acknowledges the growing challenges posed by the surge of direct-to-consumer imports, particularly through online marketplaces. Non-compliant and unsafe products undermine consumer safety, environmental sustainability, and the competitiveness of law-abiding businesses. The urgency of this issue is underscored by findings from the REACH for textiles project, which revealed that 16% of 400 tested products failed to comply with EU legislation. These figures highlight the critical need for stronger enforcement measures to prevent unsafe products from reaching EU consumers.

To address these concerns, enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Market Act (DMA) must be strengthened, ensuring that e-commerce platforms assume legal responsibilities for the products they offer as well as fair competition in the single market is guaranteed. Additionally, the removal of the de minimis rule and frontloading parts of the Customs Code reform is critical to rapidly closing loopholes that allow non-compliant goods to enter the EU market unchecked. Enhanced coordination with Member States and industry stakeholders can increase the effectiveness of our enforcement efforts. Investment in digital tools such as the Digital Product Passport is essential to increase transparency, safeguard fair trade practices, and reinforce consumer trust.

EURATEX welcomes the Commission's decision to take coordinated action, together with the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, against Shein. The association is also pleased to collaborate on a Digital Fairness Act to strengthen consumer protection in the digital sphere.

EURATEX fully supports the Commission’s commitment to stricter enforcement and urges immediate implementation of these measures to create a level playing field and ensure a safe, sustainable, and competitive e-commerce environment. Director General Dirk Vantyghem concluded: “With billions of garments entering the EU every year, we simply need a more solid system to monitor compliance of these products. EURATEX is looking forward to working together with the European Commission to achieve these important goals.”