From the Sector

From 16 – 18 August 2023, 1,022 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions will occupy four halls and 100,000 sqm gross at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). This Autumn Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles will return to its regular format, as a comprehensive platform held separately from Messe Frankfurt’s other autumn textile fairs. Complementing the strong lineup of exhibitors over all three days, a varied selection of fringe events will communicate key insights, offer industry specific inspiration, and facilitate cross-sector exchanges for fairgoers.

Buyers from 66 countries and regions have already pre-registered for the show, while a range of international brands are preparing to showcase their latest innovations. Multiple exhibitors will gather according to origin, with three country and region pavilions a must-see for fairgoers seeking exotic home textiles:

• Belgium Pavilion: products on show include bedding fabrics and sets, curtains and curtain fabrics, sofa covers, upholstery, and much more. With the pavilion set to feature a number of Belgian brands, its highlighted exhibitors are Libeco and Love Home Fabrics.
• Taiwan (China) Pavilion: multiple Taiwanese exhibitors, including JWL Fabrics Co Ltd, Maxland Home Textile Industrial Co Ltd, and Vanttex International Co Ltd, will demonstrate specific examples of the varied applications of their home textiles.
• Türkiye Pavilion: organised by Uludag Textile Exporters’ Association (UTIB), the pavilion will showcase a range of curtains, upholstery fabrics, and other home textiles, from suppliers such as Aleran Tekstil Inşaat Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd Şti, Küçükçalik Tekstil San Ve Tic A Ş and Weavers Tekstil San Ve Tic A Ş.

Beyond the pavilions, buyers can easily locate their desired home and contract textiles via conveniently placed product zones, covering categories such as curtain and curtain fabrics; sun protection and window shades; upholstery and sofa fabrics; furniture leather; bedding and editors; loungewear and bath; and rugs. Wide-ranging suppliers from China and beyond will showcase their various products, featuring international exhibitors such as Elastron – Leather & Fabrics, Morgan and PT Sinar Continental; and well-known domestic manufacturers including Hangzhou Aico Home Textile Co Ltd, Huatex International (Hangzhou) Co Ltd and Zhe Jiang Maya Fabric Co Ltd.

Fringe programme: keeping fairgoers up-to-date with range of industry developments
Business exchange at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles will once again be supplemented by multiple concurrent events, for home textile players to learn more about the latest industry innovations, as well as upcoming design trends. These include:

• International Intertextile Trend Forum 2023–2024: held in the afternoon of day one, the event will be hosted by a prominent member of the ‘2023 – 2024 Intertextile International Lifestyle Trend’ trend committee, Mr Shen Lei, joined on the panel by multiple designers. They will discuss various impacts on designs, such as sustainability’s effect, the influence of emerging technologies, and international integration and localised expression.
• IKASAS Japanese Home Design Gallery and themed seminar: the leading Japanese furniture brand IKASAS will utilise a display area to illustrate its unique design philosophy, by showcasing innovative furniture products that predominantly align with contemporary trends. The company’s founder, Mr Akiyuki Sasaki, will delve deeper into his design views in a seminar held on the morning of day one.
• The New Power of Healthy Home Decoration Environment: a first-time collaboration with CRECC Full Decoration Council, the cross-sector conference in Hall 5.1 on day two will welcome keynote speakers from the real estate industry, to discuss topical insights at the intersection of realty and home textiles. The audience will come away with a widened scope of the different applications and demands of home textiles, and an ability to more accurately identify business opportunities within the property market.

Der Architekt und Designer Fabian Freytag zeigt mit seinem ganzheitlich konzipierten Farb- und Interior Konzept im Büro des Immobilien-Start-ups 26 HOMES in Berlin-Mitte, was moderne Farbgestaltung mit CAPAROL ICONS leisten kann.

Auf 43 Quadratmetern ist ein Büro entstanden, das das Prinzip Wandfarbe aus einem progressiven Blickwinkel betrachtet: Der Farbmix aus soften Candy Colors schafft einen Arbeitsplatz, der gute Laune macht und zum kreativen Denken einlädt. Dabei stand nicht nur die Wahl der passenden Farbe im Mittelpunkt der Überlegungen, sondern auch die Art und Weise, wie man diese einsetzt.

Die ganzheitliche Gestaltung der Räume stand stets im Fokus der Office-Konzeption. So zieht sich der stilsichere Mix der sanften Candy Colors von CAPAROL ICONS durch sämtliche Räume des Berliner Start-ups und gibt neben Decken und Wänden auch Türen, Türrahmen, Heizungsrohren und Küchenfronten ein farbenfrohes Updat.

• Liebe zum Detail

Seit nunmehr 274 Jahren fertigt die Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg in Handarbeit filigrane Kunstobjekte. Umgeben von weitläufigen Landschaftsgärten und einem Kanal, der Wasser aus der Würm in das Areal führt, befindet sich die Produktionsstätte des Traditionshauses heute noch im nordöstlichen Rondell der gleichnamigen Schlossanlage. Aufgrund der malerischen Umgebung ließen die Besitzer:innen das frühere Direktorenhaus aufwändig in eine prachtvolle Herberge, die „The Langham Nymphenburg Residence, Munich“, umgestalten. Das Innere ist als Living Showroom, in dem das speziell für das Palais angefertigte Porzellan präsentiert wird, gestaltet. Entstanden ist ein luxuriöses Refugium, das die perfekte Bühne für die Farben von CAPAROL ICONS bietet.

In Abstimmung zur Inneneinrichtung sowie des feinen Porzellans wählte das Team von Mang Mauritz Design, die für den Umbau verantwortlich waren, die Wandfarben mit größter Sorgfalt aus. Die Luxus-Innenfarben von CAPAROL ICONS betonen das hochwertige Interior sowie die Porzellan-Unikate nicht nur, sie erschaffen gekonnt ein einladendes, stilvolles Raumgefühl. Insgesamt sechs „Ikonen“ – so nennt CAPAROL ICONS seine einzelnen Nuancen, die ikonische Momente der Farbkultur interpretieren und anspruchsvollsten Interieurs ein einzigartiges Flair verleihen – finden sich im Palais wieder. Im zentralen Speisesaal verleiht das edle Schiefergrau NO 15 DYNASTY dem Raum einen wohnlichen Lounge-Charakter. Die Farbe ist inspiriert vom Grau der steinernen Wasserspeier, die oft an herrschaftlichen Anwesen zu finden sind. Der einladende Ladies Room, einer von drei Salons, besticht neben seiner Vintage-Einrichtung mit einem freundlichen Grau-Rosé. Der Name der Farbe NO 33 GLOBAL GYPSET bezieht sich auf die Globetrotter:innen und Trendsetter:innen des neuen Jahrtausends, die wahren Luxus in der ungezwungenen, glamourösen Atmosphäre von Insiderorten definieren. Ebenso wie die einzigartigen Porzellan-Pieces die Räume der Nymphenburg Residence definieren, bestimmen auch die Ikonen von CAPAROL ICONS und die Geschichten, die sie erzählen das vornehme Ambiente maßgeblich mit.

In der Nymphenburg Residence verwendete Farben: NO 15 DYNASTY, NO 17 LULLABY, NO 30 BUNGEE, NO 33 GLOBAL GYPSET, NO 65 SKATER, NO 69 NEON GREY

• Wandfarbe als zentrales Gestaltungselement im Designhotel Laurichhof in Pirna

Klassisch, romantisch oder modern: Umgeben vom Elbsandsteingebirge und historischen Sehenswürdigkeiten und unweit von Dresden gelegen, bietet das Designhotel Laurichhof inmitten der Sächsischen Schweiz 27 unterschiedlich gestaltete Suiten für jeden Geschmack. Die Inhaberfamilie Seidel (Architekturbüro Seidel+Architekten) hat das Gebäude fünf Jahre lang minutiös geplant. Bei der gesamten Innenausstattung setzten sie auf Designmöbel, die die Gäste vor Ort auch erwerben können. Zudem bietet das Hotelteam eine komplette Design und Einrichtungsplanung für das eigene Zuhause an – ein ganz besonderer Service.

Die Wahl der Wandfarben war bei der Planung der Zimmer ein zentrales Thema. Gemeinsam mit den sorgsam zusammengestellten Möbeln und Accessoires bildet die Wandfarbe ein wesentliches Gestaltungselement. Die Luxus- Innenfarben von CAPAROL ICONS unterstreichen den hochwertigen Anspruch und erschaffen, dank ihrer eigens entwickelten Rezeptur an den Wänden der Hotelzimmer, matte farbtiefe Oberflächen und erzeugen so ein elegantes Raumgefühl. Insgesamt neun „Ikonen“ – so nennt CAPAROL ICONS seine einzelnen Nuancen – finden sich in den Räumen wieder. In der Suite My Way strahlt das intensive Sonnengelb der Farbe NO 99 LILO. Sie erinnert an die gelben, aufblasbaren Luftmatratzen oder auch „Lilos“ genannt, die der Klassiker beim Sonnenbaden am Pool sind. Die reduzierte Suite Bauhaus ist sehr funktional eingerichtet. Passend dazu bringt NO 14 CHESTERFIELD ein warmes Graubraun in den Raum, das von den berühmten Chesterfield-Sofas inspiriert ist.

Jede Farbe hebt den Charakter des jeweiligen Zimmers hervor und setzt gekonnt Akzente im Raum. Im Designhotel Laurichhof verwendete Farben: NO 07 DISCO BALL, NO 14 CHESTERFIELD, NO 20 AFRO, NO 39 SO BOHO, NO 45 UNTITLED PINK, NO 58 COPACABANA, NO 69 NEON GREY, NO 99 LILO, NO 110 POONA

Asia’s leading trade platform for the home and contract textile industry, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, is ready to welcome over 600 exhibitors to China’s commercial hub from 24 – 26 August. As China’s economy continues its recovery, the upcoming fair will serve as a key platform for the industry to reconnect and prepare for the seasons ahead. Taking consideration of current international travel restrictions, Intertextile has launched a brand new online business matching platform, enabling participation for those who cannot travel to Shanghai.

Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd commented: “2020 has been a difficult and unpredictable year for every business and industry across the world, so we are pleased to be providing a platform for the home textile industry to connect and recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is the first physical trade event for the sector held by Messe Frankfurt since January, so we hope that the fair assists the sector to join forces and overcome this challenging year together.”

Ms Wen continued: “Our first priority is to create a clean and hygienic space for all participants to source and network. To achieve this goal, the fair will implement extra health care and hygiene precautions onsite. On the other hand, we are aware that a number of travel restrictions are still in place across the world. With this in mind, Intertextile will offer a series of online services for those who are unable to travel to Shanghai, allowing the fair to reach as wide an audience as possible.”

2020 fair highlights

To provide buyers with greater efficiency, the fair, which covers four halls, will be divided clearly by product categories: Household Hall (hall 3), International Brands / Upholstery Hall (hall 4.1), Brand Fabrics Hall (hall 5.1) and Sofa Fabrics Hall (hall 6.1).

In addition, the Contract Business 360° concept will return this year, with over 40 premier upholstery exhibitors presenting their latest textile products and furnishing solutions for contract use. Exhibitors include Guangzhou Yuanzhicheng Home Textile, Haining Julai Textile, JAB, Morgan Shanghai, Symphony Mills, Suzhou Roufang, Ter Molst International, Zhejiang Hexin and Zhejiang Maya Fabric. Furthermore, top brands such as Agmamito from Poland and Wollsdorf Leather from Austria will be exhibiting for the first time at Intertextile.

Online business matching platform offers new sourcing landscape

Although face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable, a virtual complement has become more important as a result of the worldwide pandemic. To support the industry during these unprecedented times, Intertextile has launched a brand new online business matching platform. With this free service, participants are able to source and network at their fingertips. The virtual platform will offer many new features including:

• Easy sourcing: exhibitors are categorised by product groups including Sofa / Decorative Fabrics, Curtains and Accessories, Bedding and Finished products, Shading and Accessories, and Editors
• Live-streamed product presentations of exhibitors
• Smart recommendations: pre-selected exhibitor lists will be provided to buyers based on their personal preferences and interests
• Convenience: participants are able to use the service through computers or portable devices without the need to download any software

High quality fringe programme covers comprehensive topics
 
The fair’s event programme will once again provide the industry with the latest trends and insights in four topics: Design Inspiration, Business O2O, Textile & Technology and Industry Empowerment. One of the highlights will be the 2021 Intertextile Trend Forum, led by Shen Lei, the Chinese representative of the Intertextile International Lifestyle Trend Committee. The forum will bring together five prominent Chinese designers including Ben Chen, Ben Wu, Meng Ye, Paul Pang and Xie Ke, who will delve into the theme of 2021 Intertextile Trends–“BOUND”, as well as the Chinese market conditions. The event will be held on day 1 of the fair, from 14:00 – 17:00 in hall 5.1 booth C18, and streamed live online.

Another not-to-be-missed event is the Ride the Storm – Home Textile Digital Printing Forum, which will include an array of educating seminars that cover the latest digital textile printing trends and technologies. The forum will be held on day 2 of the fair, from 13:20 – 17:20 in hall 3, booth M12.

Furthermore, joining forces with Tmall Global, the largest cross border B2C online retail platform in China, the fair will host a series of seminars delivering the solutions and strategies for industry digitalisation during the afternoon of day 1. In addition, the well-received Furniture & Home Textile Direct Negotiation Event will return to provide an excellent opportunity for furniture companies and fabric brands to collaborate.

Additional health care and hygiene precautions will be in place

As trade fair co-organisers, Messe Frankfurt’s number one priority always remains the health and safety of fairgoers. To maintain a clean and hygienic environment for visitors and exhibitors to meet in, extra measures will be in practice at the fair. These include: real-name registration, onsite temperature checks, frequent sterilisation of public areas and distancing measures for forum / seminar audiences, amongst others.

International renommierte Architekten und Designer beleuchten Leitthema CREATE’N‘CONNECT

Das aktuelle Leitthema „CREATE’N’CONNECT“ der DOMOTEX, die vom 11. – 14. Januar 2019 in Hannover stattfindet, rückt den Megatrend der Konnektivität in den Fokus. Bei den „TALKS“, einem Vortragsprogramm, das in Halle 9 auf der Bühne zwischen den „FRAMING TRENDS“ veranstaltet wird, thematisieren international bekannte Referenten wie Designer Sebastian Herkner oder Architektin Ester  Bruzkus das Thema der Verbundenheit an den Schnittstellen von Architektur, Innenarchitektur und Design. An allen vier Messetagen kommen renommierte Architekten, Planer, Designer und Nachwuchstalente in inspirierenden Impulsvorträgen zu Wort. Im Rahmen der Talks stellen sie innovative Projekte und aktuelle Ideen vor, bei denen der Boden eine tragende gestalterische Rolle spielt. Im Anschluss daran diskutieren die Experten persönliche Sichtweisen in einer moderierten Gesprächsrunde, dem „MEET&GREET“, mit dem Publikum.

Erzählerische Rauminszenierungen sowie die außergewöhnliche Kombination von Farben oder Materialien prägen den Stil der Architektin und Interior Designerin Ester Bruzkus. Die Berliner Trendsetterin erörtert das Leitthema am Samstag aufarchitektonischer Ebene. Insgesamt tragen neun Referenten mit ihren Impulsvorträgen zu den trendorientierten Talks bei. Zudem präsentieren ausgewählte Hochschulen aus dem Framing Trends-Bereich „NuThinkers“ ihre Semesterprojekte zum Thema „Zukunft des Bodens“. Diese werden am Montag in vier Impulsvorträgen erläutert.

Im Anschluss an die Vorträge folgt ein persönliches „MEET&GREET“ mit den Teilnehmern der Talks. Das neue Format bringt Referenten und Gäste aus Industrie und Handel in einem informellen Rahmen zusammen, um fachlichen Austausch sowie eine lebendige Vernetzung zu ermöglichen. Vor und nach den Talks führen trendorientierte Architekten und Designer interessierte Besucher in den „GUIDED TOURS“ zu ihren persönlichen Highlights der DOMOTEX. Die täglichen Führungen eröffnen den Teilnehmern einen besonderen Insiderblick auf ausgesuchte Produkte in Verbindung mit dem Leitthema und fördern die Kontaktaufnahme mit den Ausstellern.

Von Freitag bis Montag finden täglich von 13.00 bis 14.30 Uhr Talks mit Impulsvorträgen sowie Moderationen zum Leitthema statt. Anschließend gibt es von 14.30 bis 15.00 Uhr unter dem Motto „MEET&GREET“ eine Gesprächsrunde mit den Referenten.

Overseas exhibitors found the fair an effective platform to open up the Asian market
Buyers benefited from wide range of quality exhibitors

The 23rd edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is over, with both exhibitors and buyers satisfied with the business outcomes resulting from the fair’s four days. The largest home textiles trading event in Asia was held from 23 – 26 August, attracting 1,106 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. Given the strengthening market conditions in China the fair maintained its popularity, with the number of trade buyers increasing to 38,964 from 99 countries and regions (2016: 37,779 from 98 countries and regions). The show also attracted more international buyers this edition, with a 16% increase in those coming from abroad. “Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles has once again proven its leading position in Asia as a business and order platform for the industry. There was a noticeable positivity from both exhibitors and buyers this edition regarding the current and future situation of the domestic market, so we are optimistic about the industry for the next year,” Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said.

Overseas exhibitors found the fair an effective platform to open up the Asian market

As the leading event of its kind in the region, the fair successfully attracts a number of Chinese and Asian buyers every year, ensuring suppliers can develop their business further in the region. This year, seven country and region pavilions including Belgium, India, Korea, Morocco, Pakistan, Taiwan and Turkey were formed, with exhibitors from all of satisfied they could meet their target buyers.

While being in the minority at the fair, European brands still managed to catch the attention of visitors due to strong interest in their products from Asia. The Italian upholstery supplier Enzo Degli Angiuoni Spa was satisfied with the number of Asian buyers, particularly Chinese, that they met at the fair. Mr Stefano Laurenzano, Export Area Manager expressed: “A lot of visitors that saw us here last year have come back again and are serious about cooperating with us. Here you can get a lot of new contacts and discover the Asian market. We’ve had mainly Chinese buyers, but have had more Asian buyers from South Korea, India, Malaysia and elsewhere to visit us this year. We are seeing more business here in recent years.”

Being a newcomer to the fair, Iceland Duvet ehf felt the potential in China. “We’ve had enough buyers including retailers and manufacturers visiting our booth to make our participation worthwhile. The interest from the buyers has been genuine. Being a European brand helps more than at fairs in Europe as we can stand out more here,” Mr Ragnar Ludvik Runarsson, representative said.

Indian exhibitor, Paramount Textile Mills Ltd has been joining the fair for three years. “Apart from meeting our existing customers, we’ve had enquiries from potential new customers from China as well as overseas including the US and South America,” Mr Ram. M., Director of Marketing & Finance said.

Also with three years’ participation, Mr Samir Tazi, General Manager of PIF Textile Emotions from Morocco affirmed the show’s effectiveness in meeting important buyers and decision makers. “It’s easier for us to meet them here compared with some smaller European fairs. Thanks to Intertextile Shanghai, we have also met the major players in China.” Talking about this year’s result, he continued: “We were very busy. We met with more people than any other fairs. There are a lot of new buyers and also returning buyers checking out our new products.”

Participating in the Korea Pavilion, Sangwon Textile Co Ltd found the fair helpful in attracting distributors and wholesalers from Southeast Asia. Mr Jeon Hyeon Tae, Sales Manager said: “We have found about five potential and quality distributors from Taiwan, India, Philippines and Singapore on the first day. We also got to meet a number of wholesalers who prefer to buy from us directly at the fair.” He added that Intertextile Shanghai is also an ideal platform to launch new products for their existing clients.

As the largest pavilion this year, the Turkey Pavilion was in the limelight of the show, with both new and veteran exhibitors finding it useful to exhibit in Intertextile Shanghai. Bezmez Ev Tekstil did not intend to receive any orders in their first show, but was surprised to obtain three in just one day. These concrete results reassured their likelihood of coming back next year. “We definitely see the potential for Turkish products here in China as Chinese companies prefer quality products nowadays,” Mr Ayhan Bezmez, representative, further commented. Mr Fahri Goksin, Vice President of Gokhan Tekstil agreed with Mr Bezmez that Chinese buyers are in favour of new things like imported goods and Western brands. His company has been in the Shanghai fair for six years and continued to get satisfactory results. “We’re looking for retailers, wholesalers and online buyers. We’ve had all of these visiting our booth already.”

Domestic exhibitors satisfied with the number of potential customers and orders received

Recently, there is strong signs suggesting that the home textiles market in China is recovering with both imports and exports rising gradually. The positive outcome that Chinese exhibitors achieved at the August’s fair have resonated with the market condition. It is no surprise to see a number of domestic booths packed with visitors throughout the days. SohoCUT is a case in point. To them, Intertextile Shanghai is the place for actual business. “Compared with other fairs we’ve been to, this is the exhibition where a huge number of international buyers gather. We met buyers from China, Mexico, Russia, the US, India and Southeast Asia. We even got large orders for the first two days.” Mr Wheatley Weng, Managing Director said.

The fabrics of Wujiang Linwang Weaving Mill is also sought after at the fair. Being a company that do both exports and domestic trade, they are happy to connect with local and overseas customers during the show. “We’ve collected around 100 leads on the first day, of which 70% are domestic and the remaining being international. The overseas visitors are from Italy, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Chile and Korea that our products precisely meet their requirement. We see high chances of cooperation after the fair.” Mr Kenny, Sales Manager said.

Given the prevailing smart home concept in China, Somfy China Co Ltd which specialised in advanced sun-protection system has become one of the highlights at the fair. Ms Nancy Nan, Chief Executive Officer mentioned: “The visitor flow has been really high that our booth is swarmed by buyers. Amongst those visitors, there is no lack of medium to high-end customers who placed orders immediately.”

Editors assembled to promote high-end products

To cater to the ascending standards of Chinese customers, Intertextile Shanghai once again brought editors together in hall 5.1 to maximise their exposure to their target buyers. As foreign brands with subsidiaries in China, JAB and Prestigious see the growing interest in their premium products in China. “We pay attention to the changing buying habits of Chinese consumers and, as such, have started promoting a series of products under a unified lifestyle trend. It’s obvious that we are gaining more awareness from buyers at the fair,” Mr William Lin, Vice President of JAB ANSTOETZ Interior (Shanghai) Co Ltd said. He also appreciated the specific display area for imported fabrics and the organisers’ attempt to attract more designers, which helped them meet more potential customers. Apart from getting onsite orders, Prestigious Textiles (Shanghai) Ltd also considers the show a promotion platform. “There is great demand for our products in China. Though we achieved similar sales compared with last year, through this fair our brand has been well introduced to the market,” Mr Lewis Liu, Sales Director expressed.

Originating from China, Euroart Co Ltd was another editor that successfully showcased their latest collection at the fair. “It is a good time to join the most influential home textiles exhibition in Asia as we have just launched new products in May. We are satisfied as some of our existing clients plus new visitors came to our booth,” Ms Guo Jianhua, Director Assistant said.

Industry players benefit from the expanded Digital Printing Zone

The demand for digital printing solutions has been growing in recent years, especially as the industry has put more emphasis on green production. As such, the Digital Printing Zone expanded in size this edition, incorporating a Seminar Area and more exhibitors.

As an Italian company, MS Printing Solutions Srl experienced the potential of the sector in China. “The fair has been busy, and we’ve had steady flow of buyers coming through. The potential in digital printing here is just beginning. The Chinese government is pushing companies to reduce their pollution, so it has a big advantage in this regard over traditional textile printing,” Mr Walter Oggioni, Regional Sales Manager stated, adding that the company has been growing very fast globally, especially in China, Turkey, India and Pakistan.

This potential holds for domestic machine manufacturers as well. Specialising in the production of digital printing machines, Guangzhou Xu Cheng Electronic Technology Co Ltd was at the fair to meet fabrics suppliers. Mr Jesse Luo, Overseas Manager explained: “Compared with exhibitions for textile machinery, Intertextile Shanghai attracts more fabrics suppliers, which are our target clients. It helps even more as we are located in this special zone. We’ve been talking to a lot customers, including overseas buyers who are also interested in our machines.”

A series of seminars also provided opportunities for the industry to share their insights on this emerging sector. As a speaker, Foshan Sanshui Yingjie Precision Machinery believed the session was mutually beneficial for them and the audience. “Attendees are from the whole sector including manufacturers and end users, so we can discuss different perspectives. It will facilitate our improvement,” Mr Peng Jichang, General Manager said. Mr Scott Bai, representative of Huntsman Textile Effects (China) Co Ltd also benefited from visiting the zone and the seminar. “Together with seminar, the Digital Printing Zone can professionally present the current situation for the industry. When suppliers and users come together, we can discover the way to enhance this technology.”

Buyers benefited from wide range of quality exhibitors

Intertextile Shanghai is the largest trading platform in Asia with the whole spectrum of home textiles and accessories on offer. Hence, visitors, be they Chinese or overseas, can access a wide range of quality suppliers that meet their sourcing needs. Australian buyer, Mr Glenn Whitchurch from Trabeth Textiles, was impressed with his sourcing journey. “The polyester quality of domestic exhibitors has been unbelievable. What’s more, we’ve found the Chinese suppliers to be very flexible in meeting our needs, they’re clearly keen to accommodate overseas buyers.” Mr Whitchurch also commented favourably on the product range at Intertextile Shanghai compared to European fairs.

One ongoing trend at the fair over recent years is the increasing quality of domestic suppliers, which attracts buyers to come back and source. Mezanin V SRL from Moldova is a long-term supporter of the show, and place orders every year. Its Vice Director, Mr Mihail Tornea remarked: “It is an important event for us to meet new suppliers from China. We are selective with the suppliers we work with, but the Chinese companies here meet our requirements. As a sourcing event, Intertextile Shanghai is the best place to be.”

The fair’s VIP buyer programme also assists buyers in meeting worldwide exhibitors at ease. Mr Bibo Lan is the co-founder of Loft Curtains in the US and he is excited to meet lots of potential suppliers here. “The arrangement for VIPs is satisfying and it helps a lot to have my target exhibitor information in advance. The largest benefit of our visit is that we met Libeco from Belgium, while we also confirmed to work with a blackout supplier at the fair,” he said.

Chinese buyers agreed that Intertextile Shanghai is the most effective sourcing platform in Asia. “Overseas suppliers like Turkey exhibitors are our main interest. So far, we have connected with four to five exhibitors in hall 4 and will place orders with them soon. In terms of exhibitor number and the product range, I feel that the fair has improved a lot. It is my favourite show with a lot of overseas products to discover,” Mr Huang Shenghua, General Manager of Ziranfeng Home Textile Co Ltd said.

Concurrent events inspired the industry

Apart from facilitating business between exhibitors and visitors, the fair also incorporated various design elements via a series of concurrent events. These included display area like Trend Area, International Fiber Art Exhibition and Home Furnishing Crossover Exhibition where participants could find innovative designs and ideas.

This was also the first time the Andrew Martin International Interior Design Summit and the fair took place concurrently. Experts from the interior design, architecture and art sectors were invited to share and discuss their views on the transformation of design in the new information era. Mr Kot Ge, founder of a domestic interior design studio, LSDCASA was delighted to join, and shared: “This show always attracts many top interior designers and it’s my pleasure to meet them here. Interior design and home textiles are closely related and new concepts can bring along improvement.”

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA). The next Autumn Edition will take place in August 2018, while the Spring Edition runs from 14 – 16 March 2018.
To find out more about this fair, please visit: www.intertextilehome.com.
For more information about Messe Frankfurt textile fairs worldwide, please visit: http://texpertise-network.messefrankfurt.com.