Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics to Spotlight Sustainable Innovation in March 2025
Mohammad Swaif Ullah
Published At: February 10, 2025Shanghai is set to host one of the most significant events in the global textile industry as Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics returns from March 11 to 13, 2025. Co-organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Textile Information Centre, the event will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), covering 190,000 square meters and featuring over 3,000 exhibitors.
Taking place alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC, and PH Value, the exhibition will highlight an extensive range of products and services, catering to the evolving needs of the textile and apparel industry.
Sustainability remains a core focus for the industry, with manufacturers and brands increasingly shifting towards environmentally friendly practices. A major trend in this transition is the growing adoption of recycled materials and bio-based fibers, particularly in the development of functional textiles. Reflecting this shift, functional sustainability will take center stage across the exhibition, particularly in two dedicated zones: the Econogy Hub and Functional Lab.
Following a successful debut at the previous Autumn Edition, the Econogy Hub will make its first appearance at the Spring Edition, alongside the Econogy Finder, an initiative designed to help exhibitors communicate their sustainability credentials to buyers. Companies that pass the independent Econogy Check will have the opportunity to showcase their verified eco-friendly innovations.
Meanwhile, the Functional Lab will introduce a new feature, The CUBE, which will present a curated selection of on-trend functional fabrics. As sustainability awareness grows among consumers and the demand for eco-friendly activewear rises, many apparel brands are incorporating recycled plastics, organic cotton, and sustainable materials into their collections. Intertextile Apparel serves as a key sourcing platform for these materials.
Several major industry players will return to the Functional Lab, showcasing their latest sustainable textile innovations. Among them is 3M China Limited, which will display its Thinsulate Insulation, a lightweight microfiber insulation with a high warmth-to-thickness ratio. Various Thinsulate products contain different levels of recycled content and offer functional properties such as stretchability, water resistance, and flame resistance. Henglun Textile (Vietnam) Co Ltd will also be present, bringing expertise in knitted denim, piece-dyed knitted, and print-knitted fabrics, backed by sustainability certifications from BCI, GRS, OEKO-TEX®, and others.
Commenting on industry trends at the previous Autumn Edition, Ms. Jackie Liu, APAC Business Leader of 3M China Limited, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability, environmental protection, and digitalization. She noted that 3M is committed to integrating sustainable technologies into product development, using renewable raw materials, and ensuring recyclability to minimize environmental impact.
Beyond the Functional Lab, a diverse range of exhibitors across the fairground will present sustainable functional fabrics and accessories. Eastman Chemical Company will showcase its Naia™ Renew fiber, which is produced from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified recycled waste material through mass balance accounting. Esquel Enterprises Ltd, a high-end cotton textile and garment provider, is making strides towards net zero emissions by 2050, repurposing leftover yarn and fabrics for accessories and packaging. Grasim Industries Limited, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, will also be in attendance, bringing expertise in cellulosic fibers, diversified chemicals, and fashion yarns and fabrics.
As sustainability becomes increasingly integral to the industry, traceability and certification are playing a crucial role in ensuring compliance and consumer confidence. The Econogy Hub will host key certifiers and testing institutes such as Ecocert, Hohenstein, and Testex AG, reinforcing the industry's commitment to green practices.
Reflecting on the previous Autumn Edition, Marc Sidler, Group CMO at Testex AG, emphasized how the fair has become greener, more professional, and increasingly digital. He noted the strong interest in Testex’s Made in Green certification, which enhances transparency across the supply chain, providing consumers with greater confidence in sustainable products.
With the Spring 2025 Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics set to bring together leading innovators and industry stakeholders, the event is expected to further drive sustainability and functional advancements in the global textile sector.
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