Shanghai, 18 June 2024. Players across the wider textile industry are actively seeking innovative solutions for various sourcing, manufacturing, and retailing demands, in the midst of the business world’s rapid adoption of new technology and the evolving environmental landscape.
Bidding to further cater to this need, the organizers have announced the debut of the Digital Solutions Zone at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2024, taking place from 27 – 29 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Coinciding with the fair’s 30th anniversary, the zone will give a dedicated platform to exhibitors specializing in solutions such as big data analytics, additive manufacturing, digital sustainability solutions, digital product passports, generative AI, production technologies, personalized production, wearable technologies, virtual reality and more.
Ms. Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “We are only beginning to understand the changes new technology will bring to the textile sector, but it’s clear there is huge potential in design, production, personalization, traceability, sustainability and more. Intertextile Apparel prides itself on providing the right platforms within the fair to meet the market’s needs, and the Digital Solutions Zone will allow our exhibitors and visitors to capture the opportunities of the digital revolution. We have consistently provided education on this topic through our fringe program, and given a platform to several such exhibitors, but to expand and concentrate this offering into a dedicated zone is something we’ve been eager to realize.”
As the EU regulations target the entire supply chain, innovations such as eco-design, product passport, and sustainable solutions for production are in high demand in China. The new zone at the upcoming Autumn Edition will put the companies which are set to provide a unique opportunity for start-ups and emerging technology companies with potential textile industry applications, in front of thousands of international and domestic manufacturers looking to gain a technological edge in a competitive market. Exhibitors will also be able to deliver seminars or product presentations for added engagement while a unique open booth design will help facilitate discussions.
Textile-applicable digital highlights from the previous Autumn Edition
Various technology and solutions seminars were featured in the Textile Industry Digital Application Forum and as standalone fringe events, Last year in August, a number of companies made a technological impact, both as exhibitors and collaborators:
One key example was Shima Seiki, whose innovative fashion industry machinery and software solutions include design software, knitting machines, PLM, CAD/CAM, and printing. At the fair, they showcased their 3D fabric design solutions, said to greatly improve efficiency: from research and development to production.
Exhibiting at the same edition was Avery Dennison. Aiming to optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, advance sustainability, reduce waste, and connect brands and consumers, the multinational showcased its range of products and solutions, including radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, labeling and functional materials, branded packaging enhancements, software applications, and information display.
last autumn, the global apparel flagship welcomed 95,000 visitors from 117 countries and regions, providing a platform to nearly 4,000 exhibitors. Situated in the world’s textile manufacturing hub, regular buyers include garment manufacturers, fashion designers, global fashion brands, trading companies, retail chain stores, and many more.
Key zones at Intertextile Apparel this autumn
Located in the International Hall, the Digital Solutions Zone will be the latest addition to a number of product zones at the show, with others including:
Accessories Vision: for all garment and fashion accessories, including buttons, zippers, ribbons, lining, and much more.
Beyond Denim: fashionable, traditional and innovative denim products, ranging from indigo-dyed cotton to bio-dyed viscose fabrics.
Digital Printing Zone: up-to-date digital printing solutions and an array of on-trend printed fabrics.
Economy Hub (new): the new featured zone for sustainable textile products and services, taking the place of All About Sustainability.
Functional Lab: the go-to platform to cater to global demand for sportwear, athleisure, protective apparel, and more.
Premium Wool Zone: exclusive zone for high-end wool fabric suppliers of bespoke garments and suits.
SalonEurope: featuring a variety of textile products and showcasing the best of European brands for the Asian market.
Verve for Design: dedicated zone for original pattern designs, with end-uses ranging from fashion to home furnishing.
The fair is co-organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC, and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with the venue playing host to the entire apparel textile value chain.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held from 27 – 29 August 2024.
