India imports printing machinery, including digital printing, the most from the world and China is the top sourcing market for the commodity.

India’s textile machinery imports have witnessed a skyrocketing growth in the Q2 of this fiscal year. The imports totalled to US$ 1164.99 million with growth of 23.90% over the previous quarter and 3% over CPLY. All the commodities except nonwoven machines have perceived a positive growth in the second quarter of this fiscal. Printing machines, including digital printing machines account for a major portion of 37% from the total textile machinery imports of India in Q2 with an import value of US$ 430.22 million.

For India, China remains the top sourcing market of textile machinery in Q2 too. The imports in the quarter totalled to US$ 368.07 million. In the previous quarter and CPLY too China was the top import destination for India’s textile machinery requirements.

Commodity-wise imports of textile machinery

Printing machinery items were imported the most to India from the world, the commodity perceived a growth of 13.13% over the previous quarter and 14.29 over CPLY. Under this commodity, machine which performs two or more functions of printing have been imported the most to India. Imports totalled to US$ 111.06 million in Q2 with a growth of 37.54% over the previous quarter and 27.16% over CPLY. Inkjet printing machinery has shown an average growth of 20.80% over the previous quarter and 20.09% over CPLY and imports totalled to US$ 20.56 million in Q2 FY 18-19. Offset printing machine other than sheet fed and reed feed have witnessed a substantial growth of 24.29% to US$ 44.40 million in Q2 FY 18-19 over the previous quarter and 78.53% over CPLY. Flexographic printing machinery also have shown an impressive progress in the quarter, the imports totalled to US$ 14.36 million in Q2 FY 18-19 with growth of 26.86% over the previous quarter and 84.58% over CPLY.

India’s weaving loom imports on the rise

Imports of weaving machine (looms) are the second topmost commodity in this segment. The imports of weaving machine in Q2 totalled to US$ 135.58 million with growth of 13.51% over the previous quarter, but over CPLY the commodity has witnessed a fall of 4.41%. Shuttleless weaving machine not exceeding a width of 30 cms was imported the most to India under the weaving machine commodity in Q2. The imports of shuttleless weaving machines totalled to US$ 131.77 million with growth of 13.58% over the previous quarter. But the same commodity perceived a negative growth of 2.17% over CPLY.

Auxiliary machines used with other textile machines have shown an interesting growth in Q2 over the previous year as well as over the CPLY. The commodity’s import value totalled to US$ 91.58 million, making it the third largest commodity to be imported to the country from the world. This was 22.47% higher over the previous quarter and 1.54% over CPLY.

Nonwoven machine is the only commodity that has witnessed a drop in imports in Q2 over the previous quarter and CPLY. The commodity’s imports totalled to US$ 5.97 million in the second quarter, 14.84% and 26.30% lower compared to the previous quarter and CPLY respectively.

Spinning machine imports too pick up in Q2

Spinning, twisting and yarn preparation machine imports have witnessed a rise in the Q2 by 41.85% to US$ 96.12 million over the previous quarter, but while compared to CPLY, the commodity has down by 23.13% and the commodity stakes 8% share from the total imports of India’s textile machinery in Q2. Under this commodity, other textile fibre spinning machine is imported the most to India from the world. The product registered a growth of 565.04% in Q2 totalling to US$ 25.87 million over the previous quarter, while over the CPLY the growth declined by 3% only.

Knitting machine imports show mixed trend Knitting machinery imports has witnessed a seesaw trend in the second quarter of this fiscal. The commodity registered a positive growth of 33.35% over the previous quarters while over the CPLY the same commodity registered a negative of 39.45%. The commodity imports in Q2 totalled to US$ 88.09 million. Under this one, machines used for making embroidery have been the imported the most to India, with import value of US$ 34.17 million in Q2 with a growth of 57.99% over the previous quarter.

Sewing machine imports have gone up by 19.38% over the previous quarter totalling to US$ 77.13 million in Q2 and it perceived a growth of 21.91% over the CPLY. Under this commodity, other sewing machine was largely imported product to India from the world, the imports of the same totalled to US$ 52 million with growth of 21.35% over previous quarter.

Country-wise textile machinery imports to India

China remains the top sourcing destination for India

China remains the top sourcing market for India’s textile machinery. India imported textile machinery worth of US$ 368.07 million in Q2 from China. China managed to perceive a minute positive growth of 1.48% over the previous quarter, while over the CPLY imports from China declined 7.87%.

China accounted for 32% of India’s textile machinery imports in the Q2. Printing machinery including digital printing is the topmost commodity exported from China to India. Textile printing machinery, including digital printing, imports to India from China totalled to US$ 85.62 million in Q2, but while compared to the previous quarter and CPLY the growths have dropped for the commodity by 37.04% and 1.01% respectively.

Imports of knitting machines have done quite well in the second quarter. Imports totalled to US$ 52.47 million with growth of 27.08% over the previous quarter. Auxiliary machine used with other machine and sewing machine too have done well, with import value of US$ 32.55 million and US$ 36.7 million respectively.

Germany is an important supplier to India

Germany has gone one notch up, making itself the second largest sourcing market for India’s textile machinery. Germany’s exports to India totalled to US$ 132.12 million and share of 11% from the total imports of India’s textile machinery. Germany perceived a growth of 45.55% in Q2 over the previous quarter, but has gone down by 18.86% over CPLY. Printing machinery including digital printing exports from Germany to India was recorded to be the highest in the Q2.

The exports of printing machinery totalled to US$ 35.42 million with growth of 66.21 % and 29.89% over the previous quarter and CPLY respectively. With a few digits away is the auxiliary machine used with other machines, which is registered to be the second topmost commodity imported in Q2. The imports of auxiliary machinery totalled to US$ 33.20 million with growth of 28.83% over the previous quarter and 28.33% over CPLY.

Japan loses share to Germany

As Germany has exported textile machinery in larger quantity to India, Japan has lost its ranking to third place. In Q2, Japan stands as the third largest sourcing market for India’s textile machinery. Japan’s exports to India totalled to US$ 118.54 million with growth of only 6.57% in Q2 over the previous quarter, while over the CPLY, Japan’s exports declined by 27.69%. Japan stakes 10% share from the total imports of India’s textile machinery. Weaving machinery (looms) remains the topmost commodity imported from Japan to India. Weaving machinery imports totalled to US$ 52.96 million in Q2 with growth of 53.24% over the previous quarter and 9.72% over CPLY. Printing machinery including digital printing, imports from Japan have gone by 29.74 in Q1 over the previous quarter with a value of US$ 27.12 million, but has dropped by 52.11% over CPLY.

Imports from other destinations

Singapore’s textile machinery exports to India in Q2 have gone up by 5.07% to US$ 84.29 million. Whereas compared over CPLY the country has witnessed a growth of 293.14% and stakes 7% share from the total imports of India’s textile machinery in Q2 FY 18-19. Printing machines including digital printing was exported the most from Singapore with value of US$ 58.17million, but the growth has declined by 5.48% and over the CPLY the country has witnessed a growth of 369.87%. Auxiliary machine exports from Singapore have done quite well in the Indian market. It perceived a growth of 65.71% over the previous quarter with import value of US$ 2.32 million.

The other top sourcing countries for India’s textile machinery are Belgium with 5% share and imports of US$ 60.12 million, Italy with 4% share and imports of US$ 49.49 million, USA with 3% share and imports of US$ 35.62 million, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand with 2% share each and imports of US$ 27.95 million, US$ 24.70 million and US$ 22.64 million, respectively.

From the top ten countries, imports from Italy (the sixth top sourcing destination for India’s textile machinery), recorded a drop of 17.97% in Q2 over the previous quarter.

The orders index for textile machinery for the period ranging from October to December 2018, as compiled by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, fell compared to the same period for 2017. The index value stood at 101.9 points (basis: 2015 =100).

Orders gathered by Italian machinery builders were thus negative both in Italy and abroad. On the domestic front, the index stood at an absolute value of 148 points, that is, fully 12% less than the same period for October to December 2017. However, foreign markets were even further down at -16%, with the index standing at an absolute value of 98.1 points.

ACIMIT president Alessandro Zucchi commented, “The evolution of the domestic market reflects an overall sense of uncertainty that has accompanied the new national budget legislation, not to mention the comparison with a record fourth quarter for 2017.” Zucchi added that, “On foreign markets, our machinery manufacturers are having to face geopolitical situations that have considerably slowed investments. Turkey, Iran, and even China, all primary markets for our sector, have recorded a drop in demand for textile machinery, for a variety of reasons.”

“Based on preliminary results elaborated by our Association,” concludes ACIMIT’s president, “2018 closed with a downswing both in terms of foreign sales and total production. The overall sentiment for 2019 isn’t very positive either, but the entire sector is putting its trust in ITMA, the primary trade fair for the entire world textile machinery industry, held every four years. This year, the fair will be held in Barcelona from 20 to 26 June. It could very well present an opportunity for a revival of the entire sector.”

"Organised from February 11 to 14, 2019 at Le Bourget, Paris The Fairyland for Fashion recorded a new high in number of visitors, with a 2.35 per cent increase over February 2018. A total of 13,929 visitors attended this event."

True to its concept for pioneering technical and technological solutions, the 8th session of Avantex Paris, part of The Fairyland for Fashion, Paris, presented innovative services and processes for every branch of fashion. French companies attracted prime contracts. Start-up Gorfoo, received a lot of requests for a material with the same characteristics as leather but made from hemp. Fashiontech, in association with the 3D printing firm Quatrecarré, filled its stand with applications for materials and clothing. Their printing based on oyster shells caused a sensation. Zero Waste Design’s concept, illustrated by the creative work of designers from all over the world, caught the attention of many fashion labels.

Focus on sustainable systems

There was an interesting collective demonstration at the stand for Sustainable French Savoir-faire, jointly created by CETI / ESMOD / TECHTERA. Recycling was highlighted by the European Centre for Innovative Textiles which displayed new fibres produced by recycling, and the ESMOD school with the outfit by Lorena Mazo-French, which was from a material made from wrappings for savoury biscuits and chocolate bars. 

In the Avanprint section, Italian printing firm MS Printing Solutions set up an inkjet printer that operates without water by restricting the quantity of ink used.

Positive response to discussions, debates

Numerous round-table debates and presentations were held over the four days. The Avantex agora stood out with its high-calibre presenters and animated discussions. 

The topics focused on environment and environmentally correct practices.

These got a positive reaction from the audience as did the talks on market outlook and the retail sector. Catwalk shows were held by Zero Waste Fashion Designers and by Design & Research in Fashion Technology. 

The Fairyland for Fashion, Paris

Organised from February 11 to 14, 2019 at Le Bourget, Paris The Fairyland for Fashion recorded a new high in number of visitors, with a 2.35 per cent increase over February 2018. A total of 13,929 visitors attended this event. 

The rise in visitor numbers was seen from top five countries of the American continent -- Brazil, USA, Colombia and Mexico. Asia too demonstrated an overall 14 per cent growth in attendance with India constituting 13 per cent of visitors, South Korea 6 per cent and Israel 4 per cent. The number of Japanese visitors grew by 30 per cent after a decline in visitors after the tragic events of 2016.  There was a growth in the number of Chinese buyers as well.

"The 4th edition of Texworld Denim the trade show for sourcing denim textiles and clothing, part of the Fairland of Fashion, Paris, attracted around 30 exhibitors from major countries in the denim sector including Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan and Turkey.  The show attracted ready-to-wear labels that weavers and clothing manufacturers do not meet elsewhere."

The 4th edition of Texworld Denim the trade show for sourcing denim textiles and clothing, part of the Fairland of Fashion, Paris, attracted around 30 exhibitors from major countries in the denim sector including Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan and Turkey.  The show attracted ready-to-wear labels that weavers and clothing manufacturers do not meet elsewhere. 

Meeting demand for sustainable development

The event, in February 2019, concentrated on essentials. It met prime contractors’ demands for sustainable development by featuring seven companies in the Sustainable Development circuit.  Chinese firm King Jolly Textiles that works with organic cotton and has several ‘green’ labels made several contacts with European brands.  Bangladeshi company NZ Denim also saw considerable interest in its non-denim products from major European ready-to-wear labels. 

Supplementary collections on display 

In addition to latest trends in techniques or style, brands also displayed supplementary collections such as shirting. Chinese firm Nanhai Deyao Textile Industrial exhibited an imaginative capsule collection blending denim with indigo-dyed knit fabric or the range of printed denim bags with embroidery alongside their 100 per cent denim products. 

The Catwalk show, held on February 14, 2019, helped the trade show establish its identity as a show that also provides the denim collection needed by ready-to-wear brands and independent designers in every fashion collection.

The Fairyland for Fashion, Paris

Organised from February 11 to 14, 2019 at Le Bourget, Paris The Fairyland for Fashion recorded a new high in number of visitors, with a 2.35 per cent increase over February 2018. A total of 13,929 visitors attended this event. 

The rise in visitor numbers was seen from top five countries of the American continent -- Brazil, USA, Colombia and Mexico. Asia too demonstrated an overall 14 per cent growth in attendance with India constituting 13 per cent of visitors, South Korea 6 per cent and Israel 4 per cent. The number of Japanese visitors grew by 30 per cent after a decline in visitors after the tragic events of 2016.  There was a growth in the number of Chinese buyers as well.

"Leather Concept Design, a Tunisian leather goods workshop attracted large numbers of visitors. The company was included in the new Artisan circuit dedicated to handmade products. For the most part ranges at Leatherworld displayed a profusion of synthetic furs and alternative materials, to suede for example."

From this February, Leatherworld Paris will become a vital twice-yearly event. Held from February 11-14, 2019, in Paris, the event is an integral part of the Fairyland for Fashion trade shows. This year the event attracted 30 exhibitors from six different countries. The international trade fair was dedicated to flexible materials, leather and fur for use in leather goods, for footwear, bags, small accessories, detailing on clothes or outerwear.

It is an event with an international reach for all those involved in the textile industry from producers of fabrics with a leather look to manufacturers of synthetic materials. 

The setting of the event designed by the artistic directors was extremely effective and resembled the atmosphere at a village square where people enjoy interacting with each other.  

Leather Concept Design, a Tunisian leather goods workshop attracted large numbers of visitors. The company was included in the new Artisan circuit dedicated to handmade products. For the most part ranges at Leatherworld displayed a profusion of synthetic furs and alternative materials, to suede for example.

Catwalk shows and presentations on the latest developments provided additional information . Presentations on January 12, “Skins and materials: how to respond to end consumers’ new expectations”, focused on alternative materials and emphasised the importance of both the factors of material features and consumer behavior. The catwalk show dedicated to exhibitors’ products opened the programme of events in the catwalk area.

The Fairyland for Fashion, Paris

Organised from February 11 to 14, 2019 at Le Bourget, Paris The Fairyland for Fashion recorded a new high in number of visitors, with a 2.35 per cent increase over February 2018. A total of 13,929 visitors attended this event. 

The rise in visitor numbers was seen from top five countries of the American continent -- Brazil, USA, Colombia and Mexico. Asia too demonstrated an overall 14 per cent growth in attendance with India constituting 13 per cent of visitors, South Korea 6 per cent and Israel 4 per cent. The number of Japanese visitors grew by 30 per cent after a decline in visitors after the tragic events of 2016.  There was a growth in the number of Chinese buyers as well.

"The products offered at Apparel Sourcing Paris suited every budget. This allowed buyers to keep in mind future collections while looking for suppliers. The return of Ethiopia generated a positive response. Desta Garment, Eltex Textile and Velocity Apparel, manufacturers of casual clothing, reflected the range of specialisation in different clothing: from sportswear to denim."

The 16th edition of the Apparel Sourcing and Shawls & Scarves Paris shows, part of The Fairyland for Fashion, Paris, attracted 366 and 26 exhibitors respectively. The success of the show demonstrated their immense importance for clothing production and textile accessories. 

Ethiopia emerges a growth centre

The products offered at Apparel Sourcing Paris suited every budget. This allowed buyers to keep in mind future collections while looking for suppliers. The return of Ethiopia generated a positive response. Desta Garment, Eltex Textile and Velocity Apparel, manufacturers of casual clothing, reflected the range of specialisation in different clothing: from sportswear to denim. 

Warm reception for Cambodian products

Cambodian products selected from the weavers’ associations especially handwoven silk was very well received. They primarily showcased scarves and shawls and fabrics with ikat patterns.  Other regular exhibitors, in Bangladesh, Pakistan and other pavilions, were not overshadowed either. Jordanian exhibitor, Al Samah caused quite a stir with their collection of sophisticated stockings.  

The accessories section featured bags, belts, hats and gloves etc. Men’s clothing as well as products with a strong vintage feel were in demand. 

The new “Artisan” circuit showcased traditional silks from Cambodian Khmer Artisanry, which lend added value to outfits with their handcrafted quality.  Another circuit that was well attended this session was sustainable development. The services powered by Mouvtex, focussing on the services necessary for the smooth running of businesses was organised in all shows. 

Logistic services providers, design specialist attend show

Alongside major logistics services providers such as Bolloré Logistics, sourcing and networking such as Mouvtex or textileaddicts.com or QIMA’s certifications, there were further specialist organisations in design and styling with fashion schools (ESMOD et AICP), companies providing training and consulting such as OsmoZ Group or P&C Partners, which concentrates on design consulting and PR.

The catwalk shows and lectures dedicated to new developments in fashion industries, highlighted the talent from Montfermeil. The lecture on the advantages offered by Ethiopia was well attended. The presentation on skills and world heritage left a lasting impression on the audience. 

The Fairyland for Fashion, Paris

Organised from February 11 to 14, 2019 at Le Bourget, Paris The Fairyland for Fashion recorded a new high in number of visitors, with a 2.35 per cent increase over February 2018. A total of 13,929 visitors attended this event. 

The rise in visitor numbers was seen from top five countries of the American continent -- Brazil, USA, Colombia and Mexico. Asia too demonstrated an overall 14 per cent growth in attendance with India constituting 13 per cent of visitors, South Korea 6 per cent and Israel 4 per cent. The number of Japanese visitors grew by 30 per cent after a decline in visitors after the tragic events of 2016.  There was a growth in the number of Chinese buyers as well.

"The Spring edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will be attended by over 3,000 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions. The event, to be held from March 12-14, 2019 will span a huge range of textile product categories, from fashion to technical innovation. The event will have comprehensive product zones reflecting the demand for sustainable solutions, functional fabrics, digital printing, accessories and denim. The fair will offer a versatile experience through its seminars that will reflect the latest industry opinions and regulations."

The Spring edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will be attended by over 3,000 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions. The event, to be held from March 12-14, 2019 will span a huge range of textile product categories, from fashion to technical innovation.

The event will have comprehensive product zones reflecting the demand for sustainable solutions, functional fabrics, digital printing, accessories and denim. The fair will offer a versatile experience through its seminars that will reflect the latest industry opinions and regulations.

A must-visit for eco-friendly textile innovations

The All About Sustainability zone featuring Chinese and European exhibitors is a must-see destination for environment-friendly textile products and innovations. The zone will include Foshan Chicley Textile’s sustainable fashion fabrics – a range of organic linen and cotton, Lenzing EcoVero, Modal and Tencel, as well as digital print fabrics.

The zone will also house exhibitors who provide testing and certification services such as Hohenstein Textile Testing and Testex that offers Standard 100, STeP, Eco Passport, Detox to Zero and Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex. These exhibitors will also host a seminar where Hohenstein Textile Testing will explain the amended Oeko-Tex regulations, while Testex will discuss how these new regulations help to build trust with today’s consumers.

Other exhibitors offering testing services include Intertex Testing Services, SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services and TUV Rheinland. An ideal place for eco-friendly textile products and sustainable business approaches, this product zone meets the world’s growing demand for green fashion.

Fresh innovations at the Functional Lab

Functional Lab will offer fresh innovations such as functional yarns and fabrics by Nano Mintex Technology and synthetic, natural and functional knit fabrics by Paradise Textiles. Chori will display wearable biometric monitoring fabrics – made with silver fibres.

This comfortable fabric can monitor the wearer’s ECG, heart rate and daily activity logs. Artex Textiles will offer woven fabrics, made of 100 per cent polyester and mixtures with viscose, nylon, cotton, linen and elastane. Changshu Baofeng Special Fiber will bring its flame-resistant MeltArmor collection, as well as its ArcArmor collection, which offers electric and flash fire protection that performs in a variety of climates, with lightweight options.

Another highlight of the fair, the Digital Printing Zone will include onsite demonstrations of direct-to-garment digital inkjet printing solutions from leading exhibitors like MS Printing Solutions and Machine Elements (Fujian) Smart Print Technology.

The Beyond Denim zone will house over 110 domestic and overseas exhibitors from China, Pakistan, Turkey, Vietnam, etc. The Denim International zone will offer garment production and denim wash expertise.

Lastly, the Accessories Vision zone will comprise over 450 domestic and overseas exhibitors from countries including China, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Thailand and the UK.

"The Sustainable Development segment showcased exhibitors that observe the criteria for sustainable materials, environmentally friendly processes or transparent social standards. In parallel with this trend, and still very much in keeping with the Avantex Paris show, fabrics or manufacturing methods that incorporated innovation attracted visitors’ attention."

Held as a part of the Fairyland for Fashion event from February 11-14, 2019 in Paris, the 44th edition of  Texworld Paris  assembled  696 exhibitors from 20 countries . The event focused on the themes of energy and sustainable development 

Spotlight on environment-friendly materials

This event was marked by the public’s growing interest in sustainable and responsible production. Demand concentrated on natural materials, environmentally correct processes, obtaining certification, and the concept of recycling fibres, which was fairly new to visitors. 

The Sustainable Development segment showcased exhibitors that observe the criteria for sustainable materials, environmentally friendly processes or transparent social standards. In parallel with this trend, and still very much in keeping with the Avantex Paris show, fabrics or manufacturing methods that incorporated innovation attracted visitors’ attention.

For some exhibitors, the excellent opportunities to meet people were also due to the fact that entrance to the exhibition was free which made access much easier. The attraction and the sense of ease induced by the backdrop also played a role. 

Asian circuit showcases manual craftsmanship

The all-new Artisan circuit showcased manual craftsmanship.  It also covered some Indian embroiderers. The functional textile segment showcased materials relating to sports and leisure. Certain exhibitors displayed new products, developed for the army and for protection, in order to demonstrate the breadth of their expertise and possible applications for fashion.

Business segments records satisfactory transactions

Elite, the segment for businesses that offer their customers a wide range of ancillary services, recorded the same levels of satisfaction, both in terms of business transactions and contacts established.

Some exhibitors with specific skills, such as the Lebanese lace maker/embroiderer Kaskas always attract young labels and independent designers.

The lectures on Source, the trends for spring/summer 2020 created by the artistic directors,

and the presentation by Pantone on colours were very well attended, as was the lecture on 12 February devoted to "extra services, an essential aspect in capturing markets and making them sustainable.

The Fairyland for Fashion, Paris

Organised from February 11 to 14, 2019 at Le Bourget, Paris The Fairyland for Fashion recorded a new high in number of visitors, with a 2.35 per cent increase over February 2018. A total of 13,929 visitors attended this event. 

The rise in visitor numbers was seen from top five countries of the American continent -- Brazil, USA, Colombia and Mexico. Asia too demonstrated an overall 14 per cent growth in attendance with India constituting 13 per cent of visitors, South Korea 6 per cent and Israel 4 per cent. The number of Japanese visitors grew by 30 per cent after a decline in visitors after the tragic events of 2016.  There was a growth in the number of Chinese buyers as well. 

"The trade fair, on all four days, will comprise lectures, discussions and interactive sessions with the Techtextil Forum. The forum, which replaces the Techtextil Symposium, will be held in exhibition Hall 4.1. Trade visitors can look forward to contributions in the following thematic areas: sustainability, digital transformation, smart textiles, urban textiles, composites, and technical textiles in medical technology. In addition, both the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) and the textiles competence centre at the General Association of the German Textile and Fashion Industry (Gesamtverband der deutschen Textil- und Modeindustrie e. V.) will organise a thematic block."

To be held from May 14 to 17, 2019, Techtextil will focus on the theme 'Urban Living – City of the Future' and demonstrate how technical textiles will shape urban life in the future. Suppliers at Techtextil represent the complete spectrum of technical textiles and nonwovens. There is a significant increase in the number of suppliers in the fields of technology, as well as fibers and yarns. Suppliers of woven fabrics, coated textiles and functional apparel textiles are also strongly represented. All areas of application for textile materials are covered. In particular, representatives from industry, architecture and construction, the fashion and clothing industry, the automotive sector, aerospace, medicine, sport, and hazard protection will find a more comprehensive range of products than before.

Techtextil Forum to provide an open platform for exchange

The trade fair, on all four days, will comprise lectures, discussions and interactive sessions with the Techtextil Forum. The forum, which replaces the Techtextil Symposium, will be held in exhibition Hall 4.1. Trade visitors can look forward to contributions in the following thematic areas: sustainability, digital transformation, smart textiles, urban textiles, composites, and technical textiles in medical technology. In addition, both the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) and the textiles competence centre at the General Association of the German Textile and Fashion Industry (Gesamtverband der deutschen Textil- und Modeindustrie e. V.) will organise a thematic block.

Awarding innovative ideas

Techtextil will also present Innovation Awards for outstanding new and further developments in the field of technical textiles, nonwovens and functional apparel fabrics. Also, for the 15th time, Techtextil will award students and young professionals for their work, as part of the 'Textile Structures for New Building' competition. The competition is supported by the international network TensiNet as sponsor, the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (Institut für Leichtbau Entwerfen und Konstruieren - ILEK) at the University of Stuttgart, and the architecture and design platform Architonic. The award ceremonies will be held during Techtextil. All the award-winning works and ideas will be presented in special shows.

Exhibitors’ sustainability efforts in focus

Sustainability is one of the central themes at both upcoming Techtextil and Texprocess. For the first time, these two fairs will showcase exhibitors’ efforts towards sustainability. The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards will award sustainable textile innovations and processing approaches. In addition, the Texprocess Forum will offer a thematic block exclusively around the theme of sustainability in the textile and fashion industry, with an offshoot of Fashionsustain, Messe Frankfurt’s conference about sustainable textile innovations.

Techtextil and Texprocess share space for the first time

In May 2019, Techtextil and the parallel Texprocess will share an exhibition hall for the first time. In Hall 4.1, Techtextil will showcase some of the suppliers of woven, laid web, braided and knitted fabrics, coated textiles, and nonwovens, as well as selected suppliers of textile machines. In addition to these, exhibitors for product preparation, finishing, textile logistics, internal material flow and textile refinement, as well as providers of sewing solutions, will also be present. In the shared hall, visitors will get an insight into the entire production process, from raw material to finished product.

The trade shows organised by Messe Frankfurt France, under the Fairyland for Fashion umbrella maintain their significance as an international business platform for the fashion industry. This year around 13,929 visitors attended this mega event, a 2.35 per cent increase over previous years.  

America clocks in biggest visitor turnout

The top five countries in the American continent registered the most number of visitors. Brazil topped the list with a 22 per cent increase in visitors followed by the US which registered a 20 per cent increase.  Attendance from Columbia and Canada also grew stronger with a 9 per cent and 6 per cent increase respectively. 

Attendance from Asia went up 14 per cent, particularly from India (up 13 per cent), South Korea (6 per cent) and Israel (4 per cent). Japanese visitor numbers, which had declined after the tragic events of 2016, also went up 30 per cent.

The five shows held under Fairyland for Fashion include

Apparel Sourcing Paris/Shawls & Scarves Paris: The 16th session of the Apparel Sourcing and Shawls&Scarves Paris shows, with 366 and 26 exhibitors respectively, demonstrated their immense importance for clothing production and textile accessories in global terms. The event offered diverse products for all budget ranges

Avantex Paris: Pioneering technical and technological solutions, the 8th edition of Avantex Paris presented innovative services and processes for every branch of fashion.  It welcomed passionate visitors who sought original solutions for their fashion needs.

Leatherworld Paris: Leatherworld Paris, an integral part of the Fairyland for Fashion trade shows, assembled 30 exhibitors from six different countries. The international trade fair was dedicated to flexible materials, leather and fur for use in leather goods, for footwear, bags, small accessories, detailing on clothes or outerwear. 

Texworld Paris: Prime contractors at the 44th session of Texworld Paris expressed their determination to find the best solution for their projects fast. They compared their ideas with what was offered at the trade show in order to assure themselves of the best deals. Around 696 exhibitors from 20 countries attended the event which focused on energy and sustainable development.

Texworld Denim: The 4th session of Texworld Denim, the trade show for sourcing denim textiles and clothing, attracted around  thirty exhibitors from the all-important countries for the denim sector: Bangladesh. China, India, Pakistan and Turkey.  This year the show concentrated on essentials.  It also interacted with prime contractors’for their demands for sustainable development.