Intertextile Shanghai 2025 to spotlight innovation & sustainability

Following China's textile industry demonstrating strong resilience and growth, the global textile community will gather at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition from 2 – 4 September 2025. Recent official data highlights this momentum: textile companies with annual main business revenue of over USD 2.8 million saw a 4.2% year-on-year increase in value-added output from January to April 2025, while sector-wide sales surged by 5.9%, surpassing USD 890 billion [1]. The upcoming fair aims to capitalise on the momentum of China’s market, by promoting innovative and sustainable offerings from across the globe.

Amid shifting global trade dynamics, Intertextile Apparel remains pivotal for international suppliers to expand their reach within and beyond China. The fair attracts both established exhibitors and new industry forces, drawn by the platform’s propensity to connect them with target buyers. Confirmed exhibiting countries / regions include China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, the UK, and many more.

From heritage craftsmanship to a circular future

In recent years, Intertextile Apparel has demonstrated its ability to bridge timeless craftsmanship with innovation driven by sustainability. From biodegradable fibres to waterless dyeing techniques that encompass the entire value chain, sustainable solutions are woven into various aspects of the fair’s offerings. Highlighting this synergy of tradition and innovation are exhibitors combining rich heritage with eco-conscious initiatives:

• Abraham Moon & Sons (UK; Premium Wool Zone): with over 185 years of expertise, the company leads in luxury fabrics manufacturing. In partnership with British Wool and the Campaign for Wool, it has successfully launched a fully traceable British wool product to the retail market, demonstrating the power of local sourcing, vertical production and farm-to-finish transparency.
• Alumo AG (Switzerland; SalonEurope): with over a century of experience in cotton weaving and shirting fabrics, its extensive product range includes cashmere, linen, and high-quality fabrics, offering GOTS and SteP by OEKO-TEX certified solutions for designers and manufacturers committed to excellence.
• SOALON Corporation (Japan): founded in 1967, SOALON specialises in producing triacetate fibre. Its raw materials are sustainably sourced from FSC- certification forests, and its yarn is produced in accordance with the bluesign system. The company has also developed a comprehensive sustainablity programme to monitor and reduce the environmental impact at each phase of textile production.

Technology and innovation to elevate fashion and function

Recognising the transformative impact of AI, blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT), the previous edition saw the launch of the Digital Solutions Zone. Building on this success, it will return as the Innovation and Digital Solutions Zone, featuring an expanded variety of cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking suppliers. Throughout the fairground, innovative products will demonstrate how digital advancements are reshaping industry standards. Notable exhibitors include:

• AiDLab (Hong Kong; Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone): the first research platform dedicated to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with design. Its research focuses on applying AI to fashion design, textile and apparel quality control, and ergonomic design. At the coming fair, they will showcase AiDa, an AI-based interactive design assistant for fashion that allows users to use AI to generate original designs inspired by their creative concepts.
• Avery Dennison (Hong Kong; Accessories Vision): as a global leader in materials science, the company develops labels, functional materials, RFID inlays, and tags, supporting the industry with innovative digital identification solutions that enhance traceability and smart manufacturing.
• Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) (Hong Kong; Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone): an applied research institute committed to sustainable practices, HKRITA offers technological innovations tailored to the textile, apparel, and fashion industries. The institute will display its AI-powered smart garment sorting system which helps with automatic recycling of garment accessories, trims removal for recycling, and more.

Creative designs to shape the next fashion trends

Intertextile Apparel has long been a trend-initiating platform, hosting numerous fringe events and forums that provide valuable insights into future directions. As a key calendar event for designers and brands worldwide, the fair continues to inspire next-generation collections through fresh ideas and innovative concepts. Highlighted exhibitors exemplifying this spirit of creativity include:

• Fidlock GmBH (Germany; Accessories Vision): pioneers in magnetic fasteners and mechanical locks, Fidlock’s versatile fastening solutions are widely used across bicycles, outdoor gear, and apparel – blending innovation with practical design.
• Kipas (Türkiye; Beyond Denim): operating Europe’s largest fully integrated denim facility, Kipas is known for its flexible production and advanced denim processing. Its collaboration with Archroma and Jeanologia on Contra Colors enables high-contrast, washed-down denim looks with significantly reduced environmental impact.
• Les Dessines (France; Verve for Design): a French design studio specialising in exquisite hand-drawn prints and patterns. The studio offers a curated selection of joyful, colourful designs expertly printed in France, and imbues fabrics with a playful and distinctive character.

To streamline the sourcing process, buyers can more easily discover and engage with exhibitors during the fair using a range of digital tools, such as Connect PLUS. This platform enables users to refine their searches, receive AI-driven recommendations, and organise online or face-to-face meetings, via its integrated messaging feature. Additionally, it connects scheduling alerts directly to WeChat, Facebook, or SMS, enhancing the networking experience. Pre-registered visitors will automatically gain access to a Connect PLUS account.

The fair is co-organised 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 2 to 4 September 2025.

Other upcoming shows:

Yarn Expo Autumn

2 – 4 September 2025, National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai

Cinte Techtextil China

3 – 5 September 2025, Shanghai New International Expo Center, Shanghai

Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies

26 – 28 February 2026, Ho Chi Minh City

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring / Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition

11 – 13 March 2026, National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)