Dedicated sustainability zone will spotlight bio-based, recycled and next-generation textile materials at the Autumn Edition from 25–27 August.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will return from 25–27 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with its Econogy Hub highlighting sustainable material innovation and next-generation sourcing solutions. The dedicated zone will focus on natural, bio-based and recycled textile materials as manufacturers and brands continue to adapt to changing sourcing priorities and sustainability requirements.
The Autumn Edition will provide a platform for fibre producers, textile manufacturers, mills, technology providers, certifiers and standards organisations to present solutions aligned with recognised sustainability frameworks.
Across the global textile value chain, manufacturers and brands are reviewing raw material strategies while increasing the use of renewable and recycled inputs. With synthetic fibres accounting for around 60% of global fibre consumption, diversification and material innovation have become increasingly important in sourcing decisions, alongside performance, supply stability and product differentiation.
The Econogy Hub is designed to support these evolving priorities by bringing together sustainable material suppliers and industry stakeholders. The zone highlights solutions that combine environmental responsibility with operational efficiency and long-term commercial viability while facilitating direct engagement between exhibitors and sourcing professionals.
Previous editions showcased developments including bio-based dyes, waterless dyeing technologies, advanced cellulosic fibres, bio-based leather alternatives, and high-performance recycled yarns from international companies such as Birla, Hyosung, Lenzing, LYCRA, Nilit, and Unifi.
The 2026 edition will feature exhibitors including:
- Haelixa AG (Switzerland): Provider of DNA-based traceability technology that enables brands to verify material authenticity from fibre to finished garment. The company’s natural DNA marker technology supports traceable supply chains for fibres including organic cotton and cashmere. Its platform was used to trace more than 30 million garments in 2024 by brands including C&A, OVS and Hugo Boss.
- Hong Kong ZAKER New Material Technology: The company will showcase its Rborne polyurethane platform, developed for scalable, high-performance plant-based leather applications designed to support bio-based material adoption while maintaining durability and production efficiency.
The fair will also continue its Econogy Finder programme, allowing visitors to identify verified sustainable exhibitors throughout the exhibition. More than 100 approved suppliers are expected to participate in the upcoming edition.
Additional sustainability initiatives include the Econogy Tour, which will guide buyers to selected exhibitors focused on sustainable materials and compliance solutions, and the Econogy Talks programme featuring forums and seminars on industry developments. The Econogy Hub Display Area will also present a curated selection of sustainable material innovations showcased during the exhibition.
Beyond the sustainability zone, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will feature specialised sourcing areas including the Premium Wool Zone, Accessories Vision, Beyond Denim, Essential Suits & Shirts, Functional Lab, the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone, SalonEurope, and Verve for Design.
The exhibition is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Textile Information Center. It will be held alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC, and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
