Intertextile Shanghai – a true hub of apparel supply chain sourcing

Visiting Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition (September 2–4, 2025) was a truly tremendous and inspiring experience. This isn’t just another typical expo—it’s where circularity, sustainability, innovation, business opportunity, and market trends collide in real time.

From the moment I walked through the doors at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, I sensed the energy! Rows of booths brimming with recycled yarns, functional fabrics, high-performance textiles, and accessories that seemed to redefine what fabrics can do. Everywhere you looked, there were fresh ideas and forward-thinking suppliers pushing boundaries.

TexSPACE Today’s booth was also at the international hall 5.1. Industry experts, professionals from brands, and manufacturers visited and exchanged their views with us about the necessity of circularity, automation, and innovation for further business acceleration.

A standout highlight was the Econogy Hub, a dedicated space spotlighting sustainability as both urgent and achievable. Major players like Bureau Veritas, Hohenstein, GOTS, Testex, bluesign, Control Union, and Itochu gathered to present green innovations and certifications through the Econogy Check—an independent verification tool aligned with over 100 global standards.

Buyers could easily identify and connect with eco-conscious exhibitors via the Econogy Finder, an online directory showing who passed those rigorous checks.

Companies like Asia Pacific Rayon, Birla Cellulose, Genertec highlight not just new fibre and yarn quality, but also measurable environmental impact—carbon reduction and water conservation were centerstage, not afterthoughts.

Close by, the Functional Lab showcased the fabrics of the future—think smart athletic textiles, technical outdoor materials, and multifunctional sportswear fabrics for protective apparel. Exhibitors including Burlington, Kbtex Warp Knitting Technology, and Unifi presented innovations through “The CUBE,” a specially curated display of performance-driven materials.

Fashion-forward creativity also had its place. In the Premium Wool Zone, refined craftsmanship met performance—with wool, cashmere, silk, and tweed all merging sophistication with utility. The “Bespoke Performance” display spotlighted luxurious suiting fabrics that offer elegance without compromise.

For pattern lovers and designers, Verve for Design was a treasure trove. Studios such as Atelier Mineeda (Japan), Longina Phillips Designs (UK), and PHN Studio (Argentina) showcased bold, eco-conscious prints—many already being integrated into Chinese and South American collections.

Looking to the future, the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone brought tech to the textile world. Imagine AI-powered design assistants like AiDLab’s “AiDa,” a garment-sorting Green Machine from HKRITA, and digital tools from Shima Seiki and Symmpix—everything from fabric simulation to virtual sampling and traceable digital product passports. These tools are rapidly reshaping sourcing, making it more efficient, traceable, and waste-conscious.

Throughout the fair, Connect PLUS was the logistical glue. With its AI-driven matching, meeting scheduler, and mobile integration, it streamlined B2B matchmaking—ensuring VIP buyers connected directly with ideal exhibitors in advance. More than just browsing, it made the expo a curated business accelerator.

And it wasn’t only about business conversations. The three-day fringe programme featured expert-led forums, seminars, and trend presentations—from Econogy Talks and Technology & Solutions sessions to Intertextile Directions’ trend forecasts and global market insights—giving attendees a wealth of inspiration alongside commerce.

Here’s what stood out in simple terms:

• New business doors open every day—whether meeting OEMs, discovering new suppliers of recycled nylon, bio-based fibres, or smart labels.
• You discover next season’s trends—be it pattern, material, functionality, or digital deeply embedded in the design process.
• You learn from experts—through trend tours, seminars on sustainability, circularity, and digital transformation.
• You add value to your business—by sourcing faster, more efficiently, and responsibly, while staying ahead of market demand.

As Asia solidifies its role as the garment hub, exhibitions like this are where buyers, manufacturers, and suppliers converge with intention. It’s a rare space that blends new products with meaningful networking, with innovation and trends feeding directly into real-world decisions.

Walking through the expo, I felt part of something bigger—a global conversation about sustainability, digitalization, and functional design unfolding in real time. The packed halls, excited delegates, and spotlighted technologies all spoke to one thing: Intertextile Shanghai isn’t just a fair—it’s a bridge to the future of apparel.