Econogy Hub as focal point for material change

From 25 to 27 August 2026, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics - Autumn Edition will once again turn the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai into a sourcing hub for global apparel textiles. Within this setting, the Econogy Hub concentrates one of the sector's central questions: how to diversify fibre and material inputs while synthetic fibres still account for around 60% of global fibre consumption.

The zone brings together certifiers and standards organisations, fibre producers, manufacturers, mills and technology providers. Its remit is explicitly scalable solutions that fit recognised sustainability frameworks and remain viable at industrial volume. For sourcing teams, that links environmental goals directly with operational efficiency and long-term economic resilience.

Traceability and bio-based alternatives in focus

Two exhibitor examples illustrate the span of topics. Switzerland's Haelixa AG offers DNA-based traceability, enabling brands to verify material authenticity from fibre through to finished garment for fibres such as organic cotton and cashmere. Its markers are already applied to garments for C&A, OVS and Hugo Boss, with more than 30 million pieces traced in 2024.

Hong Kong ZAKER New Material Technology focuses on plant-based leather. Its Rborne polyurethane platform is engineered for high-performance, bio-based applications while retaining durability and production efficiency required for commercial roll-out.

Earlier editions of the Econogy Hub have showcased bio-based dyes, waterless dyeing, advanced cellulosic fibres, bio-based leather alternatives and high-performance recycled yarns from international suppliers including Birla, Hyosung, Lenzing, Lycra, Nilit and Unifi.

Tools to navigate 100+ sustainable suppliers

Sustainability is now treated as a sourcing requirement rather than an add-on. To reflect this, sustainable exhibitors across the fairground are tagged via the Econogy Finder initiative, which will list more than 100 approved suppliers this year. Econogy Tours take visitors directly to selected stands that match current material and compliance priorities, while Econogy Talks provide seminars and forums on related developments. A dedicated display area condenses selected products into a compact overview of the innovations on show.

Beyond the Econogy Hub, zones such as the Premium Wool Zone, Accessories Vision, Beyond Denim, Functional Lab, Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone, SalonEurope and Verve for Design broaden the material and application spectrum. In combination with the concurrent Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value, the event positions the Econogy Hub within the wider apparel textile value chain on one site.