Showcasing the latest new-generation functional fabrics for the high-performance activewear market, it features around 60 exhibitors from China, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Korea and Spain. Including some of the industry’s big players such as Nilit, Nylstar, Thermore, Toyobo and Unifi. Two pavilions from Korea will also take part in this zone, organised by Gyeongbuk Natural Color Industry Institute and Korea Chemical Fibers Association, as well as a pavilion by Invista.

Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd explained the rationale behind the creation of this zone. “Functional fabrics are a key growth area in many markets around the world nowadays, but particularly so in China where demand for sportswear and outdoor wear has experienced strong growth due to consumer’s changing lifestyles. Another factor is the intense competition in China’s garment industry which is forcing companies to innovate more, with a number forming partnerships with functional fabrics suppliers to offer more innovative products.”

The growth potential in China’s sportswear and outdoor wear sectors was highlighted in an A.T. Kearney report on China’s apparel market. It estimated the sportswear market (excluding footwear and accessories) to be worth USD 11 billion in 2012, and while a more mature market, it still forecast growth (CAGR) between 2012 and 2016 to be around 10%. The outdoor wear market, by comparison, was smaller at around USD 1 billion in 2012, however its potential was much bigger being a rapidly emerging sector in China, with a CAGR of 20 – 30%.

Latest technology from industry’s leading innovators on display

With buyers from China and around the world looking for the latest innovative functional fabrics at Intertextile Shanghai, two participants in the Performance Lab in particular are well placed to deliver. One is Italian brand Thermore which will present its insulation product Thermal Booster, with the company calling it a “breakthrough in insulation technology, as it works in a totally different way: when the weather gets colder, it provides extra warmth.” Unlike most garments which use feathers or synthetic polyfills to create a static thermal insulation, Thermal Booster can provide up to 20% more warmth (according to independent testing) as the temperature lowers.

The other is Invista, which has brought together 14 co-exhibitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan in its pavilion. At Invista´s main booth, buyers will have access to a fabric innovation gallery to preview some of the newest concept fabrics developed at their technology research centres, and to source the latest commercial fabrics from the qualified mills in Invista’s Lycra Exchange programme.

One of their newest innovations which will be on display is the Science of Shaping technology for denim, which allows for high shaping potential as well as comfort and freedom of movement for wearers. Invista will also feature their Lycra Sport fibre with the latest compression technology, as well as their Lycra Beauty fibre with shapewear technology for swimwear, denim and hosiery.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2015 takes place from 13 – 15 October and will feature over 4,600 exhibitors from 29 countries & regions. It is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.