#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2018-08-30

Growth course continues at MUNICH FABRIC START

MUNICH FABRIC START remains on course for growth. The 45th event held from 4 to 6 September 2018 posts another record number of exhibitors with currently 1,050 suppliers in the segments Fabrics, Additionals, Denim & Sportswear. This ongoing growth has prompted another extension to exhibition space specifically in the BLUEZONE Area at the Zenith premises.

BRAVE NEW WORLD as the overriding theme for the over 1,800 collections for Autumn.Winter 19/20 promises an intense and sizzling trend show. An interplay of contrasts dominates here - from High Fashion vs No Fashion, through Futurist vs Realist, to Optimist vs Activist. A demonstration of diversification with a simultaneous individualisation of the apparent contrasts in this fashion offensive. With its complexity this offensive offers an extraordinary whole, sends out progressive impulses and re-defines trends. This progressive fashion statement is given additional dynamism by a spectacular programme of side events that points to the textile and fashion industry of the future where tomorrow is already happening today and where technology and development are the primordial competencies.

As always, MUNICH FABRIC START offers an exclusive programme curated by experts specifically for these areas so as to generate impulses, provide solutions and offer opportunities for international networking.

"As a trade fair organiser part of our mission is to create an operational platform for high-quality presentation of suppliers. Furthermore, we are highly committed to our role as initiators and motivators. We are called upon to set processes in motion, make available expert know-how, and, in the final analysis, offer tools and approaches for processes of relevance to the future", said Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

In addition to Fabrics, Additionals, Denim, Design Studios and New Development selected companies showcase their products and services related to Manufacturing Sourcing in the exclusive SOURCING Showrooms in Atrium 3, above Hall 3. On the first and second day of the trade fair industry partners from Central and Eastern Europe will provide information on innovations and manufacturing processes.

"Sourcing is an extremely important theme that moves the industry. As a trade fair we view it our clear mission to give a platform to the growing demand for sourcing options in the location of Munich. We aim to drive forward and continuously expand this conceptual approach", added Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

ReSOURCE care of MUNICH FABRIC START is a new enlarged sourcing area being launched as a successor to the organicselection. As a response to the changed developments in the textile industry ReSOURCE highlights the next dimension of sustainability for future-oriented manufacturing processes as well as transparency in sourcing and production/supply chains.

As MUNICH FABRIC START's centre of innovation and expertise KEYHOUSE stages the latest generation of future fabrics, latest technologies, bionomics and macro trends - for instance the NEXT TEX Innovations Showcase featuring vendors and innovators of Circular Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech Materials & Textile Interfaces in its proven interactive format.

Promising to be a one-of-a-kind experience is the 'Wardrobe of the Future', the first walk-in wardrobe with smart products for consumers that fuse fashion and technology in a retail-ready symbiosis. This is an exciting project by FashNerd in cooperation with MUNICH FABRIC START.

Frank Junker, Creative Director MUNICH FABRIC START, said: "'Our aim is to provide new impulses time and again, to inspire and keep the industry in motion. Sustainability is a holistic concept that you cannot manage single-handedly. This is why we all have to pull in the same direction."

This appeal is also echoed at the SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS Forum at the KEYHOUSE. Here projects are introduced that inspire and motivate material professionals to think and act sustainably. Unconventional materials are created here for aspiring design that is gentle on the environment.

The 4th presentation of the HighTex Award for outstanding and pioneering product and process solutions shows how strong and tangible MUNICH FABRIC START's commitment to smart textiles really is. Companies are recognised here for their strategic overall conception in terms of sustainability and technology. Product details and contact information for articles and producers come care of the HighTex Award presentation forum at KEYHOUSE.

The current BLUEZONE is the biggest with the best line-up ever since its inception. Well over 120 leading international denim & sportswear brands will be exhibiting their latest season-spanning fabric innovations - in many cases already translated into trendsetting finished products with novel finishes and washes.

Due to high demand the outdoor spaces around BLUEZONE will be used as additional exhibition space thereby enhancing the already very intense business atmosphere even further. In addition to the again fully booked exhibition halls the BLUEZONE FESTIVAL held for the first time will provide both denim insiders and denim lovers with unique brands and products at the heart of the BLUEZONE, the Blue Yard. In a street festival setting the exhibits will revolve around new technologies, new heritage, vintage showrooms, communication, networking and how to handle the latest process solutions.

The agenda also features high-calibre panel discussions, workshops and lectures on current denim themes and novelties at the Denim Club in Hall 7.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Hong Kong strengthens position as Asia's leading sustainable fashion hub

Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's most prominent sustainable fashion hubs has been further strengthened, with the HKTDC ESG Index 2026 released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for the fashion industry rising to 65.5 in 2026, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase reflects growing industry confidence in Hong Kong as a premier platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related business opportunities.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

Intertextile Apparel opens next week with strengthened focus on performance, sustainability, and innovation

Opening 25 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 prepares to welcome thousands of global industry players for three days of sourcing, networking, and trend forecasting. Spanning 240,000 sqm, this edition will feature over 3,500 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, providing a comprehensive platform for fairgoers to explore new products, market directions, and business opportunities across the entire apparel textile value chain – with high-potential segments noticeably magnified.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.