#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2016-09-07

ETP High-tech Textiles Conference demonstrates textile future in Europe

ETP, the 'European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing', will hold a High-tech Textiles Conference from 12-13 October 2016 in Brussels, Belgium. The International conference will launch the new Strategic Innovation and Research Agenda for the European Textile and Clothing Sector and will showcase the high-tech materials, advanced production technologies, new business models and growth markets for the textile industry of the future.

While the last 10 years in the aftermath of the liberalisation of global textile markets in 2004 were characterized by off-shoring of volume textile and clothing production, shrinkage and restructuring of the European manufacturing base and a search for new market niches and business models, the next 10 years will more likely see the re-emergence of European textile leadership.

Digitisation, advanced materials, high-tech processes and new growth markets offer great opportunities for Europe’s textile innovators. Companies that flexibly, yet highly efficiently make customised textile based products smartly linked with value adding services, always close to the customer will conquer global market niches. In addition, textiles will be critical innovation enablers in global growth markets such as affordable, personalised health care, smart wearables for sports and personal protection, light-weight transport systems or flexible and multifunctional construction materials or resource-efficient material solutions for renewable energy generation or agricultural productivity.

Join this high-level conference to:

Discover the new Strategic Research Agenda of the European Textile and Clothing sector for the next 10 years

Learn how digital technologies transform textile and clothing production and enable business models based on flexibility and short run production close to the end market

Explore market opportunities for high-tech textile innovations in growth markets such as health, sports, protection, construction, infrastructure or transport

Meet the next generation of European textile start-up entrepreneurs

Get first-hand information about the objectives and results of major EU-funded collaborative textile research projects

Better understand how European policies and programs support textile research, innovation and the emergence of a powerful network of regional innovation clusters

Network with leading European textile researchers and industry innovators

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.