Exhibitors and visitors network at The Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics' autumn edition. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]
The autumn edition of the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, a major textile and apparel fabrics expo, concluded in Shanghai on Sept 4 after showcasing cutting-edge textile industry advancements and attracting more than 3,700 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions.
Held from Sept 2, the expo emphasized sustainable development and digital transformation as key themes, demonstrating the industry's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Digital technology is increasingly reshaping the textile sector by influencing the supply chain from start to finish. The Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design presented a glimpse of the future, with innovations such as WiseEye AI textile inspection technology.
Staff members at the lab's booth explained that WiseEye achieves over 90 percent accuracy in detecting textile flaws, outpacing human inspectors, and increases the inspection speed from 15 to 35 meters per minute.
The lab also presented the AiDA interactive AI fashion design assistant system, which helps to accelerate the design process.
Another highlight was the expanded Econogy Hub, which displayed the latest developments from textile firms.
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel showcased a material separation technology that uses solvents to separate and regenerate nylon from textile waste without compromising the fiber's molecular chain. The technology allows for the solvent to be reused by up to 99.8 percent.
Fashion brand JNBY collaborated with nine fabric companies on the "Fabric Realms" exhibition, exploring the integration of materials with culture and technology.
Wu Weibo, brand marketing director of JNBY, said that the fusion of traditional techniques and modern design enables diverse applications of traditional materials, such as yak wool, which can then be transformed into clothing.
Despite the global challenges, China continues to be a vital center for the textile industry, according to Yang Lin, general manager of the domestic agent of a French tweed manufacturer, who reported that the company's order volume from the Chinese market continues to grow.
Wen Ting, managing director of Messe Frankfurt (HK), an organizer of the exhibition, affirmed China's strong position as the world's largest textile producer, exporter, and innovation hub, citing the country's robust foreign trade in textiles despite global economic headwinds.
Source: Shanghai Observer
