Interstoff Asia Essential is carving a niche for itself as the premium sourcing destination for specialist eco-textiles and functional fabrics. The 2007 autumn fair, which ran from 3 - 5 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcased a wide range of fabrics made with organic and eco-friendly, natural products, and those with multiple functions and special properties. With approximately half of the 222 exhibitors showing in the categories "eco-textiles" or "functional fabrics", and a concurrent programme of seminars and presentations providing details on trends, technology and applications, the show was a powerful resource for buyers seeking new and pioneering products available in the world fabric market. Over 8,500 buyers from 55 countries and regions visited the fair.

The evolution of Interstoff Asia Essential as a premium sourcing ground for textile buyers with a green conscience has happened fairly quickly, largely due to Hong Kong's pivotal sourcing and design role for the garment manufacturing industry in Asia.

As part of the fair's development, two new trend areas, the "21st Century Wardrobe" and the "Eco-Textiles: Fabrics That Care", were set-up to showcase functional fabrics and eco-textiles respectively. Over 300 fabrics were shown in these special displays in autumn 2007, including 'eco' products made from organic cotton, bamboo, soybean, hemp, and milk proteins, and those retaining multiple invisible functions such as protective (against ultra-violet, radiation, electro-magnetism, flame-resistant), hygienic (anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-mite), and comforting (cool-feel, moisture transfer, aromatic, thermal, lightweight). Eco-textile exhibitors at the fair could be easily identified by a green or silver leaf logo on their stand; the green logo signifying fabrics made with environmentally-friendly materials, and the silver logo signifying an entirely eco-friendly manufacturing process.

Ms Echo Mok of world-leading cellulose fibre-maker Lenzing AG - the only Interstoff Asia Essential exhibitor to have been given the coveted Silver Leaf logo in recognition of its European Environmental Award - was impressed by the level of interest in environmental issues amongst Asian buyers at the fair. "Lenzing launched it's "Botanic Principle" earlier this year in Paris, where it received a great deal of interest. I didn't expect to see them same here in Asia, but I have been proved wrong. Asian buyers want to know about fair trade, organic products, sustainability - they are keenly interested in these topics which are very current in today's garment world.

High street clothing brands, top-level designer labels, major retail chains and specialist sportswear and underwear brands all turned out in force to visit the show, reflecting the trend towards eco-friendly and functional fashion in consumer clothing markets. Amongst the buyers were representatives from Adidas, Jockey, Nike, Puma, Triumph, Victoria's Secret, Warnaco, Bossini, Burton, Diesel, DKNY, Eddie Bauer, French Connection, Gap, Giordano, Guess, H&M, JC Penney, Laura Ashley, Levi Strauss, Monsoon, Rip Curl, Timberland, Wrangler, Coles, Debenhams, Macy's, Marks & Spencer, Target, Tesco, Wal-Mart, Woolworths, Burberry, Christian Dior, Coach, Donna Karan, Liz Claiborne, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger.

As was pointed out again and again by exhibitors at the fair, education and information is of paramount importance at a time when new manufacturing processes are being used and new products are filling the marketplace. The seminar programme at Interstoff Asia Essential aims to answer questions the garment industry has about developments in product applications, technology, fabric trends, and modern business strategy. Over 300 visitors attended the Interstoff Asia Essential seminars over the three fair days, proving the demand for information and the level of interest amongst buyers.

Mr. Peter Krueger of Lenzing Fibres (HK) outlined the "Botanic Principle" in his presentation on the last day of the show, explaining Lenzing's commitment to a sustainable and ethical approach to fibre manufacture, its raw materials sourcing procedures and 'closed loop' manufacturing process, which have qualified the company for the European Environmental Certification. A lively Q&A session after the presentation clearly illustrated the level of awareness amongst the visitors, with issues of sustainable forestry, fair trade, ethical labour, and eco-friendly shipping all being raised.

Looking towards the future

In an effort to further promote the emphasis on eco-textiles, Interstoff Asia Essential has entered into a partnership with UK-based publication Ecotextile News. The objective is to jointly promote the new publication and the fair to an industry that is poised for rapid growth and development over the next decade. Mr. John Mowbray, founder member of the RITE Group - a new industry association providing advice and information to minimise the negative environmental impact of the production, use and disposal of textiles and apparel - and editor of Ecotextile News, was on-site at the fair and was impressed by the 'buzz' surrounding this new industry sector.

"Brands and retailers are desperate for a credible Asian sourcing event for sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics. Now, with its new move towards a focus on eco-textiles, Interstoff Asia Essential is breaking new ground and taking a big step towards satisfying the growing needs of retailers and sourcing houses, while at the same time making its own contribution to sustainability," said Mr. Mowbray at the fair.

The next Interstoff Asia Essential is scheduled for 12 - 14 March 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. For information, visit www.interstoff-asia.com or email textile@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

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