The emphasis on versatility, convenience, fashion,
comfort and performance is generating a strong
demand for smart textile/wearables. Wearable
technology has become an important momentum
for the next wave of sports textiles. Research
shows that the annual global turnover of smart
textiles will be nearly $5 billion by 2020. Many textile
manufacturers and sports brands have started to
develop smart wear, underwear, gloves and shoes,
etc. This segment is expected to see the fastest
growth.
ShanghaiTex 2017: Highlights
Smart textiles are not just restricted to fashion and apparel, but extend to many other applications like automobiles, robotics, medicine and surgery, etc.
A key indicator about how beneficial an event
is for companies lie in the amount of business
generated at an event like this. How have you
been tracking this?
This year, we have strengthened our cooperation
with target industry associations, including
delegations from Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam,
Sri Lanka, Indonesia, etc. In China, we continue
to utilise our strong network with domestic
associations in some main textile provinces,
and target to invite 60 associations in knitting,
apparel, home textile, yarn, etc, fields to visit,
which will also bring numerous professional
buyers to the show. During the cooperation
with all the above associations and discussions
with visitors, we understand the needs of the
market and we plan ahead and look into potential
business opportunit ies. Besides, we always provide
guided tour to some key buyers and professional
associations, leading them to meet with industry
leading enterprises, arranging business matching
sessions with potential vendors, etc. From all these
services, we aim to maximise business generated
at the show.
74 | FIBRE 2 FASHION NOVEMBER 2017
In line with the main theme, Textile for
Smarter Future, the show focuses on hot
topics such as sports textiles technology
and technology for automotive textiles in
order to pave ways for industry peers to
achieve their own Industry 4.0 by exploring
textile-related cross-boundary technologies
and applications.
Smart textile-related concurrent events
and forums will update buyers about the
latest market news and provide a snapshot
through the trend of cross-boundary
integration, 3D scanning and 3D printing
technologies.
The Sports Arena will serve as a venue
for daily performances and contests to
demonstrate the up-to-the-minute textile
sports equipment and contemporary
sportswear (including undergaments).
The Technology for Automotive Textile
theme zone will focus on the latest fibres
and technologies with a wide range of
production solutions to assist enterprises
in industrial fabrics, automobile interiors,
automobile parts, carpets, construction,
electronics factory, etc.
The Printing, Dyeing and Finishing
Machinery Zone will focus on the
characteristics of short production cycles,
low volumes and on-demand production of
digital printing. In order to provide solutions
to increasing design flexibility, inventory
problems and lowering costs and reducing
manpower, it seeks to help textiles and
apparel enterprises stand out from the
traditional inefficient printing industry.
A series of new and ‘greenovation’
technologies including dyes, additives,
textile chemicals; denim finishing
equipment; and laser processing, tailoring
equipment will be showcased at the
special denim theme zone, Eco-Denim
Centre. In addition to machinery display,
a special display gallery titled Denim Chic
will showcase the latest applications of
new technologies from denim clothing
enterprises. Experts from around the world
will share their insights at the seminar
‘Denim Masterminds’ on the challenges
and opportunities of the denim industry,
and introduce the latest technologies, and
eco-friendly and fashionable production
solutions.