Organisers said there were encouraging prospects in the Chinese market as it continues to rebound, and hope that more of the main textile markets will do the same.

Lin Chen, a fabric developer from Chinese sportswear group Ever-Glory, said she met several suppliers with whom they would place orders. “With the increase of healthy lifestyles due to the pandemic, recycled, environmentally friendly and antibacterial fabrics will become major trends for the industry,” she said.

Exhibitors included Alumo from Switzerland, with their Alumo & weba brands, which cooperated with HeiQ Viroblock to apply antibacterial and antiviral technology into their fabrics. 

Biella Manifatture Tessili from Italy showcased its Defender collection, which uses ViralOff, and Successori Reda from Italy, a manufacturer of merino wool fabrics, which created its S/S 2022 collection digitally “to ensure greater waste reduction”.

Ms Wendy Wen, senior general manager of show owner Messe Frankfurt, said: “Following the two Intertextile Apparel editions in China in the second half of last year, we are delighted that we could offer another hybrid platform with new online solutions for the global industry to utilise this season. 

“It was pleasing to see the number of exhibitors showcasing new products in response to the pandemic, particularly in the Functional Lab and All About Sustainability zones. And there are many positive signs and belief from participants here that the post-pandemic recovery in China will maintain its strength this year. 

“We hope that by the Autumn Edition this August more of the global industry can gather here in Shanghai in-person to take advantage of this.”