More visitors flock to Interstoff for eco-friendly products
More than 8,000 buyers from 50 countries and regions visited the spring edition of Interstoff Asia Essential in Hong Kong, which was held March 12-14. Organisers claim a greater influence on eco-textiles and functional fabrics drew more buyers to the fair. More than 220 exhibitors participated in the fair, with products ranging from fashion fabrics to garments and accessories.
"I decided to come to this show after I saw the brochure mentioned eco-fabrics. In New York, everything is eco-fabrics," said Mr Parmi Cheena from International Clothing USA.
The seminar series also proved popular, drawing more than 100 people to each session. Four certification bodies - Control Union, the Japan Organic Cotton Association, the Institute for Marketecology (IMO) and the Testex Swiss Textile-Testing Co. - were invited to speak about their programmes, the technical criteria involved and the benefits of certification.
The Design and Trend seminars - hosted by Elementi Moda (Italy), the Society of Dyers & Colourists (UK), Carlin International (HK) and Italtex (HK) - also attracted large numbers of designers and garment manufacturers.
A new eco-labelling system was also launched at the event. Developed by the fair organisers in association with Japanese trend forecaster and textile expert Sachiko Inoue, the system explains what elements of a product are eco-friendly (the raw materials, the manufacturing or the finishing process), offering buyers greater transparency.
The next edition of the show will be held from October 8-10 in Hong Kong.
