Textile Insight

IN THE MARKET | INTERTEXTILE Something for Everyone Under One Roof 6 • Textile Insight ~ November/December 2017 textileinsight.com Global Sourcing & Sustainability Focal Points at Intertextile Shanghai. By Louisa Smith Gaining a reputation as a key resource for global sourcing, Intertextile tallied more than 4,000 exhibitors with materials targeting a wide range of markets. High-performances textiles, and activewear in general, was a featured category at Intertextile Shanghai this October. ntertextile Shanghai is the largest apparel textile show in the world, with 4,538 exhibitors from 32 countries and regions showcasing the latest developments. Spread over two levels, with eight halls per level, this show is organized by sectors that include Beyond Denim, Yarn Expo, Casualwear Fabrics, Sportswear Fabric and an International Hall. Intertextile Shanghai 2017, held in October, proved to be the global sourcing show for everything from fast fashion to the designer level. Country pavilions, with Germany, Japan, France and Italy all out in force, were joined by a new All About Sustainability sector. The sustainability message was a factor throughout the show. In the International hall, Hyosung, the largest spandex/elastane supplier held court with an array of international mills under the creora umbrella, as did Invista with its Functional Lab pavilion and Unifi detailing the process of its recycled polyester Repreve from plastic bottles. Lenzing launched EcoVero, an eco-friendly viscose with the lowest environmental impact in the industry, setting a new industry benchmark in the sustainability of viscose fibers according to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. EcoVero fibers are produced from wood from sustainable plantations and the process involves lower emissions and less water than conventional viscose. Nilit highlighted a range of premium nylon 6.6 performance and fashion Sensil yarns. With an eye on the emerging performance denim market, Nilit showcased denim with Sensil BodyFresh for anti- odor, Sensil Heat for warmth and Sensil Aquarius for denim that stays dry on warm days, and Sensil Innergy, the FIR yarn that helps to energize cells. Nilit's popular dope-dyed Black Diamond, a sparking black yarn has advanced with the launch of Sensil Diamond, a dyeable version that gives a rich color but with the glistening diamond appearance and a super soft hand. All Aboard the Eco Movement Far Eastern New Century (FENC) summed up today's pro eco attitude with its slogan "There's No Alternative But Sustainability," as this vertical giant continues to pursue a strong sense of leadership. New to its folio is TopDry, a non-woven PFC-free DWR polymer. Unlike traditional DWR treatments that are finishing agents, the polyester has DWR performance delivered at the chip level, which can then be extruded into filament yarns or films. The development allows for a wider range of fabrics to now be successfully treated with DWR. FENC is also advancing traceability with a unique ID tracer that is being incorporated into the company's advanced recycling system and will be able to identify recycled polyester from plastic retrieved from the ocean as well as identify recycled poly from plastic bottles gathered on land. Cotton Incorporated previewed "What's New in Cotton" and addressed sustainability efforts like low impact supply chains in addition to showcasing cotton functionality. New developments included SmartWeave, a sweat free technology using a patented weaving process, leaving the wearer dry and preventing sweat stains. Cotton Incorporated also featured a collaboration with Hologenix, maker of Celliant, a responsive infrared fiber that increases blood flow improving strength, stamina and recovery during exercise. Another performance development between Cotton USA, Actigiene and Cool In, is applied through micro-encapsulation, and enhances freshness with moisture absorption for active lifestyle. The importance of Intertextile Shanghai as a global show in the growing China market confirms that business opportunities exist for companies looking to source. O

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