HONG KONG – Buyers from some of the world’s leading apparel brands such as Adidas, Burberry, Christian Dior, Columbia, Diesel, Esprit, Gap, H&M and Levi Strauss were among those discovering the latest eco-fashion and functional fabrics at last week’s Interstoff Asia Essential exhibition.
In total, the Hong Kong event attracted 6,442 visitors from 44 countries and regions with fabric sourcing experts keen to explore the growing list of environmentally friendly and sustainable products on display. This year’s presentation was also boosted by a special pavilion organised by bluesign technologies housing several outdoor and high-quality functional fabric suppliers, including HKT from Hong Kong; Shin Han from Korea; Everest Textile, Labtex and Premiere Fashion from Taiwan and Sanitized from Switzerland.
“I think most of us have been surprised by the buyers growing interest in taking eco-focused initiatives, whether that be environmentally friendly fabrics, safe dyeing processes or good working conditions,” said Mr Christian Dreszig, head of marketing for bluesign technologies ag. “In all honesty, our contacts have been better than we had expected.”
In addition to sourcing from a range suppliers, attendees had the opportunity to take part in seminars that provided a valuable insight for sustainable business and included discussions on eco-design and trends plus updates on the latest industry technology.
Also popular at this year’s panel discussion was one led by Sustainable Fashion Business Consortium, a Hong Kong organisation that encourages sustainable initiatives was a first time exhibitor this year. “The objective of these types of platforms are for professionals to share sustainable practise and to bring awareness to different groups,” said Anderson Lee, Business Director for HK Non-Woven Fabric, a member of the Sustainable Fashion Business Consortium.
This year’s show also promoted a series of design platforms. Among them were RE:BORN – an eco-focused fashion installation from students at the HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, and Ethical Fashion Forum EFF – the UK-based organisation that promotes ethical fashion.
(www.ecotextile.com)
The liveeco team
