As Asia’s largest yarn and fibre trade fair, the recent Yarn Expo Autumn show welcomed an impressive 510 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, a 19% increase from the previous edition. New exhibitor countries and regions represented were Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, with a nearly six-fold increase in international booths.

Products on show across the fair’s multiple zones and pavilions included a comprehensive range of cotton yarns, cellulose fibres, recycled synthetics, and much more. With many on the lookout for sustainable innovations, 20,297 buyers from 106 countries and regions represented a strong growth in both overall participation and internationality (2021: 13,037 visitors, 28 countries and regions).

By gathering numerous key players from around the world, organisers say the yarn and fibre platform is an important contributor to global industry trends, with its fringe programme often mirroring the innovation to be found on the show floor. One of the most important topics to emerge in recent years is eco-friendliness across the textile supply chain.

Before the fair’s conclusion, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “Sustainability is not going anywhere – at Yarn Expo Autumn 2023, we saw this subject approached from many directions on stage, with a number of key industry experts sharing their insights on how we can work together to take our industry into the future. There has been such a buzz around the fairground at this edition, and buyers have paid particular attention to the variety of green products being showcased by many of our international and domestic exhibitors.”

A combination of economy and ecology, the recently launched ‘Econogy’ concept is expected to make a lasting sustainable impact on Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network. For Yarn Expo Autumn, this will only increase focus on an area which is already key for a multitude of fairgoers.

Exhibitor experiences

“This exhibition in China is booming, and the visitor flow is good. Our company policy is that products should be safe, comfortable, and sustainable. We are showcasing yarns for flame retardant, protective layers, including viscose products and our newly developed specialised bio-based fibres. Other booths are also displaying sustainable and recycled options; therefore, customers can select the products that most fit their desired application and market requirements,” said Mr Tatsuo Usui, Manager, Performance Fiber & Materials Department, MN Inter-Fashion Ltd, Japan

“Yarn Expo brings us opportunities to meet new and old buyers, and definitely creates more business for us. We target customers worldwide, especially from China, Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, and South America. This show is very important for us to make connections with buyers in China and Asia, who will export our products worldwide. Our brand is already established, and buyers who see our booth are eager for in-person discussions, which is crucial to gain trust in business,” added Mr Dinh Nguyen Khanh, Vice Director, Phu Group, Vietnam

Visitor feedback

“I've been to this fair around eight times. Post-pandemic you can see the improvement already. Face-to-face connections are very important in this business, and exhibitors are very happy to see their visitors again. The awareness for sustainability is increasing. I am here to source and sell eco-friendly products, promoting organic, regenerative cotton, and also looking for recycled yarns and fibres. We use this platform to make connections, and I will most likely be back here in spring,” said Mr Henning Hammer, Managing Director, Otto Stadtlander GmbH, Germany

Speaker insight

“The forum was a great way to share real-life challenges, and have a deeper discussion with industry experts. As Asia’s largest industry fair, Yarn Expo magnifies these insights. With the increasing importance of eco-certification in the international market, enterprises are adapting to increase their global competitiveness. In addition, certification promotes suppliers’ green concepts. It encourages sustainable upgrades to all of the upstream and downstream links in the yarn production process," explained Mr Ning Liu, Intellectual Property Manager, Suzhou Jiahai Special Fiber Co., Ltd, China

Yarn Expo Autumn was held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC, and PH Value. Yarn Expo Autumn is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT.

Upcoming shows

- Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics / Yarn Expo Shenzhen

6-8 November 2023, Shenzhen

- Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring

6-8 March 2024, Shanghai

www.yarn-expo-autumn.com