Sustainability at the heart of Interstoff Asia (Hong Kong)

Interstoff Asia Essential, Hong Kong’s only specialist fashion, functional and eco textile trade fair, opens from 3 – 5 October 2012at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Showcasing the latest fashion, functional and eco textiles and accessories, the three- day event occupies 9,000 sqm of trade space and offers visitors insight into the latest trends and innovations in the world of fabrics.

Sustainability is at the heart of this year’s event as, for the first time ever, show organiser Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd teams up with Textile Exchange, Ecotextile News and Planet Textiles to organise the 2012 Sustainable Textiles Conference, which takes place in conjunction with the exhibition on 4 and 5 October. The event will bring together key players and industry leaders to tackle the issue of sustainability in textiles.

Attendees can expect to aquire knowledge, while also contributing their own expertise, through a series of plenary and breakout sessions designed to address the specific needs of those within the industry. Topics up for discussion are designed to accelerate sustainable business practices across the board and include innovation in investment and finance, industry alignmnet on environment, and social impacts and solutions.

Show organisers anticipate the conference to be the premier event of the year for those involved in textile sustainability. Wendy Wen, Trade Fair Director for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “Interstoff is an important industry platform for buyers worldwide and with garment export in Hong Kong up by two percent in 2011, it is clear the city maintains its position as a sourcing hub in Asia. With this in mind, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to address the important issue of sustainability in textiles at our Hong Kong show.”

La Rhea Pepper, Managing Director of Textile Exchange, adds: “This year’s conference will provide the foundation for attendees to engage in productive conversations aimed at making positive changes across the industry in terms of adopting sustainable business practices. We are pleased to give them the opportunity to share their ideas and play a role in shaping tomorrow’s solutions.”