At this year’s Cinte Techtextil China, fringe events will be organized into four key segments to help industry players adapt to modern demands: Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Industry Insight. With an impactful lineup of events, speakers and product showcases, the organizers expect the array to draw significant interest at the show, taking place September 3-5 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

“It is critical for this industry, which is so often on the cutting-edge of the textile sector, to keep pace with changing environmental regulations and rapidly evolving technology,” says Wilmet Shea, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “That is why we have decided to repackage the show’s comprehensive fringe program – its four themes are all crucial to the technical textiles and nonwovens sector, and adapting to these will be key for industry players to thrive in the years ahead. Within each category, we are excited to announce insightful topics, displays, and collaborations that showcase the very best the industry has to offer, further promoting the innovation exchange that is a cornerstone of Cinte Techtextil China.”

Taking place in the Econogy Talks seminar area, the Sustainability Forum will address the dual challenges of environmental protection and technological innovation, and outline how manufacturers need to adapt production methods to suit transformation requirements for the sector. Speakers will use insights and practical case studies to show how the integration of technology and design, and innovative business models, can drive the sector towards a greener future.

Moderated by Dr Guoxiang Yuan, graduate supervisor of Donghua University and Research Fellow of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, guest speakers include Dominique Simard, founder & CEO of Rethink Fashion; Jackie Liu, business leader from 3M China Limited; and Kinor Jiang, professor of School of Fashion and Textiles of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

An insightful Econogy Tour of independently verified sustainable exhibitors, led by Karl Borgschulze, managing director of Consulting Service International, will shine a spotlight on the global companies making positive environmental impacts through innovative product design, production processes, or supply chain management. Combining ‘ecology’ and ‘economy,’ Messe Frankfurt’s innovative ‘Texpertise Econogy’ initiative promotes a greener, business-friendly future for the textile industry. 

An AI Panel Discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with using AI for automated textile material inspection. The panel will offer insights into AI’s enhanced accuracy, reduced labor costs and real-time inspection capability in high-speed manufacturing environments. Participants include Prof Calvin Wong, CEO & centre director of Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab) and Cheng Yik Hung, professor in Fashion of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Eric Sham, senior consultant at AiDLab; and Dorothy Yeung, assistant manager of Business Development at AiDLab (moderator).

Held for 12 consecutive years, the China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC) is organized by the China National Industries Textile Association (CNITA), and has become an important platform for attendees to understand the global nonwovens market, relating to policies, technological developments and applications. Featuring a range of high-profile speakers, each session focuses on various companies’ nonwoven or related product advancements and development status, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. This year’s conference theme is ‘Breaking the Deadlock and Reconstruction.’

At Cinte Techtextil China, the Innovation Space is an exhibition area focused on spotlighting the technical textile and nonwoven sector’s cutting-edge advancements. The space serves as a guide to drive industry upgrades, providing visitors with a high-quality showcase of new materials, new products and new technologies.

Also at this year’s show will be the Innovation Product Awards and Presentation, which provides a valuable opportunity for innovators to promote their products to key industry players and potential collaborators, encouraging technological innovation, green development and high-end applications, and accelerating the adoption of new technology. Outstanding products will be awarded the ‘2025 Innovation Product Award.’

During the three-day fair, other events include various livestreamed tours, focusing on textile application areas such as medical, protective, filtration & separation, automotive and tent & composite materials. Meanwhile, the ‘Kingsafe Dangs’ National University Students’ Nonwovens Development and Applications Showcase aims to promote and recognize innovation from the next generation. This is set to boost the show’s design and entrepreneurial exchange, with the corresponding awards ceremony giving added visibility to some of the industry’s most promising talents.