True sustainability, thought out and implemented down to the last detail, is the bracket for the diverse portfolio of fashion, accessories, shoes, home textiles, fabrics and toys. The 52nd INNATEX - International Fair for Sustainable Textiles offers a sales and communication platform twice a year at the Messecenter Hofheim Rhein-Main. At the summer edition from July 29-31, 2023, 244 green fashion labels were represented. BiO Reporter International discovered interesting novelties and spoke with exhibitors such as HempAge and Living Crafts, with Alexander Hitzel from the trade fair organizer MUVEO as well as with Heike Hess from the industry association IVN (Video).
Watch the short video by Karin Heinze, BiO Reporter International
Sustainability and Fashion
The term sustainability is often overused and offers room for greenwashing. Nevertheless, the portfolio of products presented at INNATEX - International Trade Fair for Sustainable Textiles can best be subsumed under this term. The exhibitors, rely for the most part on ecologically produced natural materials and attach importance to social aspects, fairness in the supply chain as well as environmental and climate protection. In addition, the trade fair makes room for new concepts. Exhibitors and trade visitors appreciate the ambience, the community and the commitment of the trade fair organizers of Muveo, who always bring current topics into the program and give newcomers and start-ups the opportunity to present their sustainable products.
Experts illuminated the difficult environment for sustainable products and gave tips for positioning. Photo Karin Heinze
About 1500 visitors visited the 244 green fashion labels and looked at the new collections. "We have reached pre-Corona level again," said Alexander Hitzel, project manager INNATEX. Jens Frey, managing director of organizer MUVEO, was also very satisfied, not without pointing out the difficult market situation: "Sustainable brands and retailers are currently experiencing a long period of challenges, there's no denying that," Frey said. But the green fashion industry is responding with extraordinary willpower and perseverance, he added. "Why? Out of conviction and because sustainability means the future," he explains.
Collaboration, a viable community network and innovative strength
Heike Hess from the IVN (International Association of the Natural Textile Industry) stressed that although the long-standing members are feeling the multiple crises, they are looking to the future with confidence: "Yes, we have a crisis, but we'll get through it." The companies are therefore currently placing a lot of emphasis on joint action, networking and synergies. In addition, creativity and innovative strength are of course in demand. These could be discovered at the booths of the newcomers, such as footwear made of recycled cork, wool and vegetable leather, as well as at the joint booth DESIGN DISCOVERIES.
Interesting Re/Upcycling concepts at the newcomers, like here 'doghammer'. Photo Karin Heinze
Design Discoveries
From around 20 applications, the organizers selected six new labels with their innovative creations: Seasick Swim Swim conceives circular swimwear made of recycled polyester (partly marine plastic), Helena Harfst produces timeless pieces from natural materials inspired by Hessian folklore. Surf- and street-compatible styles made of hemp are delivered by Sensihemp. Vegan accessories made of "cactus leather" come from Anne Schollenberger, yoga wear made of micro-modal from Oh Oh Om and sustainable underwear made of beech fibers from Casagin from Italy. "Recycling, upcycling, circularity, longevity and repair remain top themes," notes Nina Lorenzen. With her co-founder Vreni Jäckle, she stands for the further education and networking platform Fashion Changers.
Naturally, natural textile pioneers such as Living Crafts or Hemp Age also focus on the many facets of sustainability in their choice of materials, processing and retailing, and back this up with certifications: Organic cultivation (GOTS), fair supply chains (FAIRWEAR) and climate protection (Climate Partner).
LA TAGUA manufactura with jewelry made from natural materials is a regular exhibitor at INNATEX
Next Dates:
August 20-21, 2023 INNATEX Showroom in Bern.
53rd INNATEX from 20 to 22 January 2024 in Hofheim-Wallau.
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