China's Yarn Expo Spring 2024 to spotlight eco-friendly yarns

Asia’s leading yarn and fibre trade fair, which will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, will look to build on the success of the previous spring edition. While proving to be a platform that fostered sustainable growth and innovation, the 2023 autumn fair saw a significant rise in attendance, welcoming 510 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, and 20,297 visitors from 106 countries and regions, organiser Messe Frankfurt said in a press release.

“We were pleased with the overall results of the 2023 autumn edition, one of China’s first major yarn and fibre trade fairs since pandemic restrictions eased. Sustainability proved to be more than just a buzzword, with a range of eco-friendly exhibitors connecting with multitudes of buyers, and Yarn Expo guiding the industry towards a greener future. With the market itself in good health and a strong lineup of exhibitors expected, that trend will only gain momentum at next year’s spring fair, which will mark over a year since China reopened its borders,” said Wilmet Shea, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

Despite global headwinds, the outlook for the cotton yarn sector is positive, expected to reach $120.4 billion by 2032 following a CAGR of 7.5 per cent. This demand has been felt by international suppliers.

“This is one of the busiest fairs we have joined. On day one, we have already run out of catalogues and name cards. We have met many buyers from China, one of our main targets, who are mostly sourcing open-end yarns. Sustainability is important, and our cotton is sourced mainly from BCI or CmiA partners,” said Yen Mai, CEO, sale department at Long Van Yarn.

Around the world, yarns produced from organic material, or made from recycled waste and regenerated materials, have been subject to growing demand. This is demonstrated by a sustainable fabrics market that is steadily gaining strength, expected to realise a 12.5 per cent CAGR from 2023–2032. Many key exhibitors have noted the change and adapted accordingly this year.

“Huafon has been participating at Yarn Expo for more than 10 years, and our results are good at every spring and autumn edition. This edition is packed with visitors and there’s an increase in overseas buyers. We have received many enquiries about our recyclable spandex as sustainability is a major trend,” said Denny Fu, sales manager at Huafon Group.

With threads of sustainability evident throughout, a series of informative fringe events will be held to supplement fairgoers’ experience. Set to be held across the three days, events include China Fibre Fashion Trends; China Knitted Yarn Fashion Trends; a range of product presentations; and the Textile Materials Innovation Forum, a showcase of diverse fibres and their many applications. 

“I visit these fairs nearly every year. Yarn Expo Spring looks bigger than in previous years. The booths all look good, and the scale of some of these factories is huge. We are here to see if there’s something new for inspiration. From what we have seen, there is quite a diverse range of exhibitors here,” said Andrea Matthews, GM, international trade at Sugar & Spice Textiles.

Yarn Expo Spring is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. The fair will be held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC, and PH Value, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximise their business opportunities.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)