“We are seeking to promote constant new development in a sustainable textile industry through new formats and cooperation agreements,” Alexander Hitzel, Innatex project manager, said in a press release. “We are currently working with the Retail Federation (HDE) on addressing conventional retailers. In addition, we are planning creative and entirely novel concepts for the presentation of labels, as well as a business panel designed to deliver insights and hard facts for the trade. Sustainability projects are only truly sustainable if they are also self-supporting business models.”

The 51st edition of trade fair Innatex will be held from January 21–23, 2023, in Hofheim-Wallau, Germany. So far, well over 200 brands have registered for the event, getting back towards pre-COVID levels. Its motto, ‘One Goal, Endless Styles’, refers to the diversity in the Innatex community and the fact that green fashion is a fundamental business area.

“But the demand for established natural fibres and specifically designed production and certification options is also rising. The International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) will again be on site to offer its expertise and provide information on the implementation of the new German Supply Chain Act,” Hitzel added.

The DesignDiscoveries support programme, which will be on display in a freshly designed Special Area, offers selected newcomer labels a platform for their creative ideas.  Applications are still open until December 15, 2022. “At Innatex, retailers can seek out trends and discover new ideas and products, directly compare an unbeatable range of collections and articles from different suppliers, and get down to networking—those are the benefits of this ordering fair,” said Hitzel.

Innatex is collaborating for the first time with the organisation Europe Cares, which provides humanitarian assistance for ‘people on the move’. Surplus goods that exhibitors can donate to the campaign will be used for the benefit of refugees at Europe’s borders.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)