Trade shows have become a central point for global sourcing, especially as sustainability becomes increasingly important for policymakers. Messe Frankfurt, with over 100 trade shows, has been focusing on sustainability for more than 15 years. The vice president for textiles and textile technologies at Messe Frankfurt, Olaf Schmidt, stated that the company has implemented various sustainable initiatives at its exhibitions in Frankfurt, such as using 100 percent green electricity and providing free local transport tickets to event participants.
Messe Frankfurt has released an impact report supported by the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network to raise awareness for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under its Texpertise Network. This strategic sustainability partnership has implemented SDG actions in eight countries, reaching a large number of exhibitors, trade visitors, media representatives, and social media followers worldwide by 2023. Schmidt emphasized that the textile industry is shifting towards sustainability rapidly, with the development of new sustainable fibers, water-saving dyeing processes, and recycling technologies.
According to Schmidt, the main value lies in creating visibility and inspiring new approaches to sustainability in collaboration with partners from various sectors. Kerry Bannigan, executive director of Fashion Impact Fund, highlighted that the Texpertise Network has a unique opportunity to make significant progress toward the SDGs, which are crucial for achieving the fashion industry’s 2030 agenda. Messe Frankfurt’s upcoming trade shows include Techtextil for technical textiles and Texprocess Americas for sewn equipment and technology in Atlanta from May 10 to 12, along with other events like DS Printech in China and Apparel Sourcing in Paris.
