Pets and fashion meet in Shanghai

In China, the number of pet owners is increasing, as is the annual expenditure per pet, which could lead to astronomical growth and a pet market worth 1.15 trill RMB (over 164 bin USD), reports Intertextile Apparel. For this reason, the upcoming trade fair from 11 to 13 March will introduce the ‘Pet Boutique’ exhibition area, where textile suppliers can showcase their products, including a range of pet-friendly fabrics, accessories and clothing.

Exhibitors with samples include Lenzing, which will show how renewable wood fibres can be used for pet products, Idole, which uses Solotex to create textiles that combine fashion and function, as well as SilkİPEK Tekstil, Heng Li String and Braid, G.K Infinite and many more.

The younger generations born in the 1990s and 2000s are influencing market trends towards high-quality pet products, while functional garments, such as those with odour control and protection from cold and wet, account for more than 60% of the Chinese pet clothing market – hence the focus of the exhibition area on high-quality, performance-oriented exhibitors and its positioning next to the Functional Lab.

Functional Lab reimagined in 2026: The product zone will be expanded by more than 30 per cent compared to the previous spring edition, reflecting the increasing participation of Chinese consumers in outdoor activities such as dog walking and trail running.

Within the zone, The Cube will offer a new product presentation and exhibition area that reflects the integrated layout that has proven so effective in the Econogy Hub. Key exhibitors who have confirmed their participation in the redesigned Functional Lab include: 3M China, Hyosung, Regen-tech Fashion (eco-functional), Henglun Textile (denim) and HiLite Textile (fashion and leisurewear).

Sustainable textiles that are ideal for people and their four-legged companions are increasingly being equipped with functional properties such as UV resistance, insulation and antibacterial effects. At the trade fair, the Econogy Hub, which has also grown in size, provides an important platform for industry players to showcase environmentally friendly textiles that cover both fashion and functionality, as well as certification and traceability solutions. Exhibitors include: Ecocert, Peelsphere and TextileGenesis.

The trade fair is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Textile Industry Sub-Committee of CCPIT and the China Textile Information Centre. It takes place alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai). Further information about this trade fair can be found here: www.intertextileapparel.com.