The 2016 edition of Yarn Expo Spring now is less than two months away, and nearly 250 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Lithuania, Pakistan, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and Uzbekistan, have already confirmed their participation.

The exhibitor number and the scale of the fair have surpassed the organizers’ expectation, and to accommodate the increased size, the fair will now occupy hall 5.1 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) March 16-18.

The gross area of 14,000 square meters is an expansion of 40 percent from the 2015 Spring Edition (10,000 sq. m., 238 exhibitors).

Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (Hong Kong) Ltd explained the reason for the relocation: “The strong momentum in the international yarn and fibre industry recently is reflected in the larger exhibitor number.”

She added, “Since sharing hall 7.2 with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is no longer sufficient, we have shifted to hall 5.1 in order to cater to the increased demand. Due to this growth, the product range on offer will also be wider than in previous editions.”

To accommodate the increasing demand for fancy yarns, the Fancy Yarn Zone makes its first appearance in Yarn Expo. Around 15 companies will display a large selection of the latest innovative fancy yarns.

“The application of fancy yarns has been expanding to wider areas, such as beddings, interior design, fashion garments, travel products and more,” Wen said.

She added, “This new zone aims to help the industry discover more potential in this rapidly growing trend. Centralising the exhibitors here allows both them and buyers to engage more effectively.”

In addition, after a strong showing at the Autumn Edition, the China Cotton Textile Association and China Chemical Fiber Association will once again lead over 150 domestic exhibitors to present a wide spectrum of the latest innovative fibres in four zones:

·  Natural Cotton Yarn Zone
The focal point for the top imitation cotton suppliers in China, this zone is an extensive platform for visitors to source high count, new structure, differential, functional and coloured spun yarns.

·  Green Energy Zone
Dedicated to promoting products with eco-friendly design, materials and manufacture, major Chinese renewable & recycled fibre suppliers will feature a full scope of biochemical fibres, renewable & recycled fibres and undyed fibres in this zone.

·  Science and Technology Zone
This zone is where buyers can explore products made with functional fibres, smart fibres and digital application fibres which feature moisture absorption, anti-static and UV resistance properties.

·  Dynamic Lifestyle Zone
A diverse collection of new generation cotton-like polyester, fashionable nylon, polyurethane elastic fibres, cellulose & filament fibres, functional fibres, simulation fibres and more will be on display. Utilising the latest fibre technology, buyers will discover a wide range of products with comfortable touch and vibrant colours.

Together, with Yarn Expo Spring 2016, four other textile trade fairs are held concurrently March 16-18: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, PH Value and the China International Fashion Fair (CHIC).

Yarn Expo Spring showcases a wide spectrum of natural and blended yarns including cotton, wool, flax / regenerated flax, silk, and man-made fibres and yarns, as well as specialty products including elastic, and fancy and blended yarns.

The fair is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; China Cotton Textile Association; China Wool Textile Association; China Chemical Fiber Association; China Bast & Leaf Fibres Textiles Association; and China Textile Information Centre.