Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, the largest event for sourcing fabrics and garments in Europe, will open its doors from February 10 to 12, 2025, at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center. Over three days, this unique trade event, organized by Messe Frankfurt, will showcase the essential overall offering for fashion brands, from ready-to-wear to luxury.
In a context where the textile and clothing industry faces unprecedented challenges, the voices of experts help us understand the transformations in this sector. We interviewed Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communication Director of Messe Frankfurt France, an expert in organizing trade shows. In 2024, as the industry begins to stabilize after a period of turbulence, Julien Schmoll shares his vision on market evolution, sustainability challenges, and upcoming innovations for Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris in 2025. Through this interview, we will explore how brands navigate an environment marked by inflation, the reorientation of supply chains, and increasing consumer expectations regarding environmental responsibility.
Today, how would you define the textile and clothing sector?
In 2023, the textile and clothing industry quickly returned to post-pandemic growth. However, 2024 marks a stabilization of the market, with slight progress in major producing countries, particularly in China. Stakeholders remain cautious: inflation, international conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and rising raw material and freight costs are eroding margins. This particularly endangers the most vulnerable brands.
The increase in tariffs in the U.S. fashion industry is also redefining global supply chains. A portion of Asian production may redirect to the European market. Amid these upheavals, some major brands display significant resilience, while others will need to rely on agility and innovation to win over their customers. Sustainability remains a central trend.
Brands are increasingly turning towards ethical and ecological sourcing to satisfy a demanding clientele, although this choice may impact margins. This reflects a contradiction: what consumers desire and what they are willing to pay often remain disconnected.
What does 2025 look like for Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris? What will be the new features?
This year, we are returning to the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center, which has been partially renovated after the Olympic Games. This return will be an opportunity to rethink the organization of the show. The textile and clothing offering will be grouped in halls 3 and 4, while additional services—trend forums, conferences, catering, etc.—will be located in hall 2, at the end of the exhibition.
We have also rethought the segmentation of the offering to strengthen synergies between textiles and finished products. For example, a space will be dedicated to women’s apparel in hall 4, while an area for outdoor, sportswear, and casualwear segments will be highlighted in hall 3. This new organization will provide better coherence and facilitate buyers’ sourcing work.
The Texpertise network promotes sustainability at all Messe Frankfurt textile trade shows. Can you tell us more about it and what industries it covers?
Texpertise encompasses all Messe Frankfurt textile trade shows, whether dedicated to fashion, home, or other industries. The Messe Frankfurt group has historically been ahead of the curve on ecological and sustainability issues, particularly in sectors known for their significant environmental impact. This network emphasizes the ecological transformation of the industry by promoting initiatives that reconcile production and environmental respect. At the trade shows, we provide increased visibility to companies committed to this path.
Could you name five key companies committed to Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris?
Here are a few companies that will feature in the Econogy Finder:
- Siyaram Silk Mills (India)
- Wisher Industrial (Taiwan)
- NZ Denim (Pakistan)
- Deyao Textile (Foshan, China)
- Fulida Group Hangzhou Import & Export (China)
In your opinion, which countries or regions stand out the most in sustainability?
Europe, particularly the Nordic countries, has excelled in sustainability issues for several years. However, Asia, especially China, is investing heavily to improve the ecological performance of its factories and meet the expectations of its European clients. Additionally, Turkey is distinguished by a shift towards more sustainable production, particularly in denim, a segment that has a significant environmental impact.
The Econogy Finder directory was launched last year to facilitate sustainable purchasing. How many engaged exhibitors does it gather across the entire fair?
The Econogy Finder highlights manufacturers that meet sustainability criteria, notably through certifications. Depending on the editions, this tool brings together between 80 and 120 companies. We hope to attract even more engaged exhibitors in the coming years.
What themes will be addressed on sustainable fashion during the conferences?
Our conference program is rich and varied. For the next edition, the “Econogy Talks” will cover the following themes:
- Reducing the carbon and water footprint of the fashion industry
- Perspectives on textile recycling
- Sustainable sourcing and challenges in Asia These conferences will primarily take place on Tuesday, February 11.
What are Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris’s sustainability goals for 2025?
As a public organizer, Messe Frankfurt is particularly concerned about its environmental impact (the group has obtained EMAS certification). At our trade shows in France, we have adopted several initiatives. For example, we use 100 percent recyclable carpet, despite its higher cost.
We will also install water fountains to reduce plastic bottle consumption. In July 2024, we began a program to collect unused textile samples from exhibitors. These samples will be valued through specific partnerships. We plan to expand this initiative in 2025.
Photos : Messe Frankfurt
Text : Julien Schmoll / Edition : Anne-Sophie Castro
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