#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2017-09-21

MAROC IN MODE and MAROC SOURCING feature Germany

200 exhibitors are expected at MAROC IN MODE and MAROC SOURCING (October 26-27, 2017) in Marrakech. While MAROC IN MODE presents Moroccan producers of all fashion segments, MAROC SOURCING is catered to suppliers of the apparel business, including fabrics, components, but also technical novelties. Renowned visitors from all over Europe have already confirmed their attendance, including fast fashion chains.

Around 1,500 - 2,000 visitors are expected with Germany being - this year's featured country. For the first time also Moroccan companies from the leather industry will exhibit their offer next to the fashion producers.

The Moroccan clothing industry

In the 60s, Morocco was perceived as the sewing backroom of the European clothing industry. After the dismantling of the Multifiber agreement, many retailers relocated production to Asia, looking for cheaper costs of production. However, with the rise of Fast Fashion, these retailers are now looking for sourcing alternatives closer to home to be able to keep the pace set by this trend. Given its history and privileged relationship with one of the Fast Fashion leaders, Morocco is considered today a reliable sourcing alternative to the far shore countries. The country ranks 7th in the international supply chain, behind China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Turkey. These achievements were made following the significant developments that took place recently in the Moroccan textile and clothing industry. Under the aegis of the Moroccan Textile and Garment Industry Association, the unique service partner of the textile industry for 57 years, and in close collaboration with the Moroccan Government, an innovative and ambitious strategy has been put in place aiming at creating 100.000 new jobs, and generating €1.5 billion and €500 million additional turnover and exports respectively by 2020.

Kidswear, Koala; Modatric (c) 2017 Jandali

Morocco strives for "clean planet"

The Moroccan producer New Wash Group presented its sustainable collection named “Koala” at Denim by Premiere Vision last April in Paris where it was met with huge interest. The choice of the name “Koala” was not fortuitous. Indeed, the collection is named after the animal that gets by with only very little water. Accordingly, washings and treatments are done with lasers, eFlow and ozone machines. Materials are recycled textiles and cotton, BCI certified, and only Green Screen chemicals are used.

“Koala” is part of a much larger initiative launched by the Moroccan Denim sector in collaboration with François Girbaud under the label “CLEAN the PLANET” for the production of ecological denim wear.

Morocco offers a wide product range

The Moroccan Textile and Garment industry offers a wide spectrum of products, including knitwear. Given the importance of this sub-sector, it was made into a dedicated ecosystem within the national textile strategy, with very ambitious objectives of its own, one of them being to generate an additional turnover of € 310 million by 2020.

Morocco´s knitwear sector is export-oriented and supplies major international clients. Manufacturers specialized in tricot/knit like MODATRIC, MONTEPULL, CONFECTION SALSABILE, ITEX, MAROC QUALITY KNITTING, and others will be exhibiting at MAROC IN MODE and MAROC SOURCING this year.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marakesch (c) 2017 Jandali

Marrakech and Yves Saint Laurent

Alongside the famous museum in Paris, the YSL museum in the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech will be opening its doors to visitors on October 19th this year. Yves Saint Laurent´s works will be displayed in a 4000 sqm area and a permanent collection space of 400 sqm. The museum also includes a 130 seats auditorium where films about YSL will be broadcasted, a book shop, and a library of 5000 books. Built with terra-cotta stones from Morocco, the museum succeeds in blending perfectly with its natural environment. Twenty dresses in the “Colors of Morocco” will be in the spotlight, bringing an explosion of pink, orange, red, yellow and the radiant cobalt blue, alongside with flowing organza robes with veils of chiffon and capes with bright feathers. The garden´s rich flora with all its bougainvillea blossoms is mirrored in an impressive red cape.

If you want to discover the colors of Morocco, do not forget to visit the great bazaar, directly behind the Place Jemaa-el-Fna. For those who prefer to watch the hustle and bustle in a calm and relaxing ambiance, the restaurant Terrasse des Epices is the place to go before heading to the club Bo-Zin on Route de l’Ourika for drinks in a hypermodern surrounding.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Messe Frankfurt commits further to East Africa: three textiles trade fairs during Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week from 2027

Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened today, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licencing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Texhibition Istanbul signals stability and global connectivity

From 4 to 6 March 2026, Texhibition Istanbul once again brought together the international textile industry at the Istanbul Expo Center. Organized by İTKİB Fuarcılık A.Ş. in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (İTHİB), the fair confirmed its role as one of the most important international sourcing platforms for fabrics and textile innovation. With 500+ exhibitors across 5 halls on 42,850 sqm, the trade fair attracted 19,325 visitors. Among them, 5.565 international visitors represented Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America, and other regions, underlining the show’s expanding global reach.

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.