A feature pavilion at Interstoff Asia Autumn - Scheduled to run from 7-9 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - will present the very latest in ''functional fabrics''; that is intelligent fabrics which have multiple added values, such as being breathable, windproof and capable of managing moisture. As the demand for performance textiles rises, more and more companies are producing fabrics with these, and many other, special functions.

The Feature Pavilion for Functional Fabrics at Interstoff Asia Autumn provides an ideal platform for manufacturers to present their new products to a wide, international audience.

"The international buyers who come to our show are very sophisticated, apart from quality and value for money they are looking to source value-added products. To cater for this demand, Interstoff Asia has put a lot of effort into the expansion of the Feature Pavilion for Functional Fabrics," says Katy Lam, Director of Trade Fairs at Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

"Our Feature Pavilion for Functional Fabrics at Interstoff Asia Autumn provides an exceptional opportunity for garment-makers to learn about the features of modern functional fabrics. They will be able to see, through live demonstrations, how the fabrics can be used to benefit their customers and to ensure they are buying products which are true to their claims."

Unifi Asia :
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As one of the world''s largest producers and processors of textured yarns for performance fabrics, Unifi have recently expanded into Hong Kong under the name Unifi Asia Ltd., and will be exhibiting for the first time at Interstoff Asia Autumn 2003.

"Our participation in Interstoff Asia enables us to educate our customers about the latest products and technologies that Unifi has to offer," says John Walker, President of Unifi Asia Ltd. "This autumn we will showcase our performance yarn portfolio for functional fabrics that enhance comfort, including Reflexx(tm) yarns, which offers cost-competitive options for achieving stretch and comfort. Additionally we will feature Augusta(tm) yarns, Unifi''s "synthetic cotton" which provides the comfort of cotton with the strength, performance and easy care associated with synthetic yarns, and Sorbtek(tm) yarns which offer superior moisture management, stain release and anti-static properties that are inherent in the yarns and will last the lifetime of the product."

Providing additional information on the benefits of proprietary textured yarn, Unifi will be hosting a seminar targeted at creating a competitive advantage using value-added yarns during Interstoff Asia Autumn.

Chemical Solutions from BASF :
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Another exhibitor at Interstoff Asia Autumn this October is BASF, an international leader in the development and manufacture of performance chemicals for textiles. "We have a long term commitment to the textile industry in Asia Pacific, with ambitious growth and R&D targets," says Dr Hartmut Hasse, Director of Performance Chemicals for Textiles Asia, BASF. "Exhibiting at Interstoff Asia Autumn gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise and ability to provide innovative solutions to industry representatives, textile printers and buyers from around the world".

Focusing on environmentally friendly products, BASF will be bringing an exciting range of products to Interstoff Asia this October including Lurapret(r), a new range for textile coatings that provides an environmentally compatible alternative to solvent based coating commonly being used. As well as showcasing this new product BASF will hold a seminar on how Lurapret''s(r) range of products provide an innovative effect on the market.

Taiwanese Testing Techniques :
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Many of the features of today''s functional fabrics cannot be seen or felt. To demonstrate the invisible functions of fabrics the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) has devised a functional fabrics certification system. This system is designed to act as a handy tool for garment manufacturers and customers, allowing them to identify the quality of products on offer. At Interstoff Asia Autumn fabric samples from exhibitors that have anti-static, flame resistance, breathability, far infrared, water repellence and many other qualities will be evaluated in live demonstrations.

"As functional fabrics become increasingly common on the international textile market, customers have begun to demand to know whether or not fabrics can really perform the functions that they claim," says Justin Huang, Deputy Secretary General of the Taiwan Textile Federation. "By demonstrating our testing techniques at Interstoff Asia Autumn we will be able to illustrate these invisible functions, helping buyers to make informed decisions when sourcing fabrics for the upcoming season."

The functional fabrics pavilion adds to an extensive list of exciting events taking place at Interstoff Asia this autumn. Other fringe events include DTI Hong Kong Rendez-Vous, Fabric-to Fashion, the Directions Trend Forum and seminars.

Interstoff Asia Autumn will be held from 7-9 October 2003 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.