Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) will be showcasing the country’s sustainable textiles and performance fabrics during Taiwan Smart & Functional Textiles press conference at Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, US, on October 22. Attendees will have opportunity to take part in discussion by industry leaders on latest trends in eco-textiles.

“Taiwan leading textile manufacturers supply the world’s best sports and outdoor brands with high-quality fabrics for their performance apparel,” said Ruth Chang, director of Taiwan Trade Center, Vancouver. “As the world’s largest producer of functional fabric, the country’s textile industry is home to cutting-edge techniques, new technologies and the development of groundbreaking industry standards.”

Taiwan’s textile industry is a major provider of functional fabrics for well-known international outdoor and sportswear brands and is widely recognised across the globe. Today, Taiwan accounts for 70 per cent of the world’s output of functional fabrics. The Taiwan Smart & Functional Textiles press conference will feature presentations from the most influential companies within Taiwan’s textile industry, including Singtex Industrial Co, Ltd, Men-Chuen Fibre Industry Co, Ltd, and Hyperbola.

Singtex Industrial Co, Ltd (booth #620) is one of Taiwan’s most prominent fabric manufacturers. Founded in 1989, Singtex has placed an emphasis on the continuous R&D of new fashion, functional and environment-friendly fabrics. Having several patented technologies, Singtex provides water repellent and breathable fabric, which is widely used by many well-known outdoor brands. Singtex also develops the odour-controlling S.Café yarn, which is made from coffee grounds and recycled bottles.

Men-Chuen Fibre Industry Co, Ltd (booth #105) is a renowned textile knitting and dyeing and finishing manufacturer, as well as an important importer and exporter of textiles. Headquartered in Taipei City, Men-Chuen has provided fashionable yet functional woven goods to international markets since founded in 1987. With a focus on innovation and R&D, Men-Chuen quickly responds to the requirements of the market and its clients —including the world’s leading sports brands—with top-of-the-line, green textiles.

Hyperbola (booth #308) is a fresh but creative textile company that has grown rapidly to become one of top 4 textile enterprises in Taiwan. Founded in 2001, Hyperbola’s vision is to present functional fashion ideas and never restrain itself by traditional limits. Run by a team with diverse educational backgrounds and strengths, the company continues to position itself as an innovative, industry-leading textile company that integrates design and performance fabrics.

Today, nearly 50 per cent of all fabric is made from recycled materials and Taiwan is leading this big change throughout the global textile industry. Recycled yarns, used for apparel, industrial and sport accessories, are growing in importance and are core part of the Taiwan textile industry in order to reduce negative impact to the environment. As a leader in recycled polymer and polymer blends, the country is constantly introducing new sustainable textile developments, which combine high-tech, ecology, function and life aesthetics, such as the latest recycled nylon from ocean waste and water-free dyeing setting new definitions to modern textiles.

With the strong development and integration abilities for functional artificial fibres, as well as the ability to provide a wide variety of customised fabrics in small quantities, Taiwan continues to develop competitive advantages in functional, environmental-friendly and smart fabric. Taiwan's textile industry also features low pollution and low energy consumption with production process, innovative technologies in its semiconductor and biomedical industries, electronic components, and cross industrial integration.

The symbol of Taiwan Excellence was established in 1992 by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, and subsequently the Taiwan Excellence Selection was launched the following year. The selection is based on the distinct criteria of R&D, quality, design, and marketing. Products that have been selected for the Taiwan Excellence Awards would serve as examples of the domestic industries and be promoted by the government in the international market in an effort to shape the creative image for Taiwanese businesses. This year marks the 27th selection, making the symbol of Taiwan Excellence a prestigious brand for enterprises in Taiwan to strive and be recognised by, and is highly reputed throughout the world.

TAITRA is the foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organisation in Taiwan. Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, TAITRA is jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organisations. TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses in strengthening their international competitiveness and in dealing with the challenges they face in foreign markets.