Messe Frankfurt has introduced a novel sustainability concept, ‘Econogy’, to the textile industry. The term is a combination of "ecology" and "economy," reflecting the initiative's focus on creating sustainable products that are also economically viable. The sustainability featured in Messe Frankfurt shows earlier in different formats including “All About Sustainability”, where as Econogy represents a more inclusive format.

Econogy represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainability within the textile industry. By combining ecological responsibility with economic viability, the initiative aims to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the sector.

The Concept

Econogy aims to highlight and promote sustainable practices within the textile industry. Messe Frankfurt believes that for a product to be truly sustainable, it must not only be environmentally friendly but also economically sound. The initiative encourages exhibitors to showcase sustainable elements of their collections, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their commitment to responsible production.

The Action Plan

Product Assessment: Exhibitors can submit their yarns and fabrics for evaluation to be included in the Econogy program. An independent panel assesses the products based on their sustainability criteria.

Logo Recognition: Successful products are awarded a distinctive logo, allowing exhibitors to visibly identify their sustainable offerings.

Industry Platform: Messe Frankfurt provides a platform for industry players to showcase their advancements in sustainability, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What Econogy Intends to Do

While Messe Frankfurt cannot directly make the textile industry more sustainable, the Econogy initiative aims to:

Increase Visibility: By highlighting sustainable products, Econogy helps to raise awareness of eco-friendly practices within the industry.

Promote Collaboration: The initiative can foster partnerships between industry players, encouraging the development of innovative sustainable solutions.

Drive Consumer Demand: By showcasing sustainable offerings, Econogy can contribute to a growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.

Explaining the concept, Olaf Schmidt , Vice President, Messe Frankfurt, for textile industry events, said, “Messe Frankfurt had been inviting exhibitors to highlight sustainable elements of their collections at its shows since 2008, but now we wanted to bring this range of initiatives under one umbrella, and have termed it Econogy. However, he emphasised, “We cannot make the textile industry more sustainable, it is for the industry to do that. But we can give the industry a platform for making its advances in sustainability more visible.”

Adding further he said, “For a product to be sustainable it has to have a good business case behind it. Exhibiting companies are able to apply to have yarns and fabrics assessed for inclusion in the Econogy programme, with an independent judging panel deciding which products qualify. If successful, exhibitors are able to display a new logo for the initiative on their stands.

Messe Frankfurt earlier launched the programme at Heimtextil, Frakfurt in January this year and followed this up at Texworld in Paris and New York. Its inclusion at Intertextile Shanghai marked its debut in China.