About 200 suppliers of eco-textiles, novelty and functional fabrics from Austria, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Britain will exhibit.

'The show has been promoting eco-textiles over the past few years,' said Wendy Wen, Messe Frankfurt (HK) director of trade fairs.

'One of the things we will do for the upcoming fair is to further strengthen its position as an extremely specialised show on eco-textiles because this is now the trend.

'That is why one of the three special areas is called 'Eco-textiles: Fabrics That Care', and it will showcase textiles such as those made with organic or natural fibres, or having a minimum impact on the environment during the manufacturing and finishing process.

'All products will be endorsed by an eco-labelling system which was initiated in Interstoff Asia Essential Spring 2008,' Ms Wen said.

Such a call for eco-friendliness from the fair organiser has won a positive response from exhibitors, among which there will be many big names.

Ms Wen said that leading fabric producer Lenzing, an Austrian-based company that cares considerably for the environment, would feature fabrics from its worldwide fabric competition, including those for eco-fabric blends, sportswear, lingerie and lounge, shirts and blouses, and denim.

'Visitors are welcome to register as jury members of a competition at Lenzing's stand,' she said.

Manufacturer Toray Industries from Japan will feature recycled fabrics in its booth and special display area, and Japan's woollen textile producers association, Joint Bishu, will exhibit at the show for the first time to promote its trendy eco-textiles made from paper and bamboo to Asian markets.

The fair will also feature a seminar programme delivered by world-famous eco-experts including Control Union, Australian Wool Innovations, International Wool Textile Organisation and TM Organics.

They will discuss certification programmes and standards for eco-friendly fabrics, especially for organic wool.

Eco-dyeing will also be highlighted at a seminar in which colour and eco-expert DyStar Textile Services Asia-Pacific will address a dyeing system which can enhance productivity and meet eco-requirements in the textile manufacturing process.

Besides a clear trend towards eco-friendliness in the fashion world, Ms Wen said that there was growing demand for functional fabrics of good quality and design.

Another special display area - 21st Century Wardrobe - will be set up to highlight newly released anti-bacterial fabrics and other new functional fabrics from top industry players.

Attached to these fabrics will be function identification icons to help buyers quickly identify the unique properties and applications of each swatch.

Some suppliers in the Taiwan and South Korean pavilions will feature fabrics with breathable, quick-dry, anti-bacteria, ultraviolet light-protection and quick-absorb functions.

Lenzing, Taiwan Textile Federation and other industry professionals will talk about all aspects of functional fabrics in a series of seminars to be held at the fair.

Ms Wen said the major source of buyers would be buying offices and branch offices of big brands and retailers in Hong Kong, so seminars on fashion trends will feature strongly.

Seminar programme 'Directions Trend Forum' will be held to present trends for autumn and winter in 2009 and 2010 with fabrics from exhibitors.

Delivered by Kai Chow, creative director of Doneger Creative Services, the forum will highlight three main trends in the future world of fashion. Ms Wen said that growth was expected in the number of exhibitors, especially from textile designers and garment manufacturers, and that the headcount would be about 8,000 for buyers.