Lenzing Northeast Asia Summit 2018 was held at Taipei Marriott Hotel on 1-3 October, hosting up to 300 registered guests and 25 partners. Previously held in Vietnam (2016) and Korea (2017), the event was the first and only regional event held by Lenzing which integrated vertical and horizontal value chain across the textile market. By creating opportunities of value chain connection between customers and buyers or brand and awarding creativity in the industry, Lenzing continued to manifest awareness in sustainability and innovation through the concept of “Connecting People, Bridging Countries.”

During the event, stakeholders across the industry gathered around 25 booths set up by Lenzing partners from Taiwan, Japan and Korea, including a booth on the AIC. Along with the Innovation Corner which showcased fabric highlights and latest trends and innovations in sustainable fabric production, guests were provided with a platform to connect and exchange sourcing information. During the event, hot topics and trends in sustainable fashion, innovation and environmental economy were presented by various speakers such as Patagonia, Trend Consultant and Brand Master. Concepts of sustainability and innovation were constantly highlighted across the event, with Lenzing showcasing its commitment and leadership in the field. Moreover, fashion catwalk was organized which the fashion pieces were provided by 25 sponsors and exhibitors.

Newest innovations from Lenzing were also presented at the innovation corner during the event. TENCEL™ branded fibers, including TENCEL™ Luxe products were showcased in the event, demonstrating how sustainable fibers could fulfill various production needs. Sourcing from botanic origin and producing in a closed loop process, TENCEL™ branded fibers assimilated environmental consciousness with practicalities. In order to extend the concept to other stages of production in the textile industry, the Lenzing Innovation Award was set up to encourage the use of sustainable fibers in fabric production.

Winners of the 2^nd Lenzing Innovation Award were announced in the evening on 2^nd October. Weavers, knitters and converters from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Hong Kong competed in terms of aesthetics, sustainability and innovation under TENCEL™ product categories from Active, Denim, General and Home to Intimate. With over 450 submissions, winning works were presented with bronze, silver and gold awards in each category. The Great Ideas award was also presented to three exceptional works which integrate creativity with sustainability. For instance, the KnitWarm EyeMask presented by Fung Fat Knitting MFY Ltd. was made with TENCEL™ branded fibers, showcasing a balance between pragmatic use, comfort and sustainability. The Passion award winner went to Textile Tech Enterprise Co. Ltd also, who is the only company that their fabrics were entered three nominated categories – TENCEL™ Home, TENCEL™ Active and TENCEL™ General.

The event was closed with a positive note on 3^rd October, marking a successful end to the 3^rdLenzing Northeast Asia Summit.