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Texpertise Econogy - Where sustainability meets business

With the Texpertise Network, we have been working for more than 15 years to accelerate innovation and change in the textile and fashion industry in order to drive the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. To this end, we make use of the unique reach of our more than 60 textile events around the world.

Texpertise Econogy – orientation and know-how

Under the heading “Texpertise Econogy”, we bring together our sustainability-related activities and formats, providing consistent orientation across our trade fairs and internationally. The term “Econogy” combines “Economy” and “Ecology” and represents the connection between economic activity and environmental considerations.

The creative inspiration for the term “Econogy” comes from the well-known quote by Canadian biologist and author David Suzuki: “Let’s put the ‘eco’ back into economics!”*

The Texpertise Econogy Icon helps visitors navigate our trade fairs. It identifies exhibitors and exhibition stands that have been categorized according to the defined criteria of the Texpertise Econogy Check and also highlights content formats focusing on sustainability.

The Texpertise Econogy Icon identifies exhibitors that have successfully completed the Econogy Check for the respective event. The Check considers defined criteria in the areas of sustainable supply chains, materials & processes, and strategy & innovation, and is based on a plausibility check of the information and supporting documentation submitted. Further information on the criteria, required documentation and review process can be found in the Econogy Check FAQs.

Please note: The Econogy Icon is intended exclusively for a B2B context and does not constitute a sustainability label, certification or legally recognized third-party verification. Any use of the Icon for environmental or sustainability claims directed at consumers must be separately assessed by the respective exhibitor for compliance with applicable legal requirements.

*"We've got to put the 'eco' back into economics." Speech of David Suzuki, 31.10.2008, West Coast Green Conference, San José, California

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Sustainable stories from the world of textiles

What drives us

The Texpertise Network acts as an enabler, a platform for visibility, a knowledge partner and a guide for the global transformation of the textile industry towards an economically successful circular economy aligned with ESG principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At its global trade fairs and events, it brings together interdisciplinary, global communities from across the textile value chain plus their industry partners. On our platforms, they actively expand and share their knowledge, establish new partnerships and therefore secure their future viability.

In addition to the environmental and social components of sustainability, we also keep a close eye on the economic side.

9 people in front of an SDG wall

What we do

With the Messe Frankfurt Texpertise Network, we have spent the last 15 years working on accelerating the rate of innovation and change in the textile and fashion industry in order to press ahead with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Two men discuss about a product

We create platforms for networking

At over 60 international events in 15 countries and on our online platform www.texpertise-network.com, we bring together all relevant stakeholders.

Econogy sign

We ensure visibility

Exhibiting companies can complete the Econogy Check. Companies that have successfully completed the Check for the respective event are given visibility through the Econogy Finder and other Econogy formats. The Check is based on defined criteria and submitted supporting documentation. It does not constitute a sustainability label, certification or legally recognized third-party verification.

Econogy tours

We offer training and knowledge transfer

Through our content formats, we convey valuable technical content and offer the ideal platform for knowledge transfer and networking. After all, qualifications and knowledge transfer are key for companies looking to integrate sustainable approaches into their own business activities.

Future materials Areal

We want to be a role model

For our trade fair formats, we take environmental and social aspects into account. At the same time, we promote responsible business practices and innovative projects to take a holistic approach to sustainability.

We rely on partnerships

We work on our vision and mission together as a team with our employees, partners, exhibitors and visitors. Sustainability is about continuous development and is a global task that we cannot manage alone. This is why we combine expertise and knowledge in a targeted way.

Messe Frankfurt Entrance

We are guided by the Messe Frankfurt Code of conduct

In our role as event organiser, our actions are guided by the Messe Frankfurt Code of Conduct as well as the overarching Messe Frankfurt corporate strategy in the sustainability sector.

Measures at our international textile fairs

Exhibiting companies can complete the Econogy Check for selected international textile events. Companies that successfully complete the Check for the respective event are listed in the Econogy Finder or the relevant trade fair guides. The Check is based on defined criteria and submitted supporting documentation and is carried out with the support of external sustainability experts.

Under the shared name “Texpertise Econogy”, we have been bringing together various sustainability-related formats and offerings at our international textile events since 2023. This provides exhibitors, visitors and partners with consistent orientation across our trade fairs and makes it easier to access the respective offerings. Many of our partners, exhibitors and visitors attend several of our events along the textile value chain as part of their business activities.

We are continuously expanding our content formats at our trade fairs in terms of strategy and content that deal with the issue of sustainability. This way, we are offering partners, exhibitors and visitors added value for their positioning and personal development.

Woman in front of a poster on SDGs at Neonyt in Düsseldorf 2023

With “Econogy” not only have we established a uniform term for our sustainability activities at our textile trade fairs in Frankfurt. We are also rolling the programme including the Econogy Check and the content formats out to our other textile fairs. At present, 24 of our more than 60 textile events have integrated ‘Texpertise Econogy’ into their trade fair.

Sustainability is a complex field in which we are continuously learning and evolving together. Our events are a team effort. That is why we continuously build and strengthen sustainability-related knowledge within our trade fair teams.

We base our activities around the Messe Frankfurt Code of Conduct. We are aware of our responsibility for people and the planet and also expect our business partners to comply with the same high ethical standards. The Messe Frankfurt Code of Conduct defines the company’s own commitment to ethical behaviour and serves as a guide for its business practices. It condenses the most important rules of conduct and provides orientation in situations that are unclear.

For more information

Report ‚Texpertise Network and the Sustainable Development Goals‘

Between 2019 and 2023, we have steered our work into concrete actions together with our customers and partners. This report is designed to provide an overview of what has already been achieved and, at the same time form, an incentive to continue our efforts to accelerate the achievement of the goals by 2030.

Voices from the network

„Since our Texpertise Network reflects the whole of the value-added chain, we regard this as a duty, and at the same time as an opportunity, to promote the Sustainable Development Goals actively at our worldwide textile events, in order to sharpen global awareness of the need for more sustainability, and to meet the manifold challenges of our time.“

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

“Mobilizing expertise, innovation, technology and resources can only be achieved through strong partnerships. Messe Frankfurt‘s Texpertise Network was one of the first members and valuable partners of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network.“

"The textile industry is characterised by stark contrasts. In the sector, one can find both traditional craftsmanship as well as high-tech with fully digitalised and automated production processes. At the same time, delivery chains are more complex and interlinked on a global scale than in virtually any other industry. Sustainability can only be achieved in close cooperation with the right partners."

Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Die  17 Nachhaltigen Entwicklungsziele in einer Grafik

The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. 

Do you know all 17 SDGs?

About the UNITED NATIONS FASHION AND LIFESTYLE NETWORK  

The United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network, an online platform hosted by the United Nations (UN), plays a key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by connecting industry stakeholders, media, governments, and UN entities. Recognizing the fashion and lifestyle industries' profound environmental, economic, and societal influence, the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network actively advocates for transparent, inclusive, and transformative engagement among global stakeholders. The Network enables collaboration among industries and the UN system and accelerates innovation, knowledge sharing, and promotes members who are driving a positive impact on sustainable development The United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network is a collaborative initiative of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, the Fashion Impact Fund - a program of PVBLIC Foundation, and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a supporting partner of the Network.

UN Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network
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