In March, the '2024 Preview in Daegu (PID)' was held at EXCO in Daegu. Celebrating its 22nd edition, PID is South Korea's largest textile industry exhibition, showcasing textile materials, fashion designs, and more in line with global trends. This year's theme, "Adaptability," emphasized the need for resilience in response to supply chain and climate changes, aiming to advance into cutting-edge future industries. 

This year's exhibition was particularly engaging, thanks to a larger venue offering even more attractions. Over three days, more than 320 domestic and international companies displayed yarns, fabrics, advanced functional materials, textile machinery, digital textile printing (DTP), apparel, accessories, and textiles. A significant number of sustainable materials, including recycled and biodegradable eco-friendly fibers, were showcased, reflecting the textile industry's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, private matching and export consultation sessions, along with seminars, aimed to invigorate the domestic market and provide diverse insights. 

For Hyosung TNC, PID is a key annual event, with participation dating back to the inaugural exhibition in 2002. Over the years, Hyosung TNC has showcased products developed with proprietary technology, such as CREORA and regen, as well as collaborations with fashion brands like The North Face and Topten. At PID 2024, Hyosung TNC once again took the lead, welcoming visitors at the forefront of the exhibition hall and highlighting its position as an industry leader. 

Next-Generation Textile Trends Showcased by Hyosung TNC 

This year, the highlight of Hyosung TNC's exhibition was the collaboration zone with the athleisure brand ‘XEXYMIX’. Visitors were able to experience a range of T-shirts, leggings, and pants that showcased the synergy between Hyosung TNC's technology and XEXYMIX's design sensibility. These products featured high-performance materials such as ‘CREORA PowerFit’ spandex, known for its exceptional power and heat resistance, and ‘CREORA Askin’ polyester, which offers UV protection and moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for athleisure wear. 

Additionally, the exhibition created a buzz with the debut of ‘Fresh Dry Crew Socks’, made in collaboration with XEXYMIX. This product is particularly significant as it is the first to be produced following the exclusive supply agreement for ‘CREORA Fresh’ in 2023. CREORA Fresh is a functional spandex that chemically neutralizes and eliminates odor-causing substances, and it is set to be used in more XEXYMIX products such as gym wear and underwear. 

In the regen and CREORA promotional zone, Hyosung TNC displayed fabrics designed with carbon reduction in mind, including the world's first bio-based spandex ‘regen Bio Spandex’, made from corn extract, and ‘regen Ocean Nylon’, a GRS-certified material made from recycled fishing nets. They also showcased functional fabrics like ‘CREORA EasyFlex’, which stands out for its excellent stretch and recovery properties, highlighting Hyosung TNC's differentiated technological prowess. 

Future Prospects of K-Textiles Unveiled at PID 2024 

Hyosung TNC, along with ten partner SMEs, shared a joint booth at the exhibition, demonstrating their commitment to mutual growth by providing exhibition, sales, and consultation spaces for their partners. 

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of Hyosung TNC and other exhibitors, PID 2024 concluded successfully. The event saw a 12.3% increase in business transactions compared to the previous year, amounting to approximately USD 210 million, and attracted a total of 12,500 visitors. A significant number of buyers were invited, helping to revive the previously sluggish export market. The private matching consultation sessions aimed to connect major brands with local textile producers, further expanding the domestic market. 

About 150 overseas buyers from 97 companies across 15 countries responded positively to the exhibition. They showed keen interest in bio-based, recycled, and resource-circulating new materials from participating companies like Hyosung TNC, as well as in the latest trends in woven fabrics. Buyers from Mexico, Türkiye, and Vietnam, in particular, expressed a strong willingness to engage with Korean textile companies. Hyosung TNC plans to expand its production facilities for CREORA spandex in Türkiye and India while maintaining a close partnership with Vietnam, thereby boosting its market presence. 

Hyosung TNC has grown into the leader in the spandex sector by focusing on the development of new and eco-friendly materials. It remains the only company globally capable of producing the three major synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, and acrylic) through environmentally friendly processes. Last year, Hyosung TNC consolidated and revamped its textile brands under CREORA and regen to solidify its position as a leading company. 

PID 2024 was a valuable opportunity for Hyosung TNC to reaffirm the fruits of its efforts, following its recognition at textile exhibitions in the US and Europe. We look forward to Hyosung TNC's continued expansion and success in the global arena.