Shengze town in Wujiang district, Suzhou, Jiangsu province, is emerging as a hub of innovation within the traditional chemical fiber fabric industry. Here, new generations of textiles are not only preserving age-old manufacturing techniques but are also redefining them with cutting-edge technology.

Among the notable advancements is a temperature-responsive fabric that offers remarkable adaptability. This 'smart cold-expansion fabric' is engineered to expand in response to cold temperatures, creating a thicker layer of insulation, and contract in warmer conditions, effectively maintaining comfort through automatic adjustments.

This innovative fabric exemplifies the work of Suzhou Romrol Fashion Group, a leader in textile technology that is committed to pushing the boundaries of fiber and design innovation. The company reveals around 1,000 new fabrics each year, driven by a keen awareness of global advancements in fiber materials.

Xu Derong, the chairman of Romrol, emphasizes that innovation is the cornerstone of their strategy, with an investment of 3 to 5 percent of annual revenue dedicated to research and development – a figure considered robust within the industry.

The company’s ambition extends beyond functional improvements; it also embraces creative design. A highlight from this summer featured a mint-green fabric adorned with a mulberry leaf motif, crafted through a unique rubbing technique that captures the delicate veins of real leaves, showcasing Romrol's commitment to artistry.

Li Qiankun, a material designer at Romrol, believes in redefining the traditional perception of the textile sector. By combining cultural confidence with technological innovation, his team aims to elevate the industry, moving away from its past identity as merely low-end manufacturing.

In an industry plagued by high inventory levels, where over 30 percent of apparel goes unsold, Romrol is leveraging technology to reduce waste. Their rapid-response printing model utilizes big data algorithms and modular smart production lines, enabling small-batch, multi-variety output to meet client demand effectively.

Li asserts that innovation is the best homage to tradition, illustrating how the fusion of silk culture and intelligent manufacturing is crafting not just fabrics but the future of the industry.

Romrol's international reach is notable, with over 50 percent of its high-end fabric business directed toward global markets, partnering with various international fashion and sports brands. This was evident at the recent Canton Fair in Guangzhou, where their latest materials garnered significant interest from buyers worldwide.

During the fair, sample orders were acquired from clients in countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Australia, and Malaysia, demonstrating the brand's global appeal. Notably, Romrol's products have even been used in the development of uniforms for the Russian national ski team, showcasing their capacity for collaboration and international design expertise.

Such partnerships enhance both emotional and professional ties to Romrol's brand, solidifying its reputation among global fashion houses. The company, along with other private enterprises in Wujiang, remains vital to the area’s foreign trade, contributing significantly to the district's impressive trade growth.

Looking ahead, Wujiang aims to harness the strengths of its private sector to further its opening-up initiatives. This includes supporting local enterprises in both domestic and international trade activities, facilitating cross-border e-commerce projects, and accelerating the transformation of traditional foreign trade practices.