Huzhou follows path to innovation in silk industry

Silk jacquard fabrics from Huzhou go on show. [Photo/Huzhou News and Media Center]

In Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, the Huzhou Xinnanhai Weaving Plant recently welcomed a raft of clients as company chairman Liu Xinjiang displayed the latest silk jacquard fabrics.

"These fabrics, with simple and fashionable designs, are breathable and comfortable, making them highly favored in Europe," Liu said.

The company has upgraded from outdated shuttle looms to advanced air-jet looms, boosting product quality and efficiency. Collaborating with academic institutions, it focuses on the innovation of material composites and the structure of fabrics, successfully entering markets in the United States, Italy, France, and Japan.

In recent years, the Huzhou municipal bureau of economy and information technology has issued support policies to foster innovation in local traditional industries. These have encouraged local enterprises to intensify their research, technological upgrades, and innovation.

At a factory operated by Huzhou Linghu Orient Silk Technology Company, automated jacquard machines rapidly weave vibrant patterns.

According to company head Gu Xiaojie, by developing China-chic jacquard fabrics, the company has increased profit margins by about 20 percent over traditional silk. "We aim to transform the silk industry into a fashion trendsetter through continuous innovation," Gu said.

"We will continue to enhance policy support for traditional industries like silk, promoting their transformation towards high-end, intelligent, green, and branded development," said Zhao Weiming, deputy director of the Huzhou municipal administration center.