Ecotex: The eco-sustainable textile fair"

Around twenty small producers and social cooperatives all committed to transparent, sustainable, and people-friendly trade will present textiles, clothing, and accessories at their stands. One of the event’s highlights is the fashion show, taking place at 11 AM. Visitors are also invited to bring unused textiles to swap at the clothes exchange or to repair them in a visible mending workshop.

Here’s an overview of the fair’s program:

Exhibition: Textile Tours
In the afternoon, the “Textile Tours” installation will trace the global textile supply chain, showing the stations and countries involved from raw material to finished product.

Eco Fashion Show – 11:00 AM
Volunteer models will walk the red carpet showcasing garments from the participating producers. Presenter Brigitte Gritsch will share key insights about the clothing and its origins.

Sewing Corner
Creative upcycling with sewing machines: old fabrics become new ideas. In the kids’ sewing workshop, discarded materials are given new life. Everyone is welcome to try it out and get creative.

Gift Box
The “Gift Box” is an open wardrobe: bring well-preserved clothing and accessories or take something home! Completely free and based on sharing.

Coffee Tasting
In the morning, AlpsCoffee invites visitors to sample aromatic coffee varieties.

Swap Party
Bring something, take something: the clothes swap lets you give new life to well-maintained garments and perhaps find a new favorite piece!

OEW Information Stand
Browse brochures about OEW’s projects and learn more about fair trade initiatives. Also available: handmade earrings from partner projects in the Global South – proceeds directly support local initiatives.

Ecotex is part of the City of Merano’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness around fair trade. Since April 2018, Merano has officially held the title of Fair Trade Town, awarded by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).

From the train station the most convenient option is to board one of the city lines (1 or 4) to reach "Merano, Piazza Teatro" bus stop, followed by a 5-minute walk.

Visitors from outside the city can follow the cycle path along the Passirio, which leads straight to Piazza Terme.