February 26, 2024 Performance Days 2024: “The Future of Polyester – Beyond the Bottle”
As the industry grapples with the challenges of sustainability and circularity, Performance Days serves as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and navigate the evolving landscape of polyester sourcing and manufacturing.
The biannual European fair for the material Ingredient Sourcing market, scheduled March 20-21st at Messe Munich, is set once again to address critical industry concerns: Such as the impending shortage of recycled polyester (rPET). With the EU Green Deal legislation looming and its mandate to recycle plastic bottles into new ones, the event will focus on the ramifications and solutions for the polyester market. The fair will also reveal what fabric suppliers have stepped up to the mark: Only exhibitors that have been assessed to be better than the norm (thereby bringing more responsible solutions) are invited to show their product.
Polyester is the most used fibre in the industry. The disruption to the supply chain that the looped polyester will prompt will have major implications in textiles (which have until now offered an alternative to the waste going to landfill). Different segments of the show will present potential solutions from exhibiting brands, a Sustainability Lounge, an Innovation Zone, a Footwear Area, and more. New to this year’s show will be a set of Workshops from Accelerating Circularity leading discussions on the subject.
Insights from industry experts
The Expert Talks programme, a highlight of the fair, offers a comprehensive presentation schedule featuring renowned industry figures. Mark Held, a stalwart in the European Outdoor Group and FESI Board member, will reflect on the evolution of the industry, particularly in light of the EOG’s commitment to the Race To Zero initiative. The programme also includes a Recycling Summit, featuring groundbreaking announcements from industry leaders such as Cyndi Rhoades of Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems and representatives from BASF unveiling their latest advancements in recycled nylon.
Other notable sessions include presentations from the University of Leeds team on microfiber pollution, Vaude’s Rene Bethmann on the future of polyester, and Laurent Bocahut of PEF Trust discussing the common data between PEFs and The Higg Index. With 25 diverse entries on the agenda, attendees can expect insightful discussions on emerging trends, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations shaping the future of the polyester market.
In a departure from previous editions, the talks will not be broadcast live, emphasizing the importance of in-person engagement. However, recordings of the presentations will be available on the fair’s website post-event, ensuring widespread access to valuable insights shared during the proceedings. Entry is free to those who have registered in advance at www.PerformanceDays.com.
About Performance Days
This international hybrid event takes place in Munich on March 20-21st 2024. The functional fabric industry meets sports and outdoor brands, listens to expert talks and panel discussions. In the area Performance Forum, selected products with a sustainability profile are presented.
Image: Performance Days / Messe Munich