Textiles sustainability breakthroughs unveiled at record-smashing show

Did you miss the last Performance Days fair? From cutting-edge workshops to state-of-the-art tech hubs, find out what you missed in the event that continues to reshape the landscape of fashion and sustainability in this recap!

With almost 440 exhibitors from various countries the fair offered a wide range of products and solutions. Trade visitors were particularly pleased with the extensive offering of information platforms, such as the Trend Forum featuring the highly topical Focus Topic “Beyond Bottles – the Future of Polyester,” the newly integrated Footwear Area and dedicated Footwear Forum, the Innovation Area, the packed program of Expert Talks, the Sustainability Lounge, the Media Lounge, the new Reality Zone, and the newly integrated Technology Hub.

“We are overwhelmed by the positive response and the lively interest in this year’s Performance Days fair,” summarized Marco Weichert, CEO of Performance Days, before continuing:

“The record attendance is proof of the relevance and importance of this fair for the entire textile industry. We are proud to provide a platform that drives innovation and shapes the future of textile design.”

The number of visitors exceeded all expectations and even reached a new record, making the Performance Days Fair 2024 one of the most significant events in the industry this year. The diversity of participants, including designers, buyers, manufacturers, and experts, contributed to an inspiring exchange of ideas and expertise.

New Platforms: The Reality Zone & the Technology Hub

For the first time, the fair introduced its own workshop format with the Reality Zone. In Hall C2, not only did the open, appealing design generate enthusiasm, but solutions and approaches were discussed for two days, in collaboration with Accelerating Circularity, that provide stakeholders in the circular supply chain the opportunity to participate in textile-to-textile systems. The non-profit organization founded by Karla Magruder, based in New York, serves as a catalyst for new, circular supply chains and business models to convert used textiles into common raw materials.

“The Performance Days was a fantastic event where you could educate yourself, meet existing and potential partners, and see new innovations,” shares Karla Magruder.

“The format of the fair is well thought out to be at the forefront of the industry’s transition to circular systems. The success was visible in every aspect. We are very pleased to be part of this important event.”

Also for the first time, a separate Technology Hub was integrated into Hall C1 to address the trending topic of digitalization. Companies and manufacturers such as Vizoo, Kornit, PB Accessories, Emtec Electronics, and DMix Color Digital GmbH showcased solutions for digitalization processes in this area.

Andreas Büdel from PB Accessories confirmed the importance of the new platform:

“The ‘Tech Hub’ was a long overdue concept for us and fits perfectly with the format of Performance Days! In an industry that heavily relies on innovation, a space for the exchange of innovative technologies and tools that support sustainable processes is essential.”

Pure Information: Positive feedback for Expert Talks program

Always a highlight and therefore also a magnet at Performance Days are the various presentations, panel discussions, Pecha Kuchas, and talks as part of the Expert Talks.

In addition to current insights into this year’s Trend Forum, discussions focused on how the footwear industry can work more sustainably. Furthermore, René Bethmann from Vaude examined this year’s Focus Topic “Beyond Bottles.” The upcoming EU Green Deal will disrupt the rPET raw material source, as old beverage bottles need to be recycled into new ones. He impressively summarized where the (new) recycled yarns could come from in his presentation. Mark Held, founder of the European Outdoor Group, explained how the EOG aims to follow the Race to Zero, and what successes it has achieved in recycling.

Equally well-attended as the Expert Talks Area, the Sustainability Lounge followed the principle of learning, participating, exchanging, and networking. Here too, the quality of partners and topics was extremely high.

“Sustainability only works as a team – an exchange among each other and mutual learning is essential,” shares organizer Anna Rodewald from GreenroomVoice.

“The two days once again proved how important it is for the industry to pull together, look ahead, pursue a common goal, and initiate new projects together.”

 

About Performance Days 2024

The Performance Days Spring Fair 2024, held on March 20th and 21st at the Munich Trade Fair grounds, concluded with significant success. With around 3,000 trade visitors from around the world, Performance Days provided an optimal environment for the sports and fashion industry to learn about future fiber and material trends for the upcoming S/S 2026 season, explore innovations, exchange ideas, and establish new contacts.

The next edition of Performance Days will take place on October 23rd and 24th, 2024, in Munich, at the Munich Trade Fair grounds in Halls A1 and A2. Until then, the Performance Days platform will remain available, including the Marketplace and continued inspiring themes of Material Stories, to make online sourcing even easier.

Further information is available at www.performancedays.com

Images: Performance Days

SUSTON
jonathan.eidse@norragency.com


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