October 28, 2024 Performance Days Recap: Record attendance, new dye solutions, and “Day 0”
Another Performance Days has come and gone. Find out how it once again helped drive textile innovation with low-impact materials, bio-synthetics, and circular design – and managed to buck the declining trend experienced by other trade shows by attracting record visitors in 2024.
Held annually in Munich, Performance Days remains a key global event for ingredient sourcing, with a growing focus on sustainability. This fall’s show saw a record 3,838 visitors, up from 2,999 earlier in the year. The event caters primarily to design and fabric development teams from sports and outdoor brands, and this year featured over 400 exhibitors—all carefully selected for their low environmental impact or breakthrough innovations. A notable addition this year was the Bodywear Collective, showcasing new developments in intimate apparel and swimwear.
Focus on responsible chemistry and circularity
This year’s central theme was Colorisation: Chemistry is Everywhere, exploring both aesthetic challenges and ongoing innovations in dyeing processes. Synthetic dyes, for example, work brilliantly but slow down the decomposition of the fibers at end-of-life. Natural dyes, on the other hand, require significant agricultural resources and are prone to fading. Bio-synthetic dyes derived from bacteria, might present a promising third option, offering vibrant, lasting colors without toxic chemicals.
Workshops were new this year, with Accelerating Circularity discussing textile recycling challenges, while Ohana Public Affairs presented on the upcoming EU Green Deal. This legislation is expected to impact the textile industry through new regulations on circularity and corporate responsibility.
Sustainability now forms the baseline
Going around the individual stands it was apparent that Innovation was back at the top of the list of developments. But Sustainability had not disappeared – it was now a prerequisite of all progress. If the product was not better for the planet, it was simply not part of the offering. Sustainability/ Green/ Eco were not additional features – they were the new baseline. Bio-synthetics like PLA continued to evolve, but their durability drew more attention than their environmental impact. Natural fibers like wool are also seeing renewed interest, alongside high-performance materials like Dyneema. Waterproof permeable membranes from brands such as Polartec, eVent, and Sympatex featured bio-polymers, while algae-based dyes and recycled textiles demonstrated circular approaches.
The single most popular attraction of the show is still the Trend Forum, which showcased 250 of the top fabric swatches, while the Innovation Zone and Sustainability Lounge facilitated networking and highlighted emerging trends.
Bringing it all together was the Expert Talks stage which had 19 presentations, 5 panels, & 9 Pecha Kuchas keeping up the conversation.
Day Zero?
The biggest take-away announcement made at the show was around Day 0 which will happen immediately before the next show on 4th March 2025. Performance Days will host a day that acts as Continual Professional Development training for brands to allow them to be able to make educated decisions on reducing impacts of the Supply Chain.
Lead Image: Charles Ross
