The Performance Days trade fair, to be held 22-23 April, will again focus on sustainability in the textiles industry as it looks to showcase the most innovative and responsible solutions on the market.
It’s focus topic homes in on textile fibres and treatments inspired by nature, staying close to its roots of functional fabrics for performance applications. The show’s organisers hope to make amends after criticism at previous events that, whilst the fibre types displayed were more sustainable, the treatments applied made use of harsh chemicals.
“The innovations exhibited at the April fair underscore the idea that the best functions can be achieved without harmful chemicals,” the organisers say. “Although the industry has mastered this challenge, there are still a number of other areas which can do without chemicals or synthetic fibres made from crude oil.”
At its Performance Forum display, the latest batch of new innovative fibre types and finishes will be presented in an effort to spotlight market alternatives that could provide a transition in material usage.
“The worldwide functional textile industry got a wake-up call when Performance Days introduced a major change in Munich last November,” its organisers continue. “Ever since that fair, consistent rules have applied to the fabrics exhibited at the ground-breaking Performance Forum. Effective at the end of 2019, these fabrics must not only provide a functional added value but must also meet strict criteria with regards to sustainability.”
These less environmentally harmful solutions add functionalities to fibres ranging from temperature and moisture management to water repellency and UV protection. “Sustainability and in particular the current Focus Topic is very important to the suppliers of functional fibres, fabrics, and accessories. This is evidenced once again by the significant increase in interest shown by the exhibitors at Performance Days.”
