The Focus Topic Wall features the topic of sustainability and highlights 24 of the most innovative sustainable fabrics. © Performance Days

For the past several seasons, Performance Days has chosen Focus Topics that are deeply involved with the advances in sustainability in the sports clothing sector. Now, the Performance Forum will only feature fabrics and accessories that have proven to be sustainable.

The trade fair for functional fabrics and accessories for the sport and fashion sector has long been committed to sustainability. This is evidenced by several of the recent Focus Topics, which have included subjects like recycling, biodegradability, responsible use of water in textile production, and renewable functional materials such as wool. However, the decision to show only sustainable fabrics in the popular Performance Forum is a “drumbeat for the future of the industry”, according to the organisers.

First sustainable Performance Forum

“We at Performance Days have always been known for pushing the boundaries. Our Focus Topic breaks new ground each season and is always ahead of its time and the developments in the sector. We aim to be not just trendsetters, but also to take our responsibility to the environment and our planet very seriously and want the trade fair to reflect that,” said Marco Weichert, General Manager.

In establishing the first sustainable Performance Forum, the exhibition relies on great cooperation with the exhibitors. All participating partners will be extensively briefed on the requirements of the materials necessary for admission to the Performance Forum. The nine-member jury spends two days in meetings discussing in detail the sustainability aspects of every fabric to ensure that the best fabrics are selected for the trend area.

The Performance Forum will only feature fabrics and accessories that have proven to be sustainable. © Performance Days

“We see it as our chance and our mission to promote sustainable development in the industry. In the past, especially with our Focus Topics, we were clearly able to stimulate our exhibitors to create new developments. So, with the requirement of a completely sustainable Performance Forum, we look forward to guiding fabric manufacturers in the right direction and inspiring yet more innovation. We have the leverage to make a difference in the entire value chain and our decision is not seen as a hurdle for our exhibitors, but as a motivation,” said Lena Weimer, Marketing Manager.

Comprehensive discussion

The kick-off for the next Performance Days with its Performance Forum takes place in Hall C1 of the Munich Exhibition Grounds (Messe München) from 13-14 November 2019. Even the trade fair itself will be generally more sustainable: A comprehensive overall concept is designed to avoid unnecessary waste, for example, generated from disposable products, according to organisers.

The Focus Topic Wall features the topic of sustainability and highlights 24 of the most innovative sustainable fabrics, each accompanied by a comprehensive explanation. The lecture and discussion series on the second day are exclusively and fully devoted to the topic of sustainability and for the first time in November, will appear in a new format.

First sustainability conference

The Performance Days has also announced, in cooperation with the trade media SAZSports&Fashion, the first International Sustainability Conference for the textiles industry and, in particular, for the sportswear sector. On 14 November, in the Expert Talks Area of the exhibition hall, international guests explore all aspects of sustainability in an exciting and entertaining lecture and discussion series, introducing them to the audience of trade professionals.

“Our magazine SAZSports&Fashion is known for its in-depth and comprehensive reporting on sustainability. Thanks to more than 20-years of experience in the sports textile branch, I am often asked by the industry to bring the topic of sustainability even closer to the public. I am pleased to have Performance Days, the most important platform in the industry, as a partner in this effort. Only the well-informed can act in the interest of sustainably throughout all stages of the textile value chain. We see it as our job as a leading trade magazine to provide information, because education is the key to the best environmental awareness,” commented Ulrike Arlt, the editor-in-chief at SAZSports&Fashion.

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