#Sustainability

2019-09-26

PERFORMANCE DAYS continues to focus on sustainability

Sustainability is a duty in the textile industry and PERFORMANCE DAYS wants to be the engine (c) 2019 PERFORMANCE DAYS functional fabric fair

It seems there is a lot of talk about sustainability these days – across the industries and around the world. A large share of the exploitation of resources and environmental pollution is (still) caused by the textile industry, specifically in the areas of water consumption, use of harmful chemicals, and CO2 emissions. This is the reason why the trade fair for functional fabrics and accessories, PERFORMANCE DAYS, taking place at November 13-14 in Munich, is dedicated to the topic of sustainability and has covered it comprehensively for several years now.

Sustainable textile production requires much more than recycled fabrics – PERFORMANCE DAYS exhibits the world of possibilities

According to Marco Weichert, head of the trade fair, "Sustainability is expected. It is our duty to act sustainably in all stages of the textile production process. Sustainability is much more than simply using recycled fibres and fabrics. PERFORMANCE DAYS was early to showcase this on a broad scale. We have accompanied the sustainable developments in the industry for many seasons, but even more, we provided the impulse in various directions for sustainability research and development."

Marketing manager Lena Weimer added: "Our FOCUS TOPICs featured sustainability issues early on and provided a focus to our innovative fibre and fabric producers to pursue developments in this field. Whether recycled fibres, recyclable materials, the important topics of biodegradability, water conservation or the use of natural fibres for functional fabrics – we show all possible textile aspects of sustainability for the industry."

Major new framework program on Day 2 – The SUSTAIN&INNOVATE Conference

PERFORMANCE DAYS together with trade magazine SAZ Sports&Fashion has organized the first International Sustainability Congress, to be presented in November 2019 for the first time and featuring a brand new format for the textile industry with the title SUSTAIN&INNOVATE. The lectures and discussion panels on Day 2 of the fair focus exclusively and comprehensively on the topic of sustainability. International guest speakers will address all aspects of sustainability in lectures and discussions in the EXPERT TALK AREA of the exhibition hall on November 14th, 2019. More detailed information on this program will be available in the coming weeks.

PERFORMANCE FORUM and FOCUS TOPIC WALL exclusively feature sustainable materials

PERFORMANCE DAYS takes its responsibility for sustainability very seriously and has made the decision – as announced in July – to present only sustainable materials in the curated PERFORMANCE FORUM. Also, to give visitors an overview of all aspects of sustainability, the FOCUS TOPIC WALL is dedicated to the topic. Visit the FOCUS TOPIC WALL to see the 24 most sustainable fabrics as selected by the jury as well as explanations of all areas of sustainability. Detailed explanations are provided for the key areas listed below:

Recycled fibres
Natural fibres from renewable resources
Recycling qualities
Bio-degradables or compostables
Microplastics
Product life cycles
Water conservation
Energy savings
Reduce CO2 emissions
Reduce chemicals

The current "state of the art" is highlighted in all of these topics as they pertain to the textile industry. Further important developments are also summarized at the FOCUS TOPIC WALL.

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

Experts publish APAC policy priorities

Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.