#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2023-03-30

PERFORMANCE DAYS: Overwhelming response from exhibitors and visitors alike

From March 15-16, 2023, the spring edition of PERFORMANCE DAYS kicked off on the fairgrounds of Messe München with a fully booked out crowd in Hall A1. With around 2,685 visitors, the event organizers were particularly pleased with numbers up on the previous winter fair. High attendances were particularly evident at the Expert Talks on both days, which provided information on the latest color and fabric trends, news on developments in sustainability and new technologies from fiber manufacturers.

As always, the focal points of the fair excelled with the PERFORMANCE FORUM showcasing both the fabric highlights for the Spring/Summer 2025 season as well as the two winners of both the PERFORMANCE AWARD and the ECO PERFORMANCE AWARD.

Successful format confirms the significance of PERFORMANCE DAYS

Marco Weichert, founder of PERFORMANCE DAYS, made a very satisfied impression: “We are overwhelmed by the terrific visitor numbers. This clearly shows, on the one hand, how important a common platform for interexchange is, and on the other hand, the dynamics that currently prevail within the entire industry. This dynamism is also reflected in PERFORMANCE DAYS’ Focus Topic. Over the course of three fairs, visitors have had the opportunity to accompany the industry on the road to greater CO2 neutrality. The results are both innovative and inspiring. We are all well aware that manufacturers and brands will continue on their journey, yet we have already succeeded in taking a first step towards CO2-neutrality.” The total of 274 exhibitors and 2,685 visitors were also more than satisfied as the first day of the fair came to an according climax with a happy hour for all concerned.

The fascinating Expert Talks program once again proved itself particularly popular. In the heart of Hall A1, visitors listened with captivated attention to the informative talks and rounds of discussions, including regulars such as Fabric Talk with Alexa Dehmel, the Color Trend Talk with Nora Kühner and exciting “behind the scenes stories” with Charles Ross, who led through the program on both days. All Expert Talks will be available in digital form later this week via The Loop. Information on the PERFORMANCE FORUM including 3D materials along with fabric innovations on display and the awards presented by the expert jury are already available for viewing online. It was particularly satisfying that the fair again took place as a climate-neutral event, as it did in the winter edition, and in line with the Focus Topic “On the Road to CO2 Neutrality”, thanks to the cooperation with Climate Partner.

After the kick-off event in Munich in March, the industry now looks forward to the follow- up fairs in Portland from April 4-5, 2023 and in Shanghai, April 10-11, 2023.

New concept starting October 2023: Premiere for highlighted focus on footwear

As part of the upcoming PERFORMANCE DAYS, which will once again take place at the Messe München exhibition center on October 4-5, 2023, the event organizers have another ace up their sleeve. The event organizers will no longer focus explicitly on sustainable

functional textiles and accessories, but will also focus on the footwear market. Starting at the winter fair, suppliers of textiles and footwear will finally be able to meet up with decision-makers from international brands in time to present their solutions and to build lasting relationships. To support the integration of the footwear market into the trade fair events in Munich, Portland, New York and Shanghai, the organizers have brought on board two renowned industry specialists, Nina Conrad and Rucky Zambrano. Nina Conrad has been active as a sustainability consultant in the textile and leather industry for many years, specializing in traceable and local supply chains. Her core business is the production of leather and leather goods derived from animals raised on certified organic farms. She is also a founding partner of the Sustainable Leather Foundation and co-founder of the Fibershed subsiduary DACH. Rucky Zambrano is a renowned industrial designer and an absolute industry expert. When he got to know Vibram in 1992, he shifted his career to footwear for reasons of passion. For 13 years now, Zambrana and Vibram have been a driving force in the footwear market and made the leap from performance to fashion, as witnessed with the Merrell Chameleon, the Prada Luna Rossa boat shoe sole or the latest Vibram FiveFingers models. He is currently responsible for footwear for the Finnish children’s outdoor brand Reima.

In terms of footwear, PERFORMANCE DAYS will also focus on sustainable performance fabrics. Furthermore, industry-leading sustainable focus topics will be integrated into the fair’s panel- and training programs. To provide ample space for the new theme, the winter fair will feature fabric highlights in Halls A5 and A6.

Up to date 365 days a year: Be well informed all year round with “The Loop”!

The spring fair was also routed directly from PERFORMANCE DAYS to the digital platform “The Performance Days Loop” per livestream. With The Loop, the fair provides a 365- day platform that makes sourcing and interexchange possible even after the official on-site event has come to a close. All the important information in connection with the PERFORMANCE FORUM, the Focus Topic, Expert Talks as well as current images, including a new image video, will be accessible during the course of this week. The interactive communication tool “interactive supplier directory” is of particular value, making it possible to exchange information with exhibitors via video chat even after the trade fair has ended! Stay informed around the clock!

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Hong Kong strengthens position as Asia's leading sustainable fashion hub

Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's most prominent sustainable fashion hubs has been further strengthened, with the HKTDC ESG Index 2026 released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for the fashion industry rising to 65.5 in 2026, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase reflects growing industry confidence in Hong Kong as a premier platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related business opportunities.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

Intertextile Apparel opens next week with strengthened focus on performance, sustainability, and innovation

Opening 25 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 prepares to welcome thousands of global industry players for three days of sourcing, networking, and trend forecasting. Spanning 240,000 sqm, this edition will feature over 3,500 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, providing a comprehensive platform for fairgoers to explore new products, market directions, and business opportunities across the entire apparel textile value chain – with high-potential segments noticeably magnified.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.