Performance Days & Sportsfashion launch Sustain&Innovate

Sustain&Innovate will see a full day of international speakers giving talks on important and cutting-edge topics concerning sustainability, exclusively tailored to the functional textile branch. The programme is supported by the sponsors PrimaLoft, Polortec and ISKO who also exhibit at Performance Days.

At the fair, visitors can expect an extensive and informative programme. Vaude managing director and sustainability specialist, Antje von Dewitz, will join as a keynote speaker. Karin Ekberg’s topic will be of particular interest, where she will explain the importance of the Higg Index for production.

The Patagonia brand is considered a pioneer in terms of sustainability, making Patagonia’s Nicholas Allen’s presence at the conference of key importance, where specialist journalist, Charles Ross, will interview him. The audience can look forward to an exciting round of discussions when sustainability expert Anna Rodewald from the GreenroomVoice agency will talk to international guests about the latest developments in sustainability.

Specialist journalist Sophie Bramel will chair another interesting round of discussions entitled 'Designing for Recycling' and the consideration of mono materials in the development of functional clothing. Martin Cieslik, head of sales of the renowned Hohenstein Institute, will answer the important question 'Why Verification Matters' in his talk. Sponsors of the event, such as PrimaLoft and Polartec, will also be presenting their sustainable concepts. Visitors can look forward to speakers from leading ingredient brands.

Ulrike Arlt, editor-in-chief of Sportsfashion by Saz, will moderate the programme. She will also be giving a talk on the status quo of current success in relation to sustainability within the industry. The conference will take place in the exhibition area of Performance Days.

"As a trade fair for functional fabrics and materials, we have always been a pioneer when it comes to innovation. The topic of sustainability is not only of immense importance, it will be the driving key issue for the branch in the coming years. That is why we are particularly proud that we’ve developed a unique and new format with Sustain&Innovate conference, which did not exist in the branch in such a form. This allows us to reach and inform all major decision-makers internationally in relation to the manufacturing and sale of functional textiles, from fibre manufacturers to clothing brands," said trade fair general manager Marco Weichert.

Performance Days — the 'functional fabric fair' launched in 2008, is the first and only event created especially for functional fabrics for sports and work clothing. The aim of the semi-annual trade fair is to give leading and innovative textile manufacturers, suppliers and service providers the opportunity to present their functional fabrics, membranes plus treatments, laminates, paddings, finishes, and accessories such as yarns, tapes, prints, buttons, and zippers.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)