MUNICH – This spring’s Performance Days drew 560 exhibitors, with show discussions focused on circularity, recycling and regulatory compliance.
Apparel Insider had a booth at this spring’s Performance Days, and saw first hand the growing buzz around a show which has become so much more than a trade fair in recent years. There were talks going on throughout the event, a major theme of which was recyclability and circularity.
Policy makers in the EU could do worse than visit the next show to hear first hand some of the potential roadblocks to a circular textile economy, which were clearly and succinctly spelled out by some of the panellists in Munich.
Held on March 18-19, the functional fabrics trade show went ahead despite a public transport strike in Munich. Organisers say attendance remained strong across both days and visitor quality stood out, particularly among decision-makers and international brands assessing.
The show’s DAY 0 programme on March 17, built around the question: “Can we turn the tap off?” The workshop format focused on shared responsibility across the textile chain and encouraged participants to move beyond individual roles to consider collective impact. Sessions looked at transparency, value creation across supply chains and ways companies can translate incoming regulatory frameworks into measurable action.
The wider content programme saw expert talks sessions covering major industry challenges and future developments, while the Circularity Zone (which was excellent!) hosted workshops and a live podcast. An Ingredient Brand Round Table examined how ingredient brands are moving beyond co-branding towards deeper co-innovation and material-led storytelling.
Artificial intelligence also featured prominently. In the Tech Hub, presentations and discussions explored how AI is beginning to influence textile industry processes, from product development to decision-making, with a focus on efficiency and innovation.
One does wonder whether AI can become a lever to improve processes in the textile value chain, with a focus on sustainability. Those in the know about AI believe we have only just begun to tap into its possibilities. That said it would be remiss of us not to mention the issue of job displacement in the context of AI, which remains a legitimate concern for many.
Among the show’s other features, the Innovation Hub by Future Fabrics Expo highlighted a broad mix of material developments, from performance-led textiles to reworked natural fibre concepts.
The Trend Forum put a particular spotlight on textile-to-textile recycling through its focus topic, “Textile to Textile – the role of collectors & sorters.” Organisers said the aim was to highlight a part of the circular chain that often receives less attention, despite its importance in enabling feedstock preparation and helping scale recycling systems. This was a fantastic, practical – emphasis on that word – discussion.
Looking ahead, PERFORMANCE DAYS said it will further expand its European presence through an appearance in Brussels during Future Fabrics Expo on June 24-25, before returning to Messe München on October 13-14, with a DAY 0 programme scheduled for October 12. Organisers said pre-registration for the autumn edition is already seeing strong demand.
