The show, which traditionally takes place in Munich, will be held as a digital fair on December 9 and 10 due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Performance Award has been given to Merryson Corporation for a workwear fabric blending 6% cotton, 15% polyester and 79% recycled polyester. The recycled PET fibre content is biodegradable. “By means of a new technique, the company has succeeded in developing an innovative, placed jacquard with integrated 3D boxes,” said judges.

Optimer Brands, the company behind drirelease, has received the Eco Performance award for a 100% organic cotton fibre. “The Adapt technology ensures enhanced, more balanced climate management due to the natural phase change material. Its unique and bio-based microencapsulated material – verified by Ecocert - reacts to changes in body temperature to maintain balanced comfort,” said judges.

Marco Weichert, head of the fair said: “It is astonishing how many innovative, sustainable solutions have been submitted this winter by reputable fibre manufacturers, and likewise for yet unknown newcomers. 

“At the Performance Forum, the jury has once again been spoilt for choice, with more than 600 fabrics that had to be closely examined. It is pleasing to see how positively the focus on sustainable solutions is being accepted and how many manufacturers are also focusing on fabrics that can be returned to the textile cycle.”

The winning fabrics are on display in the Forum Highlights on the event’s website.