The Performance Award has gone to Taiwanese company Trenchant Textiles for SlickrB (pictured), a new fabric construction that has a non-toxic polypropylene membrane on the outer side. 

By printing dot patterns on the surface of the membrane, the fabric provides greater abrasion resistance while maintaining its breathability. Patterns and colours can be altered individually.

The inner liner made of N15DW (15D woven polyamide) also provides tear resistance and stretch.

Lithuanian company Utenos Trikotazas picked up the Eco Performance Award for its biodegradable brushed fleece material made of 11% hemp, 63% organic cotton and 26% Tencel. Hemp is known for its natural anti-bacterial properties and natural UV protection. 

Organisers said: “Plant-based fibres such as hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, wool, kapok or coconut shell remain in demand, with manufacturers increasingly refraining from the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, avoiding micro plastics, advocating natural dyeing processes and striving to either return fabrics back into the cycle, to recycle plastic and other waste or to produce fibres in such a way that they are biodegradable.”

In the Performance Days Marketplace, visitors have the opportunity to view more than 9,000 exhibitors’ products, including the fabric highlights of the Performance Forum categories.