WSA’s Sophie Bramel to chair Performance Days panel
A talk hosted by WSA technical editor, Sophie Bramel (pictured), is expected to be one of the standouts at next month’s Performance Days, also due to feature a dedicated footwear section for the very first time.
Germany-based outdoor brand Vaude’s senior innovation manager, René Bethmann, will likewise steer a panel discussion on bio-based materials, with another set to examine “the common ground between corporate social responsibility and ingredient sourcing”, according to organisers.
The focus theme for this edition’s Fabric Forum has also been revealed as “evolution and revolution: from membranes to the carbon story”. Out of 1,000 swatch submissions, the top 28 from each category will be displayed side by side, inviting visitors’ review.
In addition to the fair’s usual ‘eco’ and performance awards for fabrics, the winners of which will be revealed just prior to opening day, three footwear innovations – a production technique, a testing method, and a material – have been singled out as prize-winners ahead of the two-day show. Other programme highlights include “enhanced” sustainability and innovation zones.
Founder of Performance Days, Marco Weichert, commented: “I am pleased [to see that] the standard of submissions improves each year. The fabric swatches keep on getting better; I was so impressed at the high [standard] of both the footwear and innovation entries.”
The functional fabrics trade event will take place in Munich between October 4 and 5.
Peek inside the latest WSA magazine, published quarterly, here.
Image courtesy of Sophie Bramel.
