Focus on textile innovation at Performance Days
The functional fabric fair opens its doors in Munich today with a new three-hall format a new section dedicated to sustainability called the Sustainability Exchange and a new forum covering cellulosic fibres.
These evolutions are reflected in the Performance Days awards, which now number six.
China’s Flytec Defend picked up the performance award for this edition for its ability to protect the wearer from inclement weather while offering a high level of elasticity. The polypropylene membrane is laminated to an 89 gsm 100% recycled polyester fabric.
The Eco Award salutes Pontetorto’s 100% biobased microfleece made from UPM’s wood-derived polyester building blocks.
Paltex, of Taiwan, is the recipient of the Performance Days Innovation Award for a two-layer laminate that combines a polyester/elastane face fabric made from two partially biobased fibres (86% biobased polyester with a 14% biobased elastane). The waterproof-breathable TPEE membrane is 50% biobased (from corn stalk residue).
This season’s wool award went to Takisada Corporation (Japan) for a novel merino knit mesh made from a yarn that is left untwisted to trap more air. The mesh is composed of 67% wool and 33% nylon.
The cellulose award, new this season, has been given to another Japanese company, Pharma Foods International, for Ovoveil, a regenerated cellulosic fibre derived from the film than lines eggshells.
Graphene silk won this show’s bodywear award. A blend of 48% silk and 45% graphene-enhanced nylon, with 7% elastane, the high-tech knit is said to offer advanced thermal regulation and to promote recovery.
To further promote innovation, Performance Days is introducing a forum dedicated entirely to innovative developments. One of the 16 products featured is The Lycra Company’s sweat-masking Coolmax CloakFX fibre, first launched last March.
This edition of Performance Days is the largest ever with nearly 600 companies exhibiting in three halls of the Messe Munchen fairgrounds. The opening of a new hall is also an opportunity for the show organiser to expand dedicated forums and conference stages.
Photo courtesy of Performance Days shows the March 2026 innovation forum.
