For two days, Hall C1 at the exhibition grounds in Munich, Germany, was
dedicated to functional textiles. At the start of the fall winter 2021/22
season, exhibitors presented their innovations, which are taking major
steps ahead, especially in the field of sustainability.
Focusing on sustainability
For years now, the Performance Days have not only been positioning
themselves as a trade fair for functional materials, they also actively
promote the development of sustainable materials. For example by giving
them an effective public forum, with an extensive conference programme and
a clear focus. This time, the fair even decided to exhibit only sustainable
fabrics in its Forum area, where curated trends are presented. “We do not
see our decision as an obstacle for our exhibitors, but as motivation and
more than anything, we have the leverage to change something in the entire
value chain,” says Lena Weimer, head of marketing.
A 3-layer material made completely from polyester
This restriction has had no negative effect on the selection, which
ranged from a wool fabric made of ecological wool and alpaca without
chemical treatment to a 3-layer fabric completely made of recycled
polyester. The Eco Performance Award went to the Schoeller Spinning Group
for an alpaca/merino fabric, which has neither been dyed nor chemically
treated or otherwise uses any chemicals. The fibres’ natural properties
alone provide the required functionality. The Performance Award went to
Japanese fiber specialist Teijin for a 3-layer material made from recycled
polyester that can be recycled again. What is special about the mono
material: Not only the outer fabric and the backing is made of polyester,
but also the membrane.
New plant-based fibres
The fair also presented new types of fibres, such as fibres from
nettles, soya, ginger or abaca (banana hemp). Plants also play an important
role for Japanese fabric manufacturer Toyoshima. Titled “Food Textiles”,
the company presented a cotton series in pastel colours that has been dyed
with colours made from food waste. Converse is one of the first cooperation
partners in Japan.
New production technology
Fiber specialist Primaloft presented the new P.u.r.e. Series, produced
with only half the usual CO2 emissions. This was possible by using wadding
for the insulation that could be made without heating the fibres. This
technique will be used for the Primaloft Gold series and will be available
in the coming years for other product groups as well. Water-saving dyeing
processes such as spin dye and dope dye continue to establish themselves,
and are shown in innovative products such as zippers that do not need to
be dyed because their colour pigments are already added during the spinning
process.
With its “EcoHeather,” fibre specialist Tintex presented a yarn made
from the spinning waste of natural fibres such as cotton, wool, cashmere,
linen, silk or modal and viscose. Denim manufacturer Isko also showcased
its innovations in terms of functional fabrics, for example Arquas, an
innovative, highly elastic fabric with excellent and completely new looks
such as serrated edges or hole patterns thanks to laser technology.
This article was originally published on FashionUnited DE. Edited
and translated by Simone Preuss.
Photos: FashionUnited
