#Functional Fabrics
ROICA™ presents stretch textile innovations from nine partners at PERFORMANCE DAYS 2026
Asahi Kasei brings together seven European textile manufacturers and two Japanese specialists to showcase developments in performance fabrics, advanced knitting technologies and stretch materials.
The presentation brings together different approaches to textile engineering, performance, comfort and material development. These range from breathable and three-dimensional knitted constructions to engineered stretch textiles, wool-based fabrics and Japanese warp-knit developments. The participating companies demonstrate how ROICA™ stretch fibers can be incorporated into textiles for performance, activewear and lifestyle applications.
European partners showcase advanced stretch textile developments
Borgini Jersey (Hall A5, Booth I14-15) presents performance-oriented knitted fabrics designed for activewear and sportswear applications. The collection includes highly breathable mesh constructions developed for rapid drying and moisture management, alongside three-dimensional structures intended to improve aerodynamics and reduce fabric cling during physical activity. Lightweight fabrics offering UV protection and coverage are also featured. Selected developments incorporate ROICA™ V550, a stretch fiber engineered to partially degrade under the conditions specified in ISO 14855-1.
Brugnoli (Hall A5, Booth F15) focuses on technical circular knits developed using its proprietary Explosive Technology. The collection explores the combination of elasticity, body support and freedom of movement in fabrics for activewear and everyday apparel. Among the highlights is Explosive Amni V550, combining AMNI® SOUL ECO® polyamide with ROICA™ V550. The fabric is designed to provide stretch, comfort and support while incorporating a fiber with partially degradable characteristics.
Cifra (Hall A4, Booth Q03) presents its WKS (Warp Knit Seamless) technology, which enables the production of seamless garments with intricate patterns and reduced material waste. The company demonstrates how warp-knit engineering and ROICA™ stretch fibers can support complex garment constructions while maintaining comfort and freedom of movement. Its ongoing collaboration with Wolford includes seamless designs featuring contemporary cut-out details.
Penn Solutions (Hall A5, Booth G20) showcases engineered textile constructions combining performance, customization and distinctive surface designs. Drawing on its expertise in tricot, lace and technical fabrics, the company presents developments featuring three-dimensional effects, breathable openings, customized motifs and engineered structures. Additional applications include grip constructions designed to improve stability during movement and lace-effect fabrics combining shaping performance with comfort. The collection incorporates ROICA™ V550 and targets applications ranging from sportswear and cycling apparel to intimate and technical garments.
Reda (Hall A5, Booth G04) presents wool-based stretch fabrics combining fine Merino wool with ROICA™ stretch technology. The collection includes lightweight jersey constructions and woven fabrics produced using 17.5-micron Merino wool and ZQ wool. The developments aim to combine the softness, breathability and natural characteristics of wool with additional elasticity, resilience and freedom of movement. Applications range from sportswear and T-shirts to leggings, shirts and tailored garments. Machine-washable constructions further extend the range of potential uses.
Sitip (Hall A5, Booth I12-13) introduces technical fabrics for sportswear and active applications, including lightweight warp-knit constructions and thermal brushed fabrics. The collection focuses on stretch recovery, shape retention, breathability and comfort under demanding conditions. Selected fabrics incorporate ROICA™ V550, while others use ROICA™ EF, a stretch fiber manufactured using pre-consumer waste yarn as part of its raw materials. The fabrics are produced in Italy.
Tiba Tricot (Hall A5, Booth J16) presents circular and warp-knitted fabrics for sportswear, activewear and technical applications. Drawing on more than 60 years of manufacturing experience, the company specializes in circular knitting and three-dimensional warp-knit structures. Its developments combine elasticity, controlled fabric structures, breathability and different surface effects. The exhibited fabrics incorporate ROICA™ stretch fibers to support comfort, stability and freedom of movement.
Japanese specialists highlight warp-knit expertise
In addition to the European partners, ROICA™ will present textile developments from two manufacturers based in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, a region with a long tradition in tricot and warp-knitting production.
Imai Kigyojo showcases lightweight warp-knit constructions featuring open structures, refined surface textures and bonded fabrics. These developments are designed to support breathability, moisture management and wearer comfort.
Kawada Knitting Group presents advanced tricot fabrics characterized by lightweight constructions, versatility and freedom of movement. The company's developments address applications including sportswear, swimwear, innerwear and uniforms.
Both Japanese manufacturers incorporate ROICA™ stretch fibers into their textile developments. Their collections will be presented exclusively at the ROICA™ booth in Hall A4.
Stretch fiber developments for different material requirements
The partner collections also highlight different approaches within the ROICA™ fiber portfolio.
ROICA™ V550 is designed to exhibit partial degradation under specified testing conditions. According to Asahi Kasei, the fiber has been developed for applications where degradability characteristics are considered alongside conventional stretch performance. Complete degradation has not been verified. The fiber has also obtained Cradle to Cradle Certified® Material Health Gold Level.
ROICA™ EF incorporates pre-consumer waste yarn as part of its raw materials. The recycled-content stretch fiber is intended to combine conventional processing characteristics with the use of recovered production materials and is certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, Class I.
Through the joint presentation at PERFORMANCE DAYS, Asahi Kasei aims to demonstrate the versatility of its stretch fiber technologies across different textile constructions, manufacturing processes and end-use applications.













