#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2025-03-13

PERFORMANCE DAYS spring edition sets strong impulses

Once again, PERFORMANCE DAYS has proven to be the most important gathering for the functional textile industry. The Spring 2025 edition, held from March 5–6 at Messe München, attracted numerous industry experts and trade visitors, offering a unique platform for networking, business, and knowledge exchange. With 588 booths and 3,367 visitors, the event significantly surpassed previous years’ numbers. In comparison, the previous spring edition had fewer than 500 booths and 2,999 visitors.

PERFORMANCE DAYS remains a key industry event © 2025 PERFORMANCE DAYS

While the fall edition saw a higher visitor frequency, both halls were fully booked this time—clear evidence of the event’s growing relevance.

Innovative topics & inspiring formats

The PERFORMANCE DAYS concept continues to evolve. Following the successful introduction of the Tech Hub area—focusing on digitalization, 3D technology, and AI—and the Bodywear Collective in Fall 2024, the Spring edition introduced DAY 0 and a dedicated wool section, setting new impulses.

The Trend Forum remained a key attraction, featuring a curated selection of the most innovative trend materials. A panel of experts selected top-performing textiles across various categories, from three-layer laminates to insulation materials and workwear solutions.

With this year’s Focus Topic, “Certifications – Which Ones Matter,” the fair set a strong agenda, addressing the growing importance of sustainable standards in the textile industry—an issue that sparked dynamic discussions. The newly introduced Wool Forum also garnered great interest, underlining the increasing relevance of natural materials for future product development.

Marco Weichert, CEO of PERFORMANCE DAYS, stated: "The Spring fair once again demonstrated the strong interest in innovative and sustainable textile solutions. The high visitor numbers and inspiring conversations with industry experts confirm that PERFORMANCE DAYS remains the leading platform for pioneering material developments."

Workshops, Expert Talks & knowledge exchange

A key element of the fair remains the extensive Expert Talks program, where leading voices in the industry present the latest insights and developments. Charles Ross from the Royal College of Art, co-initiator and moderator of the Expert Talks, expressed his satisfaction: "The Expert Talks build on past events and are available for those who missed key discussions. Day 1 saw record attendance at the Focus Topic Panel and a comprehensive discussion on the obsolescence of waterproof jackets—whether due to material fatigue, lack of repairability, or intentional product design. Day 2 explored EU Green Deal legislation, a holistic market overview, and the debut of the Future Supply Initiative. Even on DAY 0, the industry demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility—using PERFORMANCE DAYS as a platform for meaningful collaborations."

In addition to expert lectures and panel discussions, the fair featured a range of special areas, highlighting the latest industry trends and innovations. The Innovation Zone showcased groundbreaking developments, while the Circularity Zone, an evolution of the Accelerating Circularity workshop, focused on recycling. The Sustainability Lounge, curated by Anna Rodewald from GreenroomVoice, emphasized sustainable materials, and the Workshop Area hosted training sessions by Fair Wear and Ohana Public Affairs. All Expert Talks content will be available online at www.performancedays.com until the end of March 2025.

DAY 0 debuts – a promising start

For the first time, DAY 0 launched as a new conference format ahead of PERFORMANCE DAYS, aiming to foster in-depth exchange and discussions. Designed for creative thinkers, DAY 0 focused on the intersection of textiles and sustainability, encouraging innovative approaches and collaboration to tackle challenges more efficiently. A positive outcome: while the carbon footprint of individual garments produced in this century has decreased, the overall impact continues to grow due to the increasing number of SKUs. The conference, moderated by Mark Shayler and initiated in collaboration with the BSI, featured four high-profile expert panels and a dedicated workshop. Alexandra Wittwer, Corporate Responsibility Advisor at BSI, commented: "DAY 0 as the opening event for PERFORMANCE DAYS was a great success. The diverse panel discussions and inspiring input from Mark Shayler provided valuable insights into the industry's current challenges. These exchange opportunities are essential—not only to gain practical inspiration for daily work but also to strengthen networking within the sustainability community."

Looking Ahead: Excitement builds for the fall edition

Following this successful spring kickoff, the industry is eagerly anticipating the upcoming fall edition of PERFORMANCE DAYS. As the leading marketplace for functional textiles, the fair continues to set new benchmarks in sustainability, innovation, and business networking. Kim Scholze, CSMO Sympatex, looks ahead to the fall with confidence: "PERFORMANCE DAYS is an essential platform each year for exchanging ideas on sustainable innovations in the textile industry. For Sympatex, the fair is particularly valuable for discussing circular materials, recyclable solutions, and new regulatory requirements with our partners. Direct dialogue with brands and experts enables us to shape the next steps toward a more sustainable industry together."

SAVE THE DATE PERFORMANCE DAYS // October 29-30, 2025 // Messe München

For more information and upcoming dates, visit: www.performancedays.com

PERFORMANCE DAYS sets benchmarks with record attendance & strong industry presence

With around 4,500 professional visitors and 515 exhibitors, PERFORMANCE DAYS closed its doors on October 30, 2025, after two highly successful days in Munich. Expanded show areas, an international audience, a top-class Expert Talks program, and an inspiring DAY 0 Conference with an innovative concept underlined one thing clearly: PERFORMANCE DAYS has become the leading business platform for the functional textile industry.

PERFORMANCE DAYS Autumn Fair 2025: full house in Munich

On October, 29–30, 2025, PERFORMANCE DAYS opens its doors in Munich – fully booked, with bustling halls, top-tier exhibitors, and a diverse supporting program, the leading trade fair for functional fabrics and sustainable textile innovations once again confirms its relevance for the industry. Visitors can look forward to a varied program with high-profile exhibitors, new areas, inspiring Trend Forums, the current Focus Topic, and an expanded Footwear Area. Another highlight: the Innovation Hub by FFE, a curated area in cooperation with the Future Fabrics Expo.

PERFORMANCE DAYS recognizes innovations in apparel, footwear and bodywear

When PERFORMANCE DAYS opens its doors on March 5-6, 2025, at halls C4 and C5 at Messe München, visitors will once again discover fabric innovations for Spring/Summer 2027 across the Performancewear, Bodywear, and Accessories segments. For the first time, a dedicated Wool Forum will be introduced alongside the existing Trend, Footwear, and Bodywear Forums. A jury of renowned industry experts carefully reviewed the submissions for the upcoming season and awarded a total of four prizes.

PERFORMANCE DAYS with a comprehensive range of topics

PERFORMANCE DAYS, taking place October 23 - 24 at Messe München in halls A1 and A2, is once again setting new standards in the world of performance fabrics for the sports and fashion industries. In addition to the new trends and innovations for the Winter 2026 season, the trade fair increasingly presents exciting special areas that provide an expanded range of information. Visitors can look forward to exclusive zones that highlight current trends and developments in the textile industry – from wool to bodywear, to sustainable concepts and exciting test areas.

YKK’s net-zero commitment drives new business strategy for decarbonization and circular economy　

Sustainability is not just a priority at YKK—it is the foundation of its global business strategy. In its latest integrated report, This is YKK 2025, the company outlines its FY2024 achievements and FY2025 initiatives under the banner of Contributing to a Sustainable Society as ONE YKK. These efforts advance the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, a long-term commitment to climate neutrality and harmony with nature. This vision is structured around five key themes: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people—all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ISPO 2025: Dynamism, innovation, and strong impulses through close industry dialogue

Sports are becoming increasingly diverse and blending with many new areas. As a result, the sports industry is growing larger, customer demand is changing, and its fields of application are becoming more varied. New technologies, data-driven business models, sustainability, and international networking are shaping the market. In this dynamic environment, ISPO exhibitors demonstrate how change can be actively shaped.

Rieter adjusts group structure in preparation for Barmag integration

The planned acquisition of the “Barmag” Division of OC Oerlikon will create the leading system provider worldwide for natural and man-made fibers. Rieter is confident it will receive all regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Rieter Group is therefore adjusting its Group structure as of January 1, 2026, to take this acquisition into account and to be able to provide an even more agile response to market challenges.

Techtextil India 2025 commences: Ushering in a new era for functional textiles

Techtextil India 2025, a premier trade fair for technical textiles, non-wovens and composites, organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, has opened today at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, marking its 10th edition. Running from 19 – 21 November 2025, this landmark edition connects 215 exhibitors, including 100 first-time exhibitors to the textile value chain, featuring innovations across 12 application-based textile segments.

Solution for lower energy consumption proves itself in practice

Getzner Textil is one of KARL MAYER’s first customers to use PROSIZE with CASCADE. The innovative weaving specialist has tested the steam and condensation system by KARL MAYER and determined the energy savings it achieves. Karl-Heinz Vaaßen, Head of Textile Drying at KARL MAYER, assisted Getzner Textil’s production specialists both with the tests and with all questions relating to CASCADE. In a conversation with Werner Egger, Head of Weaving, and Thomas Rossi, Head of Warp Preparation at Getzner Textil, he learnt more about the system’s benefits for his customer.