In the world of fashion, as well as in sport and outdoors, functional textiles, fabrics and fibres have become essential to designers. And these areas are precisely where sustainability is such an important issue, whilst also proving challenging.
Although sustainability events in the textile sector exist, sustainability has yet to find its own platform.
The second day of the upcoming Performance Days will be devoted fully to the issue of sustainability. In co-operation with the trade magazine SAZSport, the program, entitled ‘sustain&innovate’, runs on 14 November in the Expert Talks Area of Performance Days in Hall C1 of Munich’s trade fair centre.
Key program points:
• Vaude managing director and sustainability specialist Antje von Dewitz will join as a keynote speaker.
• Karin Ekberg will explain the importance of the HIGG Index, developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, for production.
• Patagonia’s Nicholas Allen’s presence is regarded as being key – he will be interviewed ‘on stage’ by outdoor journalist Charles Ross.
• Anna Rodewald from the GreenroomVoice agency will talk about the latest developments in sustainability.
• Specialist journalist Sophie Bramel will chair a round of discussions entitled ‘Designing for Recycling’ and the consideration of mono materials in the development of functional clothing.
• Martin Cieslik, Head of Sales of the Hohenstein Institute, will be addressing the important question “Why Verification Matters”.
• Sponsors of the event, such as PrimaLoft and Polartec, will also be presenting their sustainable concepts.
• Ulrike Arlt, editor-in-chief of SPORTSFASHION by SAZ, will moderate the program. She will also be giving a talk on the status quo of current success in relation to sustainability within the industry.
Trade fair general manager Marco Weichert said, “As a trade fair for functional fabrics and materials, we have always been a pioneer when it comes to innovation. The topic of sustainability is not only of immense importance, it will be the driving key issue for the branch in the coming years.”
Admission to the trade fair plus all lectures and talks at the sustain&innovate conference are free of charge. However, it is recommended that visitors register online in advance of their arrival in order to avoid waiting times at entrances.
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