Fast track: alternative sustainable materials for performance apparel highlighted at Performance Days

14 pages, published in Issue 79, December 2023   Report price: Euro 305.00; US$ 400.00

A special presentation showcasing innovative alternatives to synthetic fibres, finishing treatments and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes for performance apparel was hosted by the organisers of the edition of Performance Days for the autumn/winter 2025/26 season. Such innovations continue to be introduced to the performance apparel market and, significantly, many can be adopted without the need for manufacturers to make changes to their existing production lines or processes. During the presentation at Performance Days, Beyond Surface Technologies exhibited a bio-based moisture wicking finish which is based on a biomass formula, and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish which is made using an unmodified dispersion based on wax derived from the Candelilla shrub. Modern Meadow showcased a breathable waterproof membrane which contains more than 60% bio-based materials--representing the highest percentage on the market--and OceanSafe displayed a biodegradable polymer which is said to be a next-generation replacement for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer. Phoenix Innovative Materials had a range of lightweight microporous polypropylene (PP) membranes which are free from PTFE, polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and Rheon Labs exhibited a thermoplastic elastomer which is able to absorb four times more energy than standard thermoplastic elastomers. The elastomer facilitates the manufacture of garments which can react dynamically to the body's movement, and it promises to enhance elite sports performance.

INTRODUCTION


BEYOND SURFACE TECHNOLOGIES: MIDORI BIOWICK WA 1.0 AND MIDORI BIOPEL BRP


• miDori bioWick WA 1.0
• miDori bioPel BRP

MODERN MEADOW: BIO-ALLOY


OCEANSAFE: NANEA


• 2023 Design Prize Switzerland

PHOENIX INNOVATIVE MATERIALS: FEATHERS


RHEON LABS: RHEON


• Soft tissue support
• Elite sports

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Product Overview

Four times a year, Performance Apparel Markets provides an overview of the sector for performance apparel and corporatewear. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for performance fibres, fabrics and clothing, and is essential reading for executives who are working in (or supplying) this fast growing sector. It is also an invaluable one-stop-shop where people who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis can find an authoritative source of relevant information which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies in this sector.
Reports in Performance Apparel Markets include:
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	company profiles, outlining the business, product, market and manufacturing strategies employed by key players in the performance apparel industry; and
	business news and developments affecting global performance apparel markets, majoring on innovations, mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, and financial performances.
Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the international textile and clothing industry ? and market growth is being fuelled by the emergence of new fibres, new fabrics and innovative process technologies. The market is also being boosted by changes in consumer lifestyles. People are living longer and spending more time on leisure activities. New high-tech fabrics are being developed for a wide range of active sports such as aerobics, athletics, ballooning, cycling, hiking, mountaineering, parachuting, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and windsurfing.
Exciting innovations are emerging in smart textiles and nanotechnology ? and the sector?s growth prospects are helped by the trend in increasing demand for performance features in mainstream fashion.
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