Performance Days 2023

? PERFORMANCE DAYS started with something unexpected, like pretty cotton wristbands as entry bands, instead of plastic "trough-away" entry bands. This seems both cool and unusual. But here's the real story - Raddis presented the sustainable cotton wristbands at the event, as a symbol of circularity and they were made from preloved shirts, as I was told. We from team atlat were thrilled to be part of Performance Days.? We had the privilege of participating in the Sustainability Lounge and presented our very first industry fair poster with the support of some of our great partners – deuter Sport GmbH ORTOVOX MONTREET Sustify GmbH CARE tex.tracer . A big thank you to Anna Rodewald from GreenroomVoice for this fantastic opportunity. It's safe to say that the organizers pulled off a successful event. ??

The Event Highlights???

The Performance Days' new venue at the Messe München's 1.5 halls marked a remarkable change. With 2,625 visitors and 436 exhibitors from 34 countries, the organizers celebrated a resounding success. Special recognition goes to Charles Ross for his outstanding moderation, as always. And let's not forget the exciting addition of a new shoe section to the event, enhancing the existing clothing sector. It was a dynamic synergy making it a win-win for both exhibitors and visitors.

Spaces for Sustainable Initiatives?

In addition to the fantastic event itself, Performance Days 2023 showcased other incredible sustainable initiatives that deserve attention. Among these, Raddis stands out for its #transformation of the cotton value chain. RaddisCotton is calling upon the #textile and #fashion industry to join their transparent "Farm-to-Product" #valuechain with a proven positive footprint for people and the planet. Their commitment goes beyond good cotton; it's about a holistic approach to sustainability.

Another noteworthy initiative is the Materra Initiative, presented by Edward Brial . Materra's integrated technology is accelerating the production of future-proof #cotton at scale. They explore a wide range of innovative practices, from experimental hydroponics to mass-market #regenerative techniques.

matterr , represented by Mathias Kirstein , develops circular solutions in the world of plastics. Their patented technology, revolPET?, is revolutionizing PET recycling by giving it new life repeatedly. Furthermore, RITTEC is also working on software for a #circular product passport. This innovative approach is a testament to their commitment to circularity and sustainability.

Additionally, the Sustainability Lounge at Performance Days offered more than just exhibitions. Anna Rodewald, in her role as a sustainability leader, presented the Climate Fresk as a quiz. This unique initiative takes the complex #IPCC Report and breaks it down into understandable components, helping participants grasp the causes and effects of human behavior leading to climate catastrophe. Through playful and accessible methods, attendees gained insight into the critical issue of climate change. It's an educational approach that highlights the importance of sustainability literacy in the industry.

The Need for Deeper Sustainability Understanding

In my opinion, Performance Days 2023 was a fantastic opportunity to be a part of. The Sustainability Lounge, organized by Anna Rodewald, was a beautiful lighthouse.

One of our favorite panels at Performance Days was titled "How can nature lead us in design?" The panel featured Anna Rodewald from GreenroomVoice, Sanne van den Dungen from Yassaree and Raddis Cotton, Kjersti Kvist from Design2025, and David Amar from Land to Market . This discussion was exceptionally inspiring, delving into the ways nature can influence and guide design choices. We were inspired by the emphasis on systemic sustainability. Yet, it was concerning to see that many suppliers are not fully, or not at all, aware of the due diligence requirements outlined in the German #Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz or in the EU #CSDDD practices. It appears that many suppliers purely rely on certificates rather than embracing a more profound shift towards #HRDD and comprehensive #CSR management. To be honest, that's why, we would appreciate even more sustainability panels to raise awareness, with a focus on concrete cases and actionable recommendations for both fashion brands and garment suppliers. And, of course, more discussions on social sustainability are always welcome in our pursuit of a better, more sustainable industry.