Performance Days, the leading trade fair for functional fabrics and textile sustainability, has entered a strategic alliance with the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), aiming to spotlight wool’s potential as a high-performance, natural fibre. This collaboration will promote wool as a responsible, durable material and support knowledge exchange across the textile industry through shared initiatives and event appearances.

IWTO, headquartered in Brussels, represents the entire wool value chain and actively advocates for sustainable, transparent, and ethical practices. The partnership will make its first public appearance at the IWTO Congress in Lille, France, from 20–22 May 2025. On 21 May, Performance Days will present on the main stage and host a dedicated tabletop booth to engage with industry professionals on functional wool innovations.

“This partnership between IWTO and Performance Days marks a significant step in strengthening wool’s role in the world of performance textiles,” said Dalena White, Secretary General of IWTO. “Together, we are creating platforms to showcase wool’s natural performance attributes and foster innovation at the intersection of natural fibres and high-tech.”

Wool has been a key focus at Performance Days for years, first featured as a central theme in 2015. Since then, wool-based innovations - including Merino, recycled, organic, and traceable fibres - have consistently been highlighted in trend forums and educational formats. Interest in natural materials continues to rise, particularly for their benefits in moisture management, insulation, and odour control, with brands increasingly turning to wool for base layers, sportswear, and outdoor collections.

Since October 2024, the fair has featured a dedicated Wool Forum and a central showcase area for wool manufacturers. These spaces offer visibility and industry insights through curated exhibits and expert jury evaluations of new wool developments.

“Wool is no longer a niche product - it is a high-performance, natural fibre with great potential for sustainable innovation,” said Claus Habbicht, Co-founder and Head of Sales at Performance Days. “Partnering with IWTO is a logical next step to help brands more effectively integrate wool into their responsible collections.”

The collaboration extends beyond a single event. At Performance Days Munich in October 2025, IWTO will exhibit within the Wool Forum and contribute to expert talks. The event will also be highlighted during Wool Month by the Campaign for Wool. In March 2026, at Functional Fabric Fair Shanghai, IWTO will provide content and promotional support for wool-focused programming.

With events in Munich, New York, Portland, and Shanghai, Performance Days connects material innovators, designers, and brands across the global textile value chain. Together with IWTO, it is poised to advance the role of natural fibres in performance apparel’s sustainable future.

www.performancedays.com

www.iwto.org