Portland, Oregon- The upcoming Functional Fabric Fair Fall 2023, scheduled for November 1-2 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, promises to be a hotbed of sustainable textile and footwear innovations. A notable participant in this event is Sympatex, a leading membrane manufacturer, that is spearheading the push for eco-friendly practices in the industry.
Meeting the Demand for Responsible Sourcing
With the growing global emphasis on responsible sourcing and reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the choice of materials has never been more critical. Sympatex has recognized this pressing need and is responding with a commitment to expand its product portfolio with laminates made from fiber-to-fiber recycling. By doing so, they aim to reduce the ecological footprint of garments and offer a sustainable alternative.
Visitors to Sympatex’s booth at the Functional Fabric Fair (Booth 813) will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the strides made in reducing the industry’s environmental impact. The company has also created an Eco Design Guide to share this valuable knowledge with brand partners. In Europe, these efforts align with the EU Green Deal, which emphasizes Product Environmental Footprints.
Sympatex CEO Dr. Rüdiger Fox Takes the Stage
One of the highlights of the fair will be a speaking engagement by Dr. Rüdiger Fox, the CEO of Sympatex, on November 2, 2023, at 11:30 AM. Dr. Fox’s presentation, titled “The recycling ‘Bottle’neck – why fiber-to-fiber is the only viable option to serve our recycling commitments,” will delve into the significance of adopting sustainable practices, especially in the context of recycling.
Dr. Fox emphasizes that, while many brands are aiming for ambitious recycling targets, particularly for polyester, there is a need to move beyond the short-term solution of PET bottle recycling. Sympatex advocates for closing the textile loop and embracing design standards that support this process, known as Design4Recyclability.
Supporting a Circular Economy
Kim Scholze, CSMO of Sympatex, praises the role of events like Performance Days and Functional Fabric Fair in educating the outdoor industry and fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange, and education to accelerate efforts toward a circular economy. This year’s theme, “From Membranes to Carbon Story,” holds particular significance as the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is finally banned, reinforcing the need for eco-friendly alternatives.
Innovations in Footwear
The Functional Fabric Fair is also showcasing innovations in footwear, and Sympatex is at the forefront with its latest creation, the Sorrento non-woven material. This innovation can reduce CO2 emissions by 10% and water consumption by 15% by eliminating polyurethane foam in footwear production.
To bolster its commitment to sustainable footwear, Sympatex has brought Marc Estor on board as the Global Sales & Business Development Footwear. Estor’s extensive experience in the footwear industry positions him well to drive Sympatex’s sustainability mission in the footwear sector.
An Event Not to Miss
The Functional Fabric Fair, dedicated to outdoor and active apparel, promises to provide a platform for the latest sustainable textiles and footwear for the Autumn/Winter 2025 season. It will also host expert-led talks to inform and inspire attendees. This fair is open free of charge to verified designers, product managers, and material experts, offering an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with the apparel community in person.
Sympatex, with its focus on sustainability and innovation, is leading the charge in transforming the textile and footwear industry towards a more eco-conscious and responsible future. The Functional Fabric Fair in Portland is the place to witness these groundbreaking changes firsthand and be part of the movement towards a greener and more sustainable fashion world.