Performance Days
Collectors & Sorters
Following the focus topic on textile-to-textile recycling in October 2025, the upcoming edition of Performance Days will once again focus on the circular economy—this time with a broader perspective.
Under the title "Textile to Textile: The Role of Collectors & Sorters," the Functional Fabric Fair on March 18 and 19will focuson the often underestimated role of collectors and sorters in a functioning circular textile system.
The path to true circularity begins at the start of the value chain: with the collection and sorting of used textiles. This is where the clean and traceable material flows that recyclers need for new fibers are created. At the same time, Europe faces major challenges—such as a lack of infrastructure, contamination, and logistical and regulatory hurdles.
The Focus Topic therefore highlights both potential and obstacles: from optimized collection and sorting systems to automated sorting technologies, AI, and NIR, to political frameworks such as the EU Waste Framework Directive, EPR models, and digital product passports. The aim is to strengthen cooperation along the entire value chain—from brands to municipalities to recyclers—and to promote scalable solutions.
As in every season, the theme will be visible throughout the trade fair: in the Trend Forum, at keynotes, expert talk panels, workshops, and special areas.
“For our industry to scale up, we need to understand what happens at the beginning of the value chain and how we can strengthen the foundations of our industry. “Our focus isn’t solely on the various recycling processes. Many key questions arise much earlier: in understanding material flows, in establishing efficient structures, and in creating an environment that enables innovation in the first place,” says Anna Schuster, Head of Sustainability Performance Days. “That’s why, at the Performance Days, we present not only market-ready solutions but also early, forward-looking approaches.”
