The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) Congress in Lille, France, held from 20 to 22 May 2025, featured a presentation by Performance Days, the leading international trade fair for functional fabrics and textile sustainability innovations. This was the first public manifestation of what is set to be an exciting, ongoing partnership aimed at promoting the sustainable properties of wool.
Function Meets Fibre
In addition to its appearance on the main stage on 21 May, Performance Days also hosted a tabletop throughout the congress, hosted by co-founder and head of sales Claus Habbicht. The focus was on functional wool innovations and interdisciplinary exchange with industry professionals. Their presence at the Congress, and the ongoing collaboration it heralds, arise from the synergy identified between the IWTO and Performance Days. IWTO is committed to promoting the interests of stakeholders through the wool value chain, from farm to retail and beyond. Performance Days focuses on function and sustainability in the world of fabric and fashion, so it makes perfect sense for the two organisations to work together.
“The partnership between IWTO and PERFORMANCE DAYS marks a significant step in strengthening wool’s role in the world of performance textiles. Together, we are creating platforms to showcase wool’s natural performance attributes and foster innovation at the intersection of natural fibres and high-tech,” said Dalena White, Secretary General of IWTO.
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Wool at Performance Days
The focus on wool is not entirely new at Performance Days. Wool was first featured as a focus topic ten years ago. The involvement of the IWTO, however, provides opportunities for deeper explorations of this natural fibre’s functional and sustainable properties. The industry’s growing focus on bio-based and biodegradable materials is clearly reflected in the visitor experience at Performance Days. Both the IWTO and Performance Days are aware of the rising interest in natural performance textiles, particularly with regard to moisture management, insulation, and odour control – all areas in which wool excels. Brands are making increasing use of wool to create base layers, sportswear and outdoor collections, among other products. But the aim is not merely to exploit the multiple properties of wool, but also to satisfy the increasing need for materials that are traceable, from certified origins, with a focus on animal welfare, ethics and transparency.
Now that the 2025 IWTO Congress has come to a successful end, the partnership between IWTO and Performance Days will continue. Their next collaboration will be at Performance Days Munich (29-30 October 2025). The IWTO, along with Campaign for Wool and Woolmark, is set to exhibit at the event’s Wool Forum, and will be involved in several of the expert talks on the topic of wool and its benefits. The trade fair – specifically its wool focus – will form part of the Campaign for Wool’s annual Wool Month.
Then, in March 2026, the Functional Fabric Fair will be held in Shanghai. The IWTO will help promote the event, and contribute content to the Wool Forum. More collaborations are likely to be announced in the near future, and both parties hope that the partnership will reap rewards for the wool industry – and wool itself.
Learn More About The Wool Industry at IWTO
For more information on the wool industry around the world, take a look at our Wool Resources or visit our website.