Reducing environmental impact became the key principle for the past Functional Fabric Fair 2019

Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days is organized by Reed Exhibitions and presents apparel industry professionals with the most current innovations in high-performance functional fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories from fabric mills and branded technology companies in a sustainable/minimal waste exhibition.

Now in its second year in the U.S., Functional Fabric Fair doubled its exhibitors and increased attendance by 75 percent compared to its inaugural event. These numbers indicate a growing interest in creating apparel that is functional and sustainable, according to show officials.

The show’s 135 exhibitors had to meet certain criteria to participate in the event, including being certified by Bluesign, a system thatensures products were manufactured with responsible use of resources, and the lowest possible impact on people and the environment. Attendees had a chance to review sustainable solutions such as e.dye’s waterless color systems and Polartec’s clothing featuring stain-resistant technology that reduces the need for regular washing.

Functional Fabric Fair suppliedthe booth package for all exhibitors. Created by FB International, a trade show decorator based in New Jersey, booth walls are made of reusable Veloce fabric, which is made from recycled poly and plastic.

According to Steve McCullough, Functional Fabric Fair event manager, exhibitors are not permitted to bring booths made of unsustainable materials such as foam to the show. This rule not only helps reduce waste, but also means exhibitors ship less material, therefore reducing the environmental impact of transporting heavy booths to the show. 

The event also used a pre-carpeted space that prevented the need for temporary carpet on the showfloor and worked with Javits Center, a LEED-Silver facility, on recycling programs and reducing single-use plastics.

Chadaé Bowler, senior manager of marketing at Reed Exhibitions, says sustainability is woven into all of Functional Fabric Fair’s educational sessions. Outside of the formal education program, the show paid a particular focus on educating its audiences about water conservation.

“Water sustainability is a big focus, which is why we created a focus topic wall that covers the effects of water usage and how the industry can educate consumers,” Bowler says. 

McCullough adds that all consumers must be cognizant of the amount of waste that comes from the production of clothing. 

“As an event serving the apparel textile industry, it’s important to us to promote increased sustainability in clothing production and to reinforce that focus with our own sustainability efforts in producing the Fair,” he says.

Functional Fabric Fair will hold its next edition in Portland, Oregon, Oct. 22-23. As a LEED-Platinum facility, the Oregon Convention Center maintains very strict rules for events and participants that the show will implement. The event plans to carry over several of those rules upon returning to New York July 20-21, 2020, as it continues its push toward zero-waste status show-wide.

“Next year we will not allow foam core at the show even if you plan to reuse it,” McCullough says.

The text/image source: TSNN, official exhibition website Functional Fabric Fair 2019