Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1492065
textileinsight.com Winter 2023 ~ Textile Insight • 29 MARCO WEICHERT, CEO, PERFORMANCE DAYS AND WEICHERT AGENCIES "Performance Days has always had the mission to be the green standard of functional textiles in the market. Every year we try to review our expectations and goals and benchmark them with the industry. PFAS in membranes is a major task as well as C02 neutrality on which we have been working already for three editions. Our focus this year is to create, align and compare the carbon measurements and results. e entire event, besides being an EOCA member supporting Plant-for-the-Planet, is now C02 neutral in cooperation with Climate Partners. Also starting in fall 2023 we will launch a curated footwear section at Performance Days. With seven sold out events in 2023 we are looking forward to our most successful year in history!" TRENT BUSH, FOUNDER/CO-CEO/CO-OWNER, ARTILECT STUDIO "For 2023, we are really just staying on the course we set Artilect on when we launched the company in 2021: To supply an exceptional product experience for our customers who give our brand a chance, and to continue pushing technology and innovation to increase performance for both people and the planet. We are very confident in our founding principles and product initiatives; Now even more, given the current and forthcoming bans on PFAS and PTFE – and we are working hard to get the message out that increased performance and responsibility are not mutually exclusive." STEPHEN KERNS, PRESIDENT, SCHOELLER TEXTIL USA "We are off and running into a brighter, happier and more sustainable 2023 compared to 2022. e focus of conversations has shied to excitement around new products and developments versus the supply chain challenges of '22. Last year we were able to work out some new raw material strategies that will put us in a better place in 2023. We are happy to see the C0, PFOA, PFC-free future becoming a reality, and 2023 will have a major focus on helping some partners fully transition with our unique formulations. e business overall is more focused and efficient with attending fewer shows, more concentrated collection launches, and of course the ability to meet at offices again. e year is off to a great start with a lot of positive energy and news of brands expanding business reach with new categories and physical locations."