Functional Fabric Fair New York concludes summer 2025 with focus on innovation and sustainability

The Functional Fabric Fair Summer 2025 edition successfully wrapped up at the Javits Center in New York, drawing over 2,100 industry professionals. The event centered on sustainability and innovation, attracting key figures from top performance and fashion apparel brands, including Alo, Calvin Klein, Carhartt, Lululemon, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Rhone, Under Armour, and others.

A key moment of the fair was the launch of the inaugural Day 0 Sustainability Workshop on July 21, which saw over 150 attendees. The full-day event provided a platform for in-depth discussions and presentations on advancing sustainability across the textile supply chain. Curated by industry leaders Jill Dumain, Todd Copeland, and Kevin Myette, the program focused on material innovation, climate impact, and responsible sourcing, offering valuable strategies and insights for a sustainable future.

Steve McCullough, Event Vice President, commented, “Functional Fabric Fair is proud to be driving these efforts with meaningful programming, expert education, and opportunities to build real solutions.”

The exhibit hall opened on July 22–23 with over 150 exhibiting companies, showcasing sustainable innovations. The event also featured a dynamic series of Expert Talks, covering the latest trends in materials, sourcing strategies, and industry innovations.

Program Highlights:

• Future Fabrics Expo Innovation Hub: The U.S. debut of this curated display showcased 33 cutting-edge materials and suppliers focused on sustainability. Featured innovations included self-composing print media from living fungi, bioplastics made from regenerated wetlands, and enzymes that break down blended fibers for reuse.
• Expert Talks: Sponsored by CovationBio® bioPTMEG, the Expert Talks stage attracted large crowds, covering topics like tariff impacts, circularity, women’s leadership, and 3D garment technology.
• Trend Forum: The Trend Forum highlighted 12 key fabric categories, with sustainable samples accessible via QR code, streamlining the sourcing process for attendees.
• Networking Events: Networking opportunities included the AATCC “Social in the City,” Happy Hour sponsored by Sorona, and daily complimentary coffee breaks hosted by Coloro, offering valuable chances for professionals to connect across the textile supply chain.

Industry Feedback:

Attendees were impressed with the fair’s focus on sustainability and innovation. Gurvinder Malhotra, Vice President of Global Raw Materials at Alo, noted that the fair significantly impacted both short-term and long-term sourcing strategies. Peter Lucier of WidePlus International emphasized the high quality of conversations and described the event as “the most valuable sourcing event we participate in.”

Ray He of Jooya Textile, a first-time exhibitor, praised the fair for providing an excellent platform to showcase sustainable fabrics to the right audience.

Alexa Dehmel, performance sportswear design expert and Head Judge of the Trend Forum, observed a clear shift among fashion and apparel brands towards sustainability and circularity. She emphasized that these concerns are now central to business strategies, with innovation and sustainability proving to be profitable drivers in the industry.

The Functional Fabric Fair Summer 2025 served as a pivotal event for the apparel industry, accelerating the shift toward sustainability and innovation in performance and fashion apparel.