Performance Days: Portugal showcases sustainable elastics, bi-stretch knits, and recycled socks

Performance Days kicked off today with the participation of eight Portuguese companies integrated into the Sustainable Textile & Apparel From PORTUGAL project, promoted by ATP. The companies present are: A. Sampaio & Filhos, Casa da Malha, Comfysocks, LMA, Lunartex, NGS Malhas, Sidónios Malhas, and WAT.

Together, they ensure quality, durability, comfort, and safety for the sports segment, combining flexibility with the ability to respond quickly to market demands. What unites them is the combination of innovation with environmental and social responsibility, positioning them as trusted partners for international brands.

Among the highlights at this edition is Lunartex’s new line of sustainable elastics and tapes. The company, specialized in the production of high-performance elastics and tapes using advanced manufacturing technologies, guarantees visitors at Performance Days fast development cycles and now presents new products made from eco-friendly and recycled materials. Rui Lopes, Lunartex’s Export Manager, emphasizes the company’s commitment to increasingly sustainable and technologically advanced solutions.

Casa da Malha brings a wide variety of knits, with particular focus on its recent initiatives in the sportswear and activewear segments. “Among the latest developments are bi-stretch knits, which provide greater comfort and freedom of movement; functional base layer knits designed for performance and breathability; and knits with the natural performance of wool,” the company shares exclusively with T Jornal. Casa da Malha operates advanced and versatile circular knitting machines, capable of producing everything from lightweight, delicate structures to heavier, technical fabrics.

Sidónios Malhas is focusing this season on clean and sustainable fabrics, ensuring fast delivery times and low minimum order quantities. Alexandre Silva, from the company’s management, announced to T Jornal the launch of two new product lines: swimwear and protection. The new collection combines harmonious colors and refined textures, reflecting Sidónios’ commitment to design and sustainability.

In the high-performance socks segment for outdoor and active sports, Comfysocks stands out with a development that proves textile-to-textile recycling is possible. The company has developed an athleisure sock using a next-generation yarn from NewRetex, “made from 70% recycled clothing collected in Denmark,” they reveal to T Jornal. “With this development, we demonstrate that it is possible to achieve high levels of yarn recycling (without using PET) while maintaining high quality standards and a surprisingly soft touch.”

Other Portuguese companies exhibiting at the same fair include Impetus, Nextil Group, Positive Materials, TMG Textiles, and Vilartex, further reinforcing the strong presence and dynamism of the Portuguese textile industry at Performance Days.