What to Expect at Functional Fabric Fair 2025 – The Portland Fall Edition

We are nearing the end of another exciting year in the apparel and textile industry. However, there is still plenty of excitement and thrill with the remaining events. One such is the Fall Edition of Functional Fabric Fair, which stands out as a key event showcasing the future of performance fabrics.  

 

The fair takes place from November 11–13, 2025, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Apart from the sustainability talk, the event gives a sneak peek at all the innovative and creative trends for the 2026-2027 winter seasons. 

 

For many years, Functional Fabric Fair serves as an exclusive sourcing platform for brands dealing with lifestyle, activewear textile, footwear, and accessories. The event is free and open to verified designers, product and purchasing managers who look to source materials for future textile and apparel. 

 

Organized by Performance Days, the event focuses on “sustainability’ with a first full day workshop followed by thought-provoking sessions and discussions over the next two days. 

Triple Tree Solutions at Functional Fabric Fair 

At Triple Tree Solutions, our goal is to empower the apparel and textile industry with digital solutions that drive efficiency, quality, and sustainability.  

 

We understand that innovation doesn’t stop at design but continues through production, testing, and delivery. That’s why we’re excited to be part of the Functional Fabric Fair. Wayne McMann, our US Director of Business Development, will connect with industry peers and explore technologies that complement our end-to-end workflow solutions. 

 

Our flagship software are already helping global brands and manufacturers optimize every stage of the apparel lifecycle: 

 

QUONDA – A real-time quality management solution that brings visibility and analytics to every step of production. It enables instant quality inspection, reduces rework, and provides advanced analytics and reports. 

 

ColordesQ – A digital color management software that helps streamline color evaluation and approval. It reduces sample rounds and ensures consistent color accuracy. 

 

TrackIT – A holistic platform to plan, track, and manage all production orders. Brands get complete visibility to manage delivery timelines and prevent delays. 

 

Together, these solutions form a connected tech ecosystem to simplify workflows and drives smarter decisions.  

 

As the industry moves toward digital-first and sustainable models, Triple Tree Solutions remains a trusted partner for transformation. 

 

Connect with Us during the Functional Fabric Fair to explore how our technology can redefine your textile and apparel operations. 

Functional Fabric Fair Highlights 

Day 0 Sustainability Workshop – Nov 11, 2025 - Tuesday

 

The Functional Fabric Fair will start with a Sustainability Workshop at the Deschutes Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Portland. The focus will be towards advancing responsible innovation and circularity in performance textiles. Real case studies will be presented by experts and attendees can participate in round-table conversations and interactive activities.  

 

Here is the Day’s Topics of Discussion: 

 

Welcome and Introduction 

Stephen McCullough (Event Director for Functional Fabric Fair) and Todd Copeland (Owner and Founder, Copeland Consultancy) will welcome the audience and give a brief introduction to the agenda. 

 

Acknowledging Supply Chain Complexity:  

Delve into the complexity of the supply chain and explore sustainability solutions and impact. 

 

Strengthening Collaboration for Decarbonizing Textile Manufacturing:  

Will expand the recent paper commissioned by the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action’s Manufacturers Peer Action Group, and discuss why brands are not achieving desired decarbonization results. 

 

Assessing the Sustainability Promises of Emerging Innovations:  

Evaluate how new sustainable methods are impacting mature technologies and established industries. 

 

Innovator’s Panel: Scaling Sustainable Chemical Innovations:  

A panel of experts discusses how discuss benefits and barriers to adopt chemical innovations that reduce hazards, carbon emissions, water, and energy use.  

 

Workshop Activity: Supporting Innovation for Advancements in Sustainability:  

Hands-on session where participants co-create strategies and tools to advance sustainable practices in the textile supply chain. 

 

Current State of Corporate Social Responsibility & the Risk of Forced Labor:  

Focuses on human rights challenges within the apparel and textile industry and how companies can respond to forced labor risks. 

 

The Shifting Landscape of Sustainability Policy and Advocacy Opportunities:  

Looks into evolving regulations, policy trends, and how textile industry stakeholders can engage in advocacy and compliance. 

 

End of Day Closing and Survey: 

The facilitators will conclude with a recap of the day, and attendees can participate with a live feedback survey 

 

Networking and Happy Hour: 

Attendees can meet with their peers and share their thoughts or ask questions. 

Day 2 and 3 Highlights

The focus of the Functional Fabric Fair is the Expert Talks Program that features a dynamic lineup of presentations and discussions across two full days. These sessions are designed to inspire creative thinking and practical innovation, giving attendees key insights.

 

Day 2 Expert Talks Schedule - Nov 12, 2025 - Wednesday 

 

Key Topics of Discussion: 

 

Opening Remarks: 

By Charles Ross, Lecturer in Performance Sportswear Design, Royal College of Art 

 

FORUMS Insights Stage | PERFORMANCE Materials:

Alexa Dehmel will discuss exciting innovations and forward-looking developments across Trend Forum, Innovation Forum, and Wool Forum. 

 

PERFORMANCE COLORS by Nora Kuehner Update Summer 2027 | Kickoff Winter 2027*28:

Nora Kuehner will give vibrant presentation on all the colors of the upcoming seasons.  

 

Focus Topic - Textile-to-Textile: The Role of Recyclers:

Examines how textile recyclers are shaping circular supply chains and how brands have to repair, reduce, and revitalize.  

 

Rethinking Brand-Supplier Collaboration: Partnering for Product Development:

Discusses new collaboration models between brands and suppliers to accelerate innovation in product development. 

 

Leveraging Biogenic Carbon: Cotton’s Role in Improving Sustainability Across the Textile Supply Chain:

Highlights how cotton and biogenic carbon pathways can reduce environmental impact in textile production. 

 

The (Chemical) Additives Panel:

A panel debate on the role, risks, and innovations of chemical additives in high-performance textiles.  

 

Plant-Based Solutions in Performance Fabrics: Sugarcane-Based Innovation from Hyosung TNC x Lenzing:

A workshop that explores how Hyosung TNC and Lenzing are pioneering sugarcane-based performance fabrics to establish a new benchmark. 

 

Closing the Loop: Textile-to-Textile Recycling in the Outdoor Industry:

This session talks about an overview of the current landscape, regulations, and innovations in textile recycling.

 

The Future Is Now: New Material Innovation Landscape:

Join The Future Fabrics Expo team to explore the next generation of materials that will shape textile and apparel future. 

 

Closing Remarks:

By Charles Ross, Lecturer in Performance Sportswear Design, Royal College of Art 

 

Forum Awards:

Attendees can see the Functional Fabric Fair Forum Awards. 

 

Day 3 Expert Talks Schedule - Nov 13, 2025 - Thursday 

 

Opening Remarks: 

By Charles Ross, Lecturer in Performance Sportswear Design, Royal College of Art 

 

The Visionary Outlook - ReFraming Product Development:

Reimagines how apparel product development can be future-oriented, agile, and driven by performance and sustainability goals. 

 

Beyond the Wash: New Insights on Microfiber Biodegradation and Ecotoxicity:

Dr. Jan Beringer offers the latest research on how microfibers break down along with the implications for apparel water use, finishes, and ecosystem health. 

 

From Imposing to Inclusion: Rethinking Human Rights Protection in the Supply Chain: 

Discussion on ethical supply chains and need to involve factories, workers, and all stakeholders in setting the rules and subsequent compliance.  

 

Dynamic Breathability: Merino wool's thermoregulation advantage: 

Talk on 4-year research program that explores how merino wool delivers superior thermal comfort. 

 

Tariffs and Evolving Trade Policies and their Impact on U.S. Apparel Sourcing 

Examines how increasing tariffs are reshaping trade policies and impacting how U.S. brands source apparel materials. 

 

Exploring Historic Outdoor Performance Textiles 

Takes a retrospective look at key textile innovations from the past, particularly outdoor performance textiles. 

 

The 24-Hour Wardrobe 

Dialogue on how bodywear is not a niche anymore and has become mainstream. 

 

Featured Speakers

The 2025 Functional Fabric Fair features an impressive lineup of speakers representing diverse expertise across design, sustainability, and innovation.  

 

Day 0 Speakers

Alex Lauver: Owner and Principal, Douglas Strategies LLC 

Allon Cohne: Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Noble Biomaterials 

Brian La Plante: Senior Manager of Sustainability, YKK Global Marketing Group 

Eric Brody: Founder and Principal, Shift Advantage 

James Pollack: Partner, Marten Law LLP 

Jill Dumain: Founding Partner, Fractal CSOs 

Jimmy Summers: VP - EHS/Sustainability, Burlington Industries 

Keelin Christensen: Sustainable Business Innovation Manager, Outdoor Industry Association 

Kevin Myette: Director, Global Brand Services, bluesign technologies ag 

Kim Drenner: Head of Environmental Impact, Patagonia 

Libby Sommer: Principal and Founder, Libby Sommer LLC 

Mary Bean: Principal Consultant, Evergreen Responsibility 

Michael Murphy: CEO, e.dye® Americas, Inc. Waterless Color System 

Michel Waegli: Head of Industrial Applications, Livinguard Technologies AG 

Motthida Chin: Cosultant, Coach and Educator, Motthida Chin LLC 

Stephen McCullough: Event Director and Founder, Functional Fabric Fair 

Todd Copeland: Owner & Founder, Copeland Consultancy LLC 

 

Expert Talk Speakers 

Abby Hollis: VP, Product and Impact, LIVSN Designs 

Adam Gardiner: Lead, Recycled Engagement, Textile Exchange 

Alexa Dehmel: Performance Apparel Design & Functional Material Advisory | Innovation & Sustainability, Alexa Dehmel - Consulting & Design 

Bobby Howell: Vice President, Americas, Polygiene Group Ab 

Brian La Plante: Senior Manager of Sustainability, YKK Global Marketing Group 

Carol Shu: Senior Manager of Global Sustainability, The North Face 

Cassia Lewis Cameron: Senior Material Developer - Equipment, Synthetic Wovens, & Logo, Patagonia 

Charles Ross: Lecturer in Performance Sportswear Design, Royal College of Art 

Claire Weiss: Head of Innovations, The Sustainable Angle & FutureFabricsExpo 

Davide Ballico: Principal & Founder, DB ORAMA CONSULTANCY INC. 

Diane Woods: Global Head of Sales and Business Development, Reju 

Doug Lynch: President, FILIUM CORP 

Dr. Jan Beringer: Senior Scientific Expert, Hohenstein 

Eric Goodwin: Director, Lathley 

Eunice Cho: Head of Product Development, Ambercycle 

Hannah Orlowski: Account Manager - Technical Sales & Development, Contempora Fabrics 

James Clayton: R&D Director, Innovations, Microban International 

Jean Pierre Seveke: President and Director, PT Hollit International, Continent8 and PT Eco Laundry Hijau Indonesia 

Jon Devine: Senior Economist, Cotton Incorporated 

Malvina Hoxha: Director US Marketing, Hyosung TN 

Mark Larese-Casanova: Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Utah State University 

Michael Sadowski: Executive Director, The Circulate Initiative 

Musa Raibin: Chief Sales Officer, HeiQ’s Business Unit Textiles 

Nichole de Carle: Founder: London Contour Experts Group 

Nina Marenzi: Founder and CEO, The Sustainable Angle I Future Fabrics Expo | VIRTUAL Expo 

Nora Kühner: Independent Fashion & Design Consultant, Independent Fashion & Design Consultant 

Ruth Kelly: Founder & Materials Consultant, Weft x Warp Fabric Consultancy Ltd 

Sarah Schlenger: R&D Commercialization Manager, Americas, The Woolmark Company 

Sharon Perez: Head of Business Development, US, Lenzing Fibers 

Steven Pires: Associate Director, Sustainability, Cotton Incorporated 

Tom Bonamici: Assistant Professor, University of Oregon Product Design 

Tony Anzovino: Sourcing, Operations, Product Development, Dillard’s 

 

Why Attend the Functional Fabric Fair 

For designers, manufacturers, and brands aiming to stay ahead of the curve, the Functional Fabric Fair Fall Edition offers more than just inspiration. It delivers insights, partnerships, and real-world solutions.  

 

Here’s why it’s worth your time: 

 

Discover Emerging Trends: Gain firsthand exposure to next-generation fabrics, technologies, and color trends. 

Engage with Experts: Learn directly from global leaders through talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. 

Experience Innovation in Action: Explore sustainable and functional materials redefining the apparel landscape. 

Build Future-Ready Connections: Collaborate with suppliers and technology providers driving the future of performance wear. 

 

Conclusion 

The Functional Fabric Fair – Fall Edition 2025 is more than an exhibition—it’s a convergence of minds committed to crafting a sustainable and high-performing future for textiles. As the industry continues to evolve, Triple Tree Solutions is proud to stand at the intersection of technology, innovation, and sustainability. 

 

Join us in Portland as we continue our journey to connect, collaborate, and contribute to an industry that’s truly fabricating the future. 

 

#FunctionalFabricFair #FFFPortland2025 #PerformanceFabrics #TextileInnovation #SustainableTextiles #CircularDesign #MaterialInnovation #TextileTechnology #FutureOfFabrics  

What to Expect at Functional Fabric Fair 2025 – The Portland Fall Edition
Triple Tree Solutions
Articles
Published 7 November 2025

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