Sustainability

The hidden durability challenge: why persistent odor can shorten the life of sportswear

PERFORMANCE DAYS, Munich

Breakout Stage

Wednesday 14th October 2026

11:00 - 11:30 CEST

A garment may be technically durable, but if it starts to smell after repeated wear and washing, how long will consumers actually wear it? Persistent odor, referred to as "permastink," is an increasingly important challenge for synthetic sportswear. Repeated wear and laundering can lead to the accumulation of skin oils, such as sebum, on fibers. This contributes to persistent residual odor that conventional washing struggles to remove.
 
This presentation will explore the causes of textile malodor, the relationship between sebum accumulation and permastink, and why managing odor should be considered part of the garment longevity equation. It will also introduce a biocide-free odor management technology that caters to long-term and short-term malodor challenges.

About the orator

Lee Howarth

SANITIZED AG

Head Brand Marketing / BU Textiles

Lee Howarth is the Head of Brand Marketing, Business Unit Textiles at SANITIZED AG. He is responsible for developing the textile business's brand and market strategy, as well as driving the adoption of SANITIZED technologies among global textile brands and retailers. With his extensive experience in textile technology, sustainability, and brand engagement, Lee has worked closely with leading global brands, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to translate textile innovations into commercially relevant solutions. His current focus includes the evolution of odor management technologies and their role in garment longevity, circularity, and the changing regulatory landscape.

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Exhibitor List October 2026