This event will highlight how sustainably-sourced renewable and recycled materials are moving the textile industry toward a circular economy. Industry, policy and sustainability experts will discuss eco-design and how to reduce apparel’s impact.
- bioeconomy | circular economy | environmental impact | renewable resources | sustainable economic growth strategy | waste recycling
- Wednesday 11 June 2025, 15:00 - 16:40 (CEST)
- Online only
- Live streaming available
- Country
- Belgium
Practical information
- When
- Wednesday 11 June 2025, 15:00 - 16:40 (CEST)
- Where
- Online only
- Livestream
- Starts on Wednesday 11 June 2025, 15:00 (CEST)
- Languages
- English
- Part of
Description
The transition to a circular economy in the textile sector is essential for reducing environmental impact, fostering innovation, and ensuring the future resilience of the industry. While recycled materials form a crucial part of this transformation, sustainably-sourced renewable fibres, such as organic cotton, regenerative wool, and responsibly-produced leather, also play a key role. This online panel event will explore why both recycled and renewable materials are necessary for achieving true circularity in the textile value chain.
In light of the EcoDesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the discussion will reflect on how EU policy can accelerate the uptake of sustainable fibres and promote material choices that support circularity. The panel will bring together policymakers, sustainability experts, and industry representatives to discuss best practices, challenges, and opportunities around integrating these materials into sustainable fashion systems.
Confirmed and prospective panellists include representatives from DG ENV (European Commission, tbc), Textile Exchange, Organic Cotton Accelerator, and VF Corporation. Ohana Public Affairs will moderate the discussion, which will also touch on corporate strategies and policy tools that encourage responsible sourcing and material traceability.
Key themes will include:
- The complementary role of recycled and renewable materials in sustainable textile production
- Best practices for sourcing and integrating organic and regenerative fibres
- ESPR as a tool to drive circularity in the apparel sector
- The impact of informed sourcing decisions on environmental and social outcomes
- Innovation opportunities for brands and manufacturers
The session will also feature a live Q&A with the audience, offering an opportunity for exchange between experts and participants. Open to a broad audience, such as consumers, companies, policymakers, researchers, and youth, the event will be conducted in English and aims to engage 50–150+ attendees.
This discussion will intersect with key sustainability topics such as the bioeconomy, consumer policy, circular business models, waste prevention, and natural resource management, each of which plays a vital role in transforming the textile industry into a resilient, low-impact, and future-ready sector.
