Join us for a week of engaging discussions, insightful presentations and workshops with key industry stakeholders, delivering all you need to know about circularity in the textile & apparel supply chain.
Monday 17th November I Designing for circularity (and circular materials)
The textiles & apparel industry faces an urgent mandate to transition from linear to circular models this decade. This keynote presentation will outline a comprehensive roadmap for achieving a sector-wide transition to circularity, emphasising the critical steps and transformative shifts required. WRAP will explore a collaborative framework to bring industry efforts together, pinpointing where the greatest impacts lie through a new suite of collective ‘indicators’ and providing clear roles for stakeholders on the journey.
This presentation will explore principles and practical applications of zero-waste design within the textile & apparel value chain. We will delve into innovative methodologies that aim to eliminate waste at every stage of the product lifecycle, from initial concept and pattern cutting to production and end-of-life. The session will highlight strategies for maximising material utilisation and designing for longevity and recyclability.
Brands are under pressure to increase the use of circular materials in their products – but what materials are available? How do they compare to more traditional textiles and how scalable are they? This panel session will speak to material specialists with novel, circular materials either under development or already in the market.
Tuesday 18th November I Manufacturing: circular production and materials
In this fireside chat we will look at new, innovative technologies that are emerging, scaling and commercialised within the textile & apparel industry. We will explore their development, scalability, implementation and challenges.
This case study-led discussion will delve into the experiences of the mills and producers using circular technology within their manufacturing facilities, such as those use chemical and water recovery, and dye reuse technologies etc.
Wednesday 19th November I Textile-to-textile recycling
With loopamid®, BASF has developed an innovative solution to improve circularity in the fashion industry and recycle polyamide 6 textile waste. Due to its capability to tolerate all fabric mixtures like PA6 and elastane, the cutting-edge technology behind loopamid® allows textile-to-textile recycling of post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste. The fibers and materials can be recycled over multiple cycles. At the same time, the material characteristics are identical to those of conventional virgin polyamide. In this session, you will learn more about loopamid and its technology as well as how it can help to reach sustainability goals.
Textile-to-textile recycling is the pinnacle of recycling within the textile & apparel value chain but its infrastructure, investment, policy and development has been problematic, stagnating the much-needed growth for more a circular supply chain. This keynote presentation will assess the role of philanthropy in real systems change in textile-to-textile recycling development. It will look at the importance of early-stage innovation support, investment and future tangible possibilities for the sector.
In this presentation, the key challenges and opportunities for textile circularity in Europe will be explored. It will examine the limits of current textile-to-textile recycling and the pressures facing European textile sorters and recyclers. The presentation will then highlight policy solutions such as mandatory recycled content in textile products, EPR schemes, ecodesign rules, clear end-of-waste criteria and enabling chemicals regulation to drive innovation and investment in textile recycling.
This panel will explore the experiences of those using textile-to-textile recycling within their supply chains. Learn first-hand from key players about their infrastructure development, challenges and successes as we collaboratively navigate this challenging circular opportunity.
This panel session will explore the pivotal role of chemical recycling in accelerating a circular economy within the textile & apparel supply chain, as a source of textile-to-textile recycling. While mechanical recycling has long been the industry standard, its limitations – such as the degradation of fibre quality and the inability to mitigate fibre blends and contaminants like dyes and finishes – have limited its scalability and impact. Chemical recycling, though, represents a promising solution. This panel will explore the latest technological advancements in chemical recycling, current infrastructure and ongoing projects and possibilities. It will look to the future and assess tangible steps to take in advancing chemical recycling in the textile & apparel sector.
Thursday 20th November I Transparency (DPPs) and regulations
This presentation will explore how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is reshaping the textile and apparel sector and what brands and manufacturers can do to prepare. It will show how product and supply chain level data can be harnessed to meet regulatory requirements, understand the impact and opportunities of eco modulated fees build a more resilient, circular system. The session will also examine consumer perspectives—highlighting what shoppers are willing to tolerate financially when it comes to EPR contributions implementation and how this can provide competitive advantage and commercial gains.
This presentation will provide a focused examination of the complex global trade dynamics of textile waste and the critical role of reverse logistics within the textile and apparel supply chain. It will explore the current landscape of textile waste movement across borders, identifying key geographical flows, major players and the economic drivers behind this trade. The presentation will also highlight best practices and policy considerations necessary to optimise reverse logistics networks, reduce environmental impact and unlock the value of textile waste as a resource.
In this panel discussion we talk to companies within the textile & apparel supply chain who have used or have a hand in implementing Digital Product Passports or other transparency tools within their manufacturing facilities for a more circular production chain.
To find out more about Textile & Apparel Circularity Week, to apply to be a speaker, discover more on our sponsorship packages or discuss group/student bookings, please contact our events team.
