This session has limited capacity, and registration is available through the Textile Exchange’s community platform, The Hub or via this link (https://na.eventscloud.com/833238). This session provides a valuable opportunity for Textile Exchange members and affiliates to collaborate and explore future opportunities in the realm of MMCF. Participants will engage in discussions to identify key focus areas for collective action. The session will also feature updates on Textile Exchange’s 2025 initiatives, including developments related to standards and working areas, as well as a briefing from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).”
This session will reveal exclusive survey results on a study conducted by UPM and Konekti, offering insights into industry perceptions on forest derived products, material innovation, and the evolving role of traceability in the textile supply chain.
This panel will discuss what industry players see as key elements for the growth of wood-based fibres. How can the industry get their message of sustainable forestry and reforestation efforts across in a more efficient way and how to align its messaging to counter deforestation claims and to highlight the environmental benefits of wood-based materials. Growing their use requires innovation, consumer education, and partnerships that demonstrate their scalability and sustainability. Clear, consistent communication and collaboration across the value chain are key to driving adoption and shaping a more sustainable future.
BREAKOUT SESSION: Open Q&A with Industry Leaders in Forest Management
Bringing a new raw material to market requires collaboration, investment, and innovation across the entire textile supply chain. In this session, key stakeholders—including a pulp producer, fiber producer, textile manufacturer, and brand—will share their perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and necessary investments for successfully integrating and scaling a new material. From raw material sourcing to final product, each step in the supply chain presents unique hurdles and possibilities. Join us for an in-depth discussion on what it takes to bring next-generation materials to life.
The PEF (product environmental footprint) tool is set to be the approved method of calculating product impact scores in Europe. But how does the tool work, when will it be implemented, and what do supply chain stakeholders and brands need to know (and do)?
The PEF currently evaluates 16 environmental indicators including carbon emissions, water and land use, and human health to create a single product footprint score. This has raised concerns of over-simplification, particularly for natural fibre producers who say synthetics fibres score more favourably than plant and animal fibres due to exclusion of key environmental metrics (like biodiversity management and microfibre pollution). What is the upshot for fibre producers, brands and consumers, and how do MMCFs fare in PEF calculations?
BREAK OUT SESSION: Altri Group – Milestones Achieved and Future Plans
As the demand for sustainable materials grows, the challenge remains: how do we move from ambition to execution? Scaling next-generation materials requires not just innovation but viable business models that ensure return on investment. Brands are prioritizing sustainability, but cost, scalability, and market adoption continue to be hurdles. Additionally, next-gen materials compete for resources with other sustainability initiatives, as brands work toward ambitious emissions reduction targets without clear data on the true impact of these new materials. Achieving price parity with virgin materials is just one piece of the puzzle; we must also align sustainability priorities to accelerate real industry change. It’s time to bring realism into idealism—aligning sustainability with profitability to drive real change.
How are MMCFs being utilized at the retail level? Are they gaining traction, and what are the key applications driving their growth? To scale their impact, upstream producers and manufacturers must better understand the needs and expectations of retailers and brands. Currently, MMCFs serve only a fraction of the market—how can this share be expanded? What strategies can help them break into new categories and drive broader adoption? This discussion will explore the opportunities, challenges, and next steps for scaling MMCFs in the retail space.
