Circular Shift Conference 2023
Our team recently attended the Circular Shift Conference in New York City this October. This unique event brought together professionals from both textile and non-textile industries, providing valuable insights into innovative approaches to circularity that can be adapted within the textile sector.
Here are some key takeaways from the conference:
Microplastics from Our Shoes: Surprisingly, even the soles of our shoes release microplastics due to abrasion while walking. Several companies, such as Puma, are actively exploring alternative biobased solutions to combat this issue.
Synthetic Textiles' Impact: Synthetic textiles contribute significantly, accounting for 35% of microplastics in our oceans, highlighting the urgency of finding sustainable alternatives.
Redefining Circularity: The conference encouraged attendees to reconsider the concept of circularity and explore new business models. For instance, the idea of renting solar panels instead of owning them or leasing office wall spaces challenges traditional ownership norms.
Consumer Priorities: Consumers prioritize product safety over circularity, a crucial consideration for future marketing strategies. Third-party verification is increasingly sought after in an industry flooded with greenwashing.
Innovative Thinking: Renowned Professor Dr. Michael Braungart urged attendees to think differently and quoted, "If Henry Ford had asked people what they wanted, they would say they wanted horses to run faster."
Banana Tex Fiber: Attendees gained insights into the versatile applications of Banana fiber, Banana Fiber can even be grown in Pennsylvania!
FashionAct Advancements: The FashionAct initiative continues to make progress, introducing systems for comprehensive company reporting.
Digital Passports: Digital passports are set to revolutionize the way we identify clothing. QR code tracking will allow consumers and businesses to access information about an item's composition, brand origin, and images, facilitating easier resale.
the Circular Shift Conference left us with more questions than answers about how to drive positive change in the textile industry. You can visit the link to the conference and speaker list here
