Overview: Strategy, policy & regulation

Is global policy and regulation shaping or hindering biotechnology within textiles & apparel? How can internal and external stakeholders continue to promote the exploration of some of Earth’s most abundant and regenerative resources? Alternatively, how can innovators and adopters alike navigate the current market environment to see these concepts to scale? 

Scalability: Achieving price and performance parity

Emerging biobased fibres, finishes and effects face an uphill battle against conventional solutions on multiple fronts. While the call to action to transition to regenerative, biological and plant-derived solutions across industry is undeniable, are stakeholders committed to footing the bill? And crucially, can innovators match the performance expectations of brands and manufacturers to justify the price? 

End-of-life strategies with biobased materials

A biobased composition does not automatically qualify a material, formula or solution as biodegradable or compostable. Explore the nuance needed to navigate the end-of-life management of such products, with mind to circular and regenerative waste strategies. 

Biosynthetics

With the potential to match the performance and functionality of conventional petrochemical materials without the fossil fuels, biosynthetics assume a significant place in the biobased materials mix. In this session, we explore the role of biosynthetics within the textile & apparel space, discussing their journey to commercialisation, barriers to adoption and the trajectory of the market in the years to come.  

Biobased colourants

Biotechnology has played a central role in accelerating innovation in the colourants space in recent years, creating vibrant drop-in pigments and inks without petrochemicals. This session will examine the role of microbiology and other mechanisms from the very innovators pioneering these techniques to deliver less intensive, less polluting, next-gen colour. 

Regional focus: Australia

The potential of biotechnology is attracting global governmental attention, spurring innovation hotspots. One such country looking to capitalise on the opportunity is Australia, where a combination of policy interventions, advantageous feedstock availability and a strong biotech ecosystem is fuelling innovation. What can we learn from its example and what solutions is Australia bringing to the textiles & apparel arena?