Keynote: Unlocking the potential of biobased materials in textiles: 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? 

Panel: Achieving price and performance parity with biobased materials 

Speakers: Alexa Raab, Covation Biomaterials & Sorona®
Eva Engelen, Fashion For Good
Neil Buckney, Modern Synthesis
Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Hyosung

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? 

Closing the loop: end-of-life strategies for 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. 

Panel: BioCircular Materials Alliance: redefining natural fibre and biomass circularity

Speakers: Chelsea Franklin, PANGAIA
Kenji Higashi, Spiber
Giorgio Todesco, Marzotto Group

The BioCircular Materials Alliance (BCMA) was founded by Spiber Inc. to harness the transformative power of biology and accelerate the global transition toward a circular future. By bringing together leading brands, innovators, and key industry players, the Alliance aims to regenerate bio-based waste from textiles, agriculture, and forestry into valuable materials through microbial fermentation and other advanced processes.

Tune in to hear Spiber, Archroma, Marzotto Group and Pangaia discuss the Alliance’s progress to date, upcoming activities, and how each organisation is contributing to shared goals: advancing dye chemistry to applying regenerative systems in fashion.

Assessing the role of biopolymer materials in textiles & apparel

Speakers: Kym Canter, BIOFUR®
Gerard Nijhoving, Senbis Polymer Innovations

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

Panel: A look at the development of biobased colourants in the textile & apparel space 

Speakers: Emily Taylor, Sages
Magali Mendez, Tintte
Simon Kew, Sparxell

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 panel 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. 

Panel: Regional focus: What can we learn from Australia's biotech-fuelled textile innovation?  

Speakers: Lucie Semenec, Newera Bio
Jason Whitfield, Main Sequence Ventures
Julia Reisser, Uluu

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?