IWTO Secretary General Highlights Natural Materials’ Role in Sustainable Fashion at Science Based Fashion Talks
The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) was pleased to participate in the recent Science Based Fashion Talks, organized by Lineapelle in collaboration with SPIN360.
The talks, held 25-27 February in Milan, provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss key sustainability issues within the fashion and luxury sectors.
The first session, “NATURAL (MATERIALS) COMMUNITIES,” moderated by Federico Brugnoli (SPIN360 Founder & CEO), focused on the transformative potential of renewable natural materials, including cotton, wool, mohair, and silk. The discussion emphasized how these materials are not only essential for sustainability and decarbonization but also foster a sense of “natural communities” uniting growers, producers, and innovators with a shared vision for a sustainable future.
IWTO’s Secretary General Dalena White contributed to the dialogue, highlighting the role of wool and other natural fibres in achieving industry-wide sustainability goals.
A truly sustainable fashion industry necessitates that both positive environmental and social impacts are fully considered in fibre procurement decisions, Ms White told participants. Crucially, the social impact of natural fibre industries is inextricably linked to their sustainability.
The global waste crisis caused by the increase of synthetic fibre production, and the shedding of microplastics, also featured in in the presentation.
Continued Commitment to Sustainability
The Science Based Fashion Talks featured a comprehensive agenda, addressing topics such as durability and ecodesign, regenerative practices, leather innovation and impact reduction, and data sharing for transparent supply chains. The event fostered valuable discussions on the future of sustainable fashion, bringing together international experts from science, institutions, and industry.
IWTO remains committed to promoting the sustainable use of natural fibers and advocating for regulatory frameworks that accurately reflect the environmental, social, and economic contributions of these materials.
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Based in Brussels, she enjoys the challenge of coordinating communications across time zones and cultures, whether she's working with sheep farmers in Australia or fashion brands in Europe. When not immersed in wool industry trends, you might find her on a yoga mat or exploring Belgium's excellent coffee scene.
Have a question about wool or the wool industry? Contact Jeannette through IWTO at iwto@iwto.org.
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