Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference

29th April - 30th April 2026

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Product team perspective: How do we design for durability and recyclability, not retrofit them later?

Plenary
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The linear ‘take-make-waste’ model is deeply embedded across the value chain, especially within design teams. Success is still largely measured by low cost per unit and meeting functional or product standards, while the environmental footprint of fibres, production impacts, and end-of-life outcomes have long been treated as external factors — until the arrival of the ESPR.

With new regulation now expecting products to reduce impact, improve durability and recyclability, and still satisfy customers at an accessible price point, how can we support our design teams to deliver on all fronts?

  • Internal governance and upskilling: how do we reset preconditioned ways of thinking and reprioritise?
  • Budget and investment: which department does the funding come from to support preferred practices and verify their effectiveness?
  • Design trade-offs: what happens when efforts to make products more durable undermine their recyclability?
Plenary

What to expect from this type of session...

Hear from expert speakers on these mainstage panel discussions as we address the critical sustainability challenges and opportunities within the industry.

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Day 0

Tuesday 28th April 2026

Time
Session title
Session type
15:00 - 17:30
Workshop
17:30 - 18:30
Networking