The current crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of our supply chains and raised questions and concerns about the ways in which we source, manufacture, and distribute the products in our lives. Resources play an important role and, whether natural or manmade, there are not enough to satisfy the current levels of consumption in our linear, extractive economy.
A circular economy approach offers solutions to many of the environmental and social issues resulting from the current, linear take-make-dispose model perpetuated and exacerbated by fast fashion.
We invite you to participate in the event, Circular Economy in Fashion & Textiles – Opportunities and Challenges. Please join the discussion with three experts in circular textiles who will share their insights from a practical perspective on the benefits and challenges inherent in shifting the industry to circularity. What has worked? What hasn’t? And why?
We want to engage textile and fashion professionals, SMEs, and the academic community in Switzerland in actively discussing and envisioning a circular economy in textiles and the opportunities and challenges it brings. We welcome your insights and inspirations.
Guests
Our first speaker, Albin Kälin, Cradle-to-Cradle® pioneer and founder of EPEA Switzerland, will give an overview of the 2 Systems of Cradle-to-Cradle® (the technical and biological cycles), explaining the role materials play and how his customers have applied Cradle-to-Cradle® principles to design and develop cyclable products.
Laurent Mader, as a circular economy expert and part of Circular Economy Transition, will expand upon the theme of sustainable fashion from the perspective of Circular Economy principles.
Paolo Pezzin, Raw materials manager at VF Corporation, will share insights into how the outdoor apparel brand, Napapjri, implemented the Cradle-to-Cradle® principles in the development of their Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold Circular Series.
Programm
17:15 Introduction & Welcome
17:30 Albin Kälin, Cradle-to-Cradle: Technical & Biological Loops
17:50 Q&A with Albin Kälin
18:00 Interactive Exercise in Groups: Design a Cradle-to-Cradle Product
18:15 Laurent Mader, Circular Economy: Practical Challenges
18:30 Q&A
18:40 Case of Napapijri: How have they dealt with the challenges?
18:50 Interactive Exercise in Groups: Obstacles & Potential Solutions
19:00 Summary of the event in plenum
19:15 Closing of the event & Networking opportunity
Language
Event in English
This event is a part of the Circular Economy Transition Initiative and is organized by Impact Hub Bern. It is the first of three events focusing on circularity in textiles and fashion.