This discussion explored how creation of regional fashion policy hubs can enable businesses to accelerate us towards a circular fashion economy. We explored existing frameworks to help businesses embrace regenerative and circular systems, including the Doughnut Design for business tool.

Garment care is often overlooked by consumers despite its benefits in reducing the environmental impact of returns and increasing circularity in the fashion industry. This session discussed the technology behind garment care, the power of storytelling, the opportunities brands can harness to build deeper relationships with customers and why this discussion is relevant ahead of the upcoming regulatory changes in the EU.

The 2021 Circularity Gap Report estimates that a circular economy could reduce global GHG emissions by 39%. Circular economy practices promote the use and reuse of natural resources and encourage brands to find value throughout the life cycle of their finished products. This session delved into what needs to be measured across business operations for a successful carbon management strategy and the building blocks required for businesses to put this into practice.

For a successful transition to a green economy, we need to upskill our work force, and build diverse and future-proof talent pipelines to close the skills gap. This session considered what a just transition means for the industry and how actors in the fashion ecosystem can implement this into their operations and decision-making. 

Durability, repairability, recyclability are core aspects of the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles. For UK companies who intend to do business with the EU, there are new regulations to be aware of which may come into play as early as next year. This session discussed how businesses can prepare for these upcoming changes.

Circular and sharing business models are increasing exponentially as rental and resale offer potential for continued and varied revenue streams whilst significantly reducing resource extraction. How can businesses create new supply chains and business models which tangibly reduce the immense waste streams in our industry?

The Future of Fashion Innovation Showcase highlights a curated set of innovators who are addressing key sustainability and responsible business challenges across fashion’s complex value chain. This includes design and sourcing, the way in which new products are created and consumption models.

The BFC Student Fabric Initiative, powered by The Materialist, provides practical support by donating deadstock fabrics and components to future talent. Students from BFC Colleges Council member universities have been invited to enter a design competition to receive a cash prize and mentoring. Six finalists will display their garments created from the donated deadstock and the winner will be announced on the day.

Tackling carbon emissions across the supply chain is critical for all companies to meet the aims of the Paris Agreement and to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This workshop will be led by Deloitte who will provide practical advice for companies so they can decrease carbon across operations in the supply chain. 

Due to the fast-growing number of laws and regulations, and influx of conscious consumers, there is increasing pressure on brands to manage and disclose information about the conditions their products are made in. In this interactive workshop led by TrusTrace, participants will learn what it takes to develop successful traceability programs tailored to their specific needs, as well as discuss best practice with peers.

Ashley Gillen Long, burnout prevention specialist, with over 30 years experience in the fashion industry, discusses the truth behind burnout. As a qualified therapist and senior clarity life coach, she demonstrates how to spot the signs and reverse the damage before it's too late.