2020 Textile Exchange Sustainability Conference

Fashion event

This year’s Textile Exchange Sustainability Conference took place virtually from 2-6 November. And we were there! Discussing the future of man-made cellulose fibres alongside other NGOs that share the sustainable viscose vision.

The conference invited participants to explore emerging trends in sustainability, connect with leading brands and organizations from the textile industry and learn about today’s most pressing sustainability topics.

With Man-made Cellulosics (MMC) being the second biggest cellulosic fibre group after cotton, and businesses, NGOs and governments giving it ever greater attention, Textile Exchange sees a huge potential for more sustainable cellulosics to gain a higher market share.

Attendees participated virtually in conversations around climate action, transparency, biodiversity, certifications and COVID-19 impacts.

PEFC at the Sustainability Conference

Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO, joined the discussion at the breakout session “Acting now for the future of Man-Made Cellulose Fibers” on 6 November, alongside other NGOs that share the sustainable viscose vision: Forum for the Future and ZDHC.

The session aimed to demonstrate and inspire action on different areas of the viscose vision, highlighting collaboration opportunities for the fashion industry and the benefits of sustainable forest management to the environment and society.

PEFC also supported the Biodiversity Plenary with Helen Crowley, highlighting the importance of sustainable forest management for protecting biodiversity in our forests.

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit organization that creates leaders in the sustainable fibre and materials industry. With more than 400 members representing leading brands, retailers and suppliers, Textile Exchange is positively impacting the climate through accelerating the use of preferred fibres across the global textile industry.

Under its 2030 Strategy, Climate+, Textile Exchange will be the driving force for urgent climate action with a goal of 45% reduced CO₂ emissions from textile fibre and material production by 2030. 

Last year’s Textile Sustainability Conference in Vancouver, Canada, was attended by more than 900 industry leaders, including over 450 companies from 46 countries. Attendees included brands, retailers, suppliers, academia, entrepreneurs and other sustainability-focused organizations.