WHAT’S INSIDE
● Two new projects bring research and insights to the TCBL network
● In the news, apparently the “green strategy” of using recycled polyester is making microplastic pollution worse
● Don’t miss our extended 2026 calendar of sustainable and innovative T&C industry events below
OUR PROJECTS
GFSU
Green Fashion Start-Up aims to equip future tailors and fashion designers with sustainable entrepreneurship skills aligned with the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Competence Framework. This initiative prepares participants for an innovative and responsible future in the textile and apparel industries. The project, in which Cedecs-TCBL is a partner, is supported by Erasmus+ of the European Union and led by CorEdu. The project’s first Newsletter is now available online, featuring updates and best practices from Consortium members. Access the newsletter in English or French.
TECHSTYLE
Meet TechStyle, an EU-funded project under the French Erasmus+ Programme. The initiative aims to promote AI-enhanced circular and regenerative fashion by skilling or re-skilling VET students, entrepreneurs, and apparel workers. Led by Cedecs-TCBL (FR), partners include CFP (IT), EKHIB (TR), IRISSD (SE), Texfor (SP), and YET (GR). We hosted an official launch in Paris last November - watch this space for updates.
MADE IN FRANCE
Made in France fair (1000 exhibitors) and its official exhibition (featuring 103 nominees) play a significant role in reaffirming the principles of craftsmanship, nearshoring and collaboration within reconstructed value chain ecosystems. We attended to keep on top of noteworthy newcomers in the textile and apparel sector and were impressed by included Capillum (which transforms keratin from hair waste into technical finishes), JessJeans and Navir (socially committed brands), as well as Uniqua (producing footwear from customers’ old garments). See the complete list of Made in France nominees across all sectors here.
WHAT WE’RE READING
- New laboratory research from the non-profit Changing Markets Foundation found that recycled polyester creates 55% more microplastic pollution particles on average during washing than virgin polyester, which is less brittle.
- In case you missed it, the EC presented its new Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy last month, citing the textile industry as one of the innovative markets for bio-based materials and technologies with potential for growth and environmental benefits. The framework focuses on upscaling, developing markets, and securing biomass. If interested, you’d do well to read the Herewear Project’s information about Biorefineries, including a roadmap to 2030 that aligns perfectly with the new framework.
- Can you recycle or reuse mattresses? Ecomaison collects 700,000 mattresses annually from hotels and retailers. After inspecting for cleanliness, defects, and weight, 60% are reused by changing the cover or making new mattresses, while 40% are incinerated.
- Unsurprisingly, Greenpeace reports that hazardous chemicals in Shein clothing continue to violate EU limits.
AGENDA
Special edition: save this newsletter and forward it to a colleague interested in attending some of the main sector trade fairs, events and conferences on sustainability and innovation in 2026! We’ve compiled available information so far on 2026 events, and will continue to update the extendedversion that can be found on the TCBL website.
JANUARY
London Textile Fair: London, 13-14 January / The largest textile exhibition in the UK.
Who’s Next: Paris, 17-19 January / Bi-annual womenswear event, the fair’s IMPACT area is dedicated to sustainable brands and solutions.
Néonyt: Paris, 17-19 January / A platform dedicated entirely to sustainable fashion.
Modefabriek: Amsterdam, 18-19 January / A womenswear event that blends fashion, knowledge, inspiration, and networking.
FEBRUARY
Textile apparel sourcing: Paris, 2-4 February 2026 / The biannual trade show in Paris with over 800 exhibitors.
LUMó: Trenčín (Slovakia), Opening February / This lab will host a year-round programme that draws on Trenčín’s rich textile heritage.
3D-ECO Fashion Show: Berlin, 7 February / Part of an Erasmus+ project, an opportunity to see creative 3D printed fashion products live.
MARCH
UK Sustainable fashion week: UK, 16-22 March / This year’s edition is “Resilience in Style: Redefining Fashion.”
The Fashion Tech Show: London, 30-31 March / AI, digital skills, circularity organised by PI Apparel Europe.
APRIL
Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference Europe: Amsterdam, 29-30 April / The agenda focuses on governance, supply chain and ethical staffing.
TechTextil and TexProcess: Frankfurt, 21-24 April / Technical textiles for all applications as well as machines and procedures for their processing.
Fashion Revolution Week: Late April / Brings together the world's largest fashion activism movements for a week of action.
MAY
Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen, 5-7 May / Three days of agenda-setting dialogue.
Fabricademy annual bootcamp: Dundalk, Ireland, 25-30 May / Hands-on activities with experts, factory visits.
Textile ETP Annual Conference: Amsterdam, 26-28 May / How digital technologies and data-driven business models are transforming the textile and apparel industry.
Romanian creative week: Iasi (RO), 13-24 May / The largest event dedicated to the creative industries in the European Union.
Green Fashion Week: Croatia, Mid-May (date TBD) / A non-profit international event; protagonists are sustainable fashion designers and international companies.
JUNE
Vetrine project Final conference: Paris, 4 June / Explore the results of the Erasmus+ project VETRINE. A TCBL EVENT.
NEB Festival: Brussels and online, 9-13 June / The New European Bauhaus Festival promotes sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion, be it in the built environment or through meaningful circular products in any field, including fashion.
Future Fabrics Expo: Brussels, 24-25 June / The largest dedicated showcase for sourcing certified, sustainably and responsibly produced materials.
TRE Textile Recycling Expo: Brussels, 24-25 June / The latest innovative solutions for the recycling of fabrics, clothing, footwear, fibres and non-wovens.
SEPTEMBER
Avantex within Texworld Apparel Sourcing: Paris, September (date TBA). The Avantex area of this trade fair highlights the innovative materials, complemented by a roster of talks and roundtables organised by TCBL. A TCBL event.
Ecosystex annual conference: TBA. This event brings together featured EU projects with Ecosystex members and other stakeholders.
OCTOBER
Fabrix project final conference: Rotterdam (NL), date TBD / The FABRIX project final results. A TCBL event.
Dutch sustainable fashion week: NL, date TBD / An annual Dutch event showcasing sustainable and innovative fashion by connecting designers, brands, and consumers.
World Circular Textiles Day: 8 October everywhere / An annual event to report, reflect, and celebrate circularity.
CREDITS
Editors: Alexandra Korey, Frédérique Thureau, Jean-Renaud Cuaz
Contributor: Thanh Lan Nguyen
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