For decades, the industry has leaned on overseas production, but shipping
samples and goods across the globe comes with a significant environmental
cost. Bringing manufacturing back to the Western Hemisphere could drive
greater flexibility, enable closer demand response and reduce fashion’s
transportation impact. Hear what it will take to make these supply chain
shifts and how companies are achieving sustainable results through
nearshoring.

There is no shortage of secondhand inventory, but tapping into this resource
for resale has typically required manual labor for sorting and listing.
Discover how artificial intelligence is helping to process post-consumer
garments more efficiently so more merchandise can have a second life.

Within the U.S., California continues to lead the way in sustainability
legislation. In 2024, the state passed the landmark SB 707 Responsible
Textile Recovery Act, mandating the reuse and recycling of used textiles,
and it is not stopping there. The Fashion Environmental Accountability Act
(AB 405), introduced earlier this year, would hold companies accountable
for their emissions and toxic chemical footprints. Find out what’s next and
what to expect in the Golden State’s legislative landscape.

Material innovations hold promise to create textiles that are less impactful
toward the planet, people and animals. Yet transitioning these novel fibers
and inputs from R&D to retail-ready collections takes collaboration across
the value chain. Hear how next-gen material makers are scaling up their
creations, including how they are overcoming hurdles in the path to
commercialization.

Within the wider apparel industry, denim manufacturers and brands stand
out for their pioneering use of sustainable production methods. Mills were
early adopters of recycled cotton, they are heavily focused on water
conservation and they are investing in R&D to test alternative dyes,
chemicals and more. In this talk, denim producers will reflect on their
sustainable progress and the next targets for innovation.