What are the circular challenges with fossil-based, synthetic textiles? This will be the topic of a panel debate hosted by the national mission-based partnership TRACE, that works to mature circular economy for plastics and textiles in Denmark. 

The debate is opened with an introduction of the nearly three years work of TRACE, and how synergies between the material streams of plastics and textiles have informed the partnership. As an example of this, insights and results from the research project Change4Circularity are presented; what we learned in the worlds’ largest citizen science project on plastics in textiles – the mass experiment 2024 hosted by Astra – that engaged 30.000 school children. 

Topics of debate will be how a general loss of knowledge about textiles in both industry and population derive from geopolitical developments that created fast fashion. A business model depending to a high degree on cheap plastic polymers (polyester), that plays a major part in current environmental, social, and cultural challenges for the textiles sector and its circular ambitions. 

The target group of this session is businesses, decision makers and organizations working with textiles and circularity. 

Panelists: 

Mette Hoffgaard Ranfelt, Danish Society for Nature Conservation 

Lina Katan, Brancheforeningen Cirkulær 

Else Skjold, The Royal Danish Academy / TRACE 

Moderator: Niels Toftegaard, Brancheforeningen Cirkulær 

LOOP Forum, Lokomotivværkstedet 

Otto Busses Vej 5A, 2450, København 

APRIL 29. 13.05-13.50 – MAIN STAGE