Made in Italy Textile Industry challenges and opportunities in a circular economy perspective: what's next?

The textile industry is undergoing profound changes, accelerated by economic, environmental, technological, and geopolitical factors. In this fast-evolving landscape, the urgency to redesign traditional models is becoming clear. Circular Economy principles, traceability, and sustainable innovation are no longer optional — they are essential for resilience and competitiveness.
Key questions emerge:

1. How can the Italian textile industry and its supply chain thrive in a global context where consolidation favors large players and puts smaller ones at risk?
2. What does it take to build an ethical, transparent, and traceable supply chain that aligns with both compliance and consumer expectations?
3. How can we accelerate digital transformation to ensure end-to-end traceability and data-driven decision making?
4. Is it still possible — and how — to foster stronger partnerships among brands, NGOs, producer associations, and institutions to drive systemic change?

The next frontier of Sustainability in textiles calls for bold innovation, regulatory alignment, and the adoption of new, regenerative circular business models. To explore these priorities, we invite leading experts and stakeholders to share insights and strategies on:

1. Evolving regulations and industry standards (i.e. EUDR, ESPR, CSDDD)
2. Sustainable and next-gen materials (e.g., recycled textiles, regenerative agriculture, waterless and chemical-free innovations)
3. Ethical and fair labor practices across global supply chains 
4. Scalable circular business models, like repair, rental, resale
5. Technological innovation and digital tools for full supply chain traceability
6. Reimagining supply chain strategy for greater transparency, efficiency, and sustainability

Together, we aim to shape a textile future rooted in eco-design, responsibility, and long-term value creation.

Session Chairs

Eleonora Rizzuto, Founder & President AISEC

Moderator

Chiara Catgiu, KPMG Manager Climate Change & Sustainability, member of CdA AISEC

Program 

Introduction by the Chair

ICESP Platform
Grazia Barberio, ENEA

Studio Chiomenti
Avv. Guido Bellitti - Partner

Digital revolution
Rinaldo Rinaldi, Scientific Director of eP Summit, University of Florence 

Redress
The Role of Harmonised Data in Streamlining Environmental Compliance Across Borders
 
Francesco Freschi, AD Etro  

Other Brands (TBC)

Andrea Crespi, Vicepresidente Confindustria Moda

Discussion and closure by the Chairs