Future Fabrics Expo 2026 took place on 24-25 June 2026 in Brussels, bringing together discussions and material innovations focused on accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable, circular and resilient textile industry. Held alongside the Textiles Recycling Expo, the event marked the Expo’s move from London to Brussels and placed greater emphasis on collaboration across the European textile ecosystem.  

The seminar programme explored how new materials and fibre technologies can support the sector’s transition away from fossil-based resources. Discussions on nature-inspired fibre technologies highlighted the potential of natural and bio-based materials, while sessions on next-generation materials focused on the challenges of moving innovations from pilots into the market. Speakers emphasised the importance of collaboration between brands, suppliers, innovators and other value-chain actors, as well as the need for stronger demand signals and infrastructure to support scale-up.  

Circularity and textile recycling were also key themes. Discussions examined the complexity of using post-consumer textile waste as a feedstock for textile-to-textile recycling, including challenges around collection, sorting, supply and the need for purpose-built infrastructure. Speakers highlighted the importance of involving the full value chain, from collection and sorting through to manufacturers and brands, while recognising that both closed-loop and open-loop recycling solutions have a role to play.  

The programme also addressed regenerative agriculture and the integration of regenerative fibres into existing supply chains. Speakers discussed the need for long-term collaboration between farmers, material producers, brands and manufacturers, as well as the importance of involving different business functions early when introducing new materials. The discussion highlighted the complexity of building transparent supply networks and the need to move beyond small-scale or marketing-led initiatives towards wider integration into business strategies.  

Other sessions considered the role of policy and business in driving corporate action, alongside the relationship between sustainability, business value and supply-chain resilience. Discussions highlighted how sustainability measures can contribute to resource efficiency, waste reduction, new circular business models and the development of materials that reduce dependence on fossil resources and harmful substances.  

Across the two-day programme, the discussions emphasised that scaling textile innovation requires collaboration across disciplines and the value chain, alongside investment, supportive infrastructure and stronger connections between research, business and implementation. The event showcased a broad range of approaches to developing materials and textile systems that can operate within environmental boundaries while responding to changing supply-chain and market conditions.  

For more information, please watch Future Fabrics Expo 2026 seminar series on YouTube.