Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference

29th - 30th April 2026

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Transitioning to regenerative cotton: Impact, opportunity, and operational reality from farm to brand

Case study
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A circular economy is often spoken of as a new concept, but in the natural world, circularity is the norm. Nutrients are renewed, systems regenerate and waste becomes input. Regenerative cotton applies these principles, restoring soil function, improving water retention and strengthening biodiversity, while supporting resilient farming communities. The opportunity is both tangible and measurable: in healthier soils, restored land, and improved farmer livelihoods.

Transitioning, however, requires more than ambition. Farmers face upfront investment, operational complexity and uncertain payback periods, often within supply chains shaped by short-term commercial cycles. The shift demands alignment and shared commitment across the value chain, from farm to brand.

This session will examine what it takes to move from small-scale pilots to commercially viable programmes, delivering verified environmental outcomes alongside long-term business value.

 

 

 

 

 

Case study

What to expect from this type of session...

You’ll hear a step-by-step breakdown of a very focused case study. From concept creation and business buy in; to identification of the right partners and implementation; to understanding impact and ROI. Always grounded in a real-world example, these sessions provide clear guidance and action points to take back to your own organisation.

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Day 0

Tuesday 28th April 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
2:45pm - 5:15pm
Workshop
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Networking
Day 1

Wednesday 29th April 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
9:25am - 10:00am
Plenary
10:00am - 10:45am
Case study
10:45am - 11:30am
11:30am - 12:25pm
Net-zero: Everyone pays for inaction. Who pays for action? 
Marks and Spencer | Soorty Enterprises | Good Fashion Fund | Action Speaks Louder | Sustainable & Social
Plenary
12:25pm - 1:00pm
Plenary
1:00pm - 2:00pm
2:00pm - 2:45pm
2:45pm - 3:30pm
3:30pm - 4:00pm
4:30pm - 5:15pm
5:15pm - 6:15pm
Day 2

Thursday 30th April 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
9:00am - 10:00am
The consumption cyclone: Can circularity fix overproduction? 
Hirdaramani Group | Reju | Primark | Tapestry | Sustainabelle
Plenary
10:25am - 10:55am
10:55am - 11:30am
Transitioning to regenerative cotton: Impact, opportunity, and operational reality from farm to brand 
Turnrow Farm Services | adidas | COTTON USA™ and U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
Case study
12:10pm - 12:45pm
This house believes
12:45am - 1:45am
1:45pm - 2:10pm
A just transition: How we can centre waste pickers, not just waste, in the circular economy 
Saamuhika Shakti | H&M Foundation | Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
Plenary
2:10pm - 2:50pm
Plenary
1:45pm - 2:45pm
The other room
2:50pm - 3:25pm
Emotional durability: Why consumers neglect the clothes they own – and how psychology can help 
University of Amsterdam | Zalando | Axel Arigato / Informed Collective
Plenary
3:25pm - 3:35pm
Closing reflections from the next generation of designers 
Institut Francais de la Mode | Institut Français de la Mode
Plenary