Closed Loop Fashion is honoured to participate in the 4th International Conference on Knowledge Based Textiles in Pakistan. This inspiring event is hosted by the National Textile University (NTU). The event brought together over 100 national and international speakers and 350+ participants.
On Wednesday, the 19th of February 2025, Marina joined the panel titled “Global Textile Trends: Navigating Regulations, Sustainability & Market Demands,” moderated by Mr. Mujeebullah Khan (CEO of iTextiles). She spoke alongside distinguished panelists, including Mr. Alberto Saccavini (Sustainability Consultant at Bluemine Srl, Italy), Dr. Nabeel Amin (Head of Compliance at the Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan), Mr. Luca Galvani (Head of Sustainability at Teddy Group, Italy), and Mr. Imran Zaidi (Product Manager at Primark Pakistan).
The panel explored how to achieve sustainability in circular supply chains while remaining cost-effective, addressing challenges such as textile recycling, regulatory hurdles, and innovation. It also delved into the impact of ultra-fast fashion brands like Shein on traditional legacy brands, the rise of consumer-driven production, and the growing influence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models. Discussions covered shifts in global supply chains, including the move away from China’s dominance toward regional production, and how emerging economies can maintain competitiveness. Key topics also included regulatory challenges, and the role of governments in promoting sustainable practices.
Marina Chahboune focused on the challenges of integrating recycled materials into production, especially in light of tightening regulations and the increasing influx of second-hand clothing in global markets. She questioned whether current policies genuinely supported effective waste flows or inadvertently created barriers for developing economies. Additionally, she addressed the major obstacles in scaling textile-to-textile recycling, such as material sorting, cost constraints, and technological limitations, while proposing potential solutions to advance circular fashion.
On the following day, the 20th, Marina delivered a keynote speech titled “Reimagining Waste: Circular Economy in Textiles – Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities.” Her presentation examined how the textile industry is embracing circular practices to minimize waste and resource depletion. She highlighted advancements in waste management, sustainable sourcing, and recycling technologies, while also addressing persistent challenges like waste collection logistics and scaling circular supply chains.
The keynote featured real-world examples, underscoring the critical roles of industry leaders, manufacturers, and policymakers in driving circularity. By exploring innovative business models, technological breakthroughs, and collaborative efforts, Marina outlined how the industry can transform waste into valuable resources, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The 4th International Conference on Knowledge Based Textiles proved to be a pivotal event for industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers alike. With thought-provoking discussions and actionable insights, it provided the opportunity to collectively advance toward a more sustainable and circular future for the global textile industry.
