Circular Economy Week: From Ground to Wardrobe

Consumers, and even some fashion professionals, have all but forgotten the link between clothing and agriculture. Any fiber or fabric not made from oil comes from the land. The Netherlands has a rich agricultural history, leading science and innovation institutes, a renowned creative sector and once a thriving textile industry. But driven by globalization and the rise of petrochemicals, fashion supply chains have become increasingly opaque and polluting. Fashion brands and retailers rarely or never produce their products locally, which means that regionally grown raw materials are exported or destroyed. In light of the growing awareness of climate change and the importance of nature conservation, there is a small but growing realization that textiles and fashion should play a role in caring for the land and the animals on which it depends.

In their presentation, they will share international examples of different fashion companies working more closely with farmers, the results they have achieved and the key elements needed to do so successfully. Using a number of Dutch examples, we will discuss the obstacles and opportunities to build local supply chains and explain our goals and plans. They end with a call to land stewards, agricultural experts, designers, producers and brands associated with the textile and fashion industry to help close the Dutch Ground to Warderobe Circle. The Fibershed Netherlands Foundation aims to develop circular, regenerative, local textile and fashion systems in the Netherlands, together with existing initiatives; closing ‘Ground to Wardrobe Circles’ to support the health of land and biodiversity and to ensure greater respect for the origin and value of our textiles and clothing. Including the following speakers: Stijntje Jaspers (co-founder and chairman Fibershed Netherlands) & Martine Nieuwenhuis (co-founder Fibershed Netherlands)