The 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC 2025), scheduled from October 7-10 at Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa in Porto, Portugal, will showcase over 100 global research presentations across parallel sessions. The programme emphasizes cross-continental collaboration, with strong focus areas including fibre-to-fibre recycling, digital integration, sustainable chemistry, and human-centred practices driving the circular textiles economy.
Circularity takes centre stage as researchers from the UK assess garment end-of-life potential, German innovators unveil recycled-content knitting technologies, and South Asian case studies highlight closed-loop systems already adopted by local enterprises. Together, these insights reveal waste’s transformation into a valuable resource, while identifying the infrastructure and policies needed for scalability.
Digitalisation will also feature prominently, with sessions on blockchain, digital product passports, RFID-enabled tracking, and open-source textile design tools reinforcing its role as a key enabler of sustainability and transparency.
Equally important, human-centric themes will be explored—ranging from tools addressing climate risks for apparel workers in Sri Lanka to initiatives safeguarding Mongolian cashmere herders’ livelihoods. UK educators will also present models for training future designers in ethical and circular practices, while consumer studies highlight the gap between brand messaging and actual garment care behaviours.
“Technology and recycling alone cannot secure sustainability without cultural, educational, and policy shifts,” noted Stephanie Dick, CEO of the Textile Institute. She emphasized the growing global convergence of ideas and progress in addressing climate, waste, chemical safety, labour, and overconsumption challenges in textiles.
