Textiles: The Future of Fashion is Circular
Tom Domen, our sustainability consultant and innovation catalyst, will share his experience in circular business models within the fashion industry during a pivotal panel discussion on circular fashion transformation at the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul this Saturday, October 18, from 10:45 to 11:45 AM.
The panel, titled "Textiles: The Future of Fashion is Circular," brings together global pioneers and innovators addressing one of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. Alongside panelists Pedro Bulnes (Rembre), Adam Baruchowitz (Return To Vendor), and Arnold Kreilhuber (UNEP), the discussion will explore how the fashion industry can fundamentally shift from linear consumption to circular models.
Global Zero Waste Forum
Established in 2023 under the auspices of the Zero Waste Foundation and Turkey's commitment to global sustainability, the Global Zero Waste Forum brings together policymakers, innovators, businesses, and civil society to drive systemic change. With over 2.1 billion tonnes of waste generated annually and expected to nearly double by 2050, the forum addresses the urgent need to shift from traditional waste management to preventing waste at the source.
The forum is particularly vital for businesses worldwide as it offers a platform to understand how circular transformation directly impacts competitiveness, brand value, and long-term resilience in an increasingly resource-constrained world.
The textile challenge
The fashion industry is among the largest generators of waste globally. The panel will explore critical questions about how to scale solutions that extend garment lifespans, build robust repair and resale ecosystems, and design for recyclability from the ground up.
Discussions will focus on:
- Business models proving effective in reducing textile waste and extending product life
- How repair, reuse, and resale can become mainstream in fashion markets
- The role of material innovation in building a truly circular textile industry
- Collaborative pathways for policymakers, brands, and consumers to end disposable fashion
Moderating this discussion positions Tom to draw on his extensive background in circular systems and sustainable transformation. As a Circular Innovation Strategist at Made, Tom specializes in guiding companies toward transformative solutions that accelerate circularity.
In addition, Tom is a board member of Kringwinkel, a Belgian social enterprise dedicated to giving materials and goods a second life. Tom's unique vantage point, bridging corporate innovation, systems-level thinking, and circular economy practice, will help synthesize actionable insights from the panel for a global audience of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
