Part of the session The era of bio-based: Materials, the discussion will bring together leading experts in sustainable fashion, material innovation, product development and commercialisation to examine what is needed to accelerate the adoption of next-generation materials across the fashion and textile supply chain.
Why bio-based materials matter
Bio-based materials are playing an increasingly important role in the transition to a more sustainable fashion and textile industry. From fibres developed through biotechnology to materials created from renewable and waste-derived resources, innovation is opening new opportunities to reduce environmental impact while meeting changing consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
This panel will explore the practical challenges and opportunities facing innovators today, including scaling production, meeting performance requirements, building strategic partnerships and encouraging adoption by brands.
Meet the expert panel
The session will be moderated by Christine Goulay, Founder and CEO of Sustainabelle Advisory Services. With senior leadership experience at Kering and PANGAIA, Christine has advised global brands, investors and next-generation material innovators on sustainable innovation, circularity and regulatory strategy. Her expertise spans the entire materials lifecycle, from fibre innovation and responsible sourcing to commercial scaling.
Joining Christine are industry leaders working at the forefront of sustainable materials and product innovation:
- Chelsea Franklin, Founder of Studio Chelsea Franklin and former Head of Innovation and Advanced Concepts at PANGAIA, specialises in translating emerging technologies into commercially viable products through design, prototyping and product development.
- Sarah Coleman, Head of Development, Design & Sustainability at Margaret Howell, will share how the British fashion brand approaches material selection, product longevity and responsible sourcing while maintaining exceptional quality and design integrity.
- Oksana Bondar, Senior Materials Specialist at Pentland Brands, leads the development of next-generation materials across brands including Speedo, Berghaus, Endura, Kickers and Canterbury. Her experience in climate technology and advanced materials offers valuable insight into adopting innovative materials at scale.
- Gabriele Verikaite, Head of Business Development at Solena Materials, is helping commercialise AI-designed, protein-based fibres for luxury and performance textiles. She will discuss the partnerships, investment and ecosystem development needed to bring breakthrough material technologies to market.
Discover the latest bio-based material innovations
Alongside the panel discussion, delegates will hear innovation spotlights from Tera Mira, 29Acacia and Fibe, showcasing emerging bio-based material technologies and their potential applications across the fashion and textile industry.
The session will also feature commercial case studies from SEFF and PACT, highlighting how businesses are successfully implementing innovative material solutions and navigating the journey from innovation to commercial adoption.
Together, these presentations will provide valuable insight into the future of bio-based materials, demonstrating how collaboration between innovators, manufacturers and brands is helping to build a more resilient and sustainable fashion industry.
UKFT's Sustainability Conference 2026
UKFT's Sustainability Conference 2026: Progress in Practice will explore how innovation is driving measurable change across the UK fashion and textile supply chain.
Taking place on Wednesday 23 September, from 9am to 6pm at Drapers' Hall, London, the conference will showcase the latest developments in bio-based materials, low-impact dyes and finishes, textile reuse and recycling, data-driven circularity, and traceability and transparency.
Whether you work in product development, sourcing, sustainability, manufacturing, material innovation or brand strategy, this session will provide practical insights into the commercial future of bio-based materials and the partnerships needed to accelerate industry-wide adoption.
Find out more about the conference at the link below.
