What does the conference focuses on?

At the turn of the millennium, Bluesign played a pivotal role in helping design teams assess the impact of textile ingredients. Since then, efforts have centred on sourcing "less harmful" alternatives. The Higg Index's Material Sustainability Index brought further clarity, and now, the incoming Product Environmental Footprints, as part of the EU Green Deal legislative package, represent the next critical knowledge area. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments are becoming more prevalent in some brands, but the need for shared baselines and clear focus points is greater than ever. “Day 0” will be dedicated to establishing these baselines and identifying where further attention is needed. The workshop features high-impact topics in an interactive, hands-on setting. Round-table seating encourages networking and discussion, with each table guided by an expert facilitator. Throughout the day, participants will engage in thought-provoking presentations, and explore fresh ideas to ensure their efforts toward responsibility are focused on what truly matters. At the end, participants will leave equipped with actionable knowledge to implement immediately on Day 1 of the fair.

Who should attend and why?

This session is tailored for Design and Development teams seeking balanced, actionable insights. Supply chain professionals often accused of greenwashing due to communication gaps. CSR specialists who need a deeper understanding of fabric and textile processes. In short, it’s for anyone in the textile industry who wants an accessible introduction to “doing better.”

Guidance through the day

“Day 0” will be led by Mark Shayler, who delivered the sustainability keynote at the recent European Outdoor Summit, inspiring CEOs to rethink their strategies. This time, his focus will be on the practitioners implementing these changes. He will be supported by a team of experts, with each table assigned a specialist to guide attendees through the topics. This is a working day. "Better Practice" is about making informed choices and compromises – understanding that every decision has an impact. This evolving field is best approached as a journey, and “Day 0” provides an ideal starting point.

Building a foundation for change

“Better Practice” is a shared aspiration – not just for brands, designers, and fabric developers, but also for garment users. However, this concept has largely evolved without structured formal training. Traditionally, information has trickled down the supply chain via fee-charging NGOs or risen through new employees, often with non-textile backgrounds, or has been pieced together through individual research efforts. “Day 0” is an opportunity to address this imbalance, condensed into a focused session the day before the ingredient sourcing event in Munich.

The conference takes place in a meeting room close the the fair halls at Messe München. A “Day 0 Conference” + Fair Ticket includes:

• Access to “Day 0 conference” on March 4th including breakfast and lunch (exhibitors may enter the hall for setup from 3.00pm)

• Participation certificate with specification of discussed topics

• Entry to both fair days on March 5 – 6

• Early access to Italian Bar for coffee and breakfast in Hall C4 from 8.30 a.m. during the fair

For more information, please click here.