A key role for European Flax-Linen at Future Fabrics Expo 2025

Future Fabrics Expo 2025: sustainable innovations, new voices and the central role of European Flax-Linen

The Alliance returns as a core exhibitor at Future Fabrics Expo - held at Magazine London, June 24 & 25 – putting European-grown Flax-Linen and Hemp at the fore in the minds of attending decision makers who are seeking attainable answers to their responsible sourcing needs.

Here, the Alliance’s UK strategic partner Gill Gledhill asks FFE’s founder and CEO Nina Marenzi about what visitors can expect at FFE 2025.

Why Flax and Hemp Matter More Than Ever?

Gill Gledhill: The Future Fabrics Expo has become known as a convenor for those involved in responsible textiles and product development, a place of education as well as sourcing. The showcase of new and at-scale innovations is a highlight – which have captured your attention?

Nina Marenzi: That is hard to say but what the favourites have in common is those that can grow on marginal lands, made from waste such as agricultural waste currently almost untapped, or of course innovations involving algae or seaweed.

GG: I noted a wide geographic range of voices taking part in the talks programme. What issues will we hear about for the first time this year, and what are the drivers of change in the market that we will hear about?

NM: We will have various topics, some returning given their permanent relevance such as regen ag, with new report findings biased on several years of regen farming projects, circularity and innovation related topics, but also new ones for the first time such virtual worlds and gaming industry to include sustainability narrative, or footwear-focused panel discussions.

GG: The Future Fabrics Expo features some of first fibres used by humans, Flax-Linen, alpaca etc, what does the future of fabrics in our wardrobes and homes look like?

NM: Indeed, because Flax grows in temperate climates, mostly rainfed instead of irrigation, and not fighting for fertile soils which will be needed to grow food in future. Animal welfare is of highest priority for animal-based fibres!

Our wardrobes need to be fossil fuel free above all, and that includes from agriculture practices reliant on synthetic fertilisers (made from fossil fuels), but also textile to textile recycled materials, and next gen fibres made from ag waste such as rice husks, wheat straw etc. replacing conventional viscose.

Discount code:
Use our code FFE2025ExhibitorGuest for 25% off your entry ticket.

Dates: 24 - 25 June 2025 | 9am - 6pm
Venue: Magazine London 11 Ordnance Crescent, London SE10 0JH
More Information: FutureFabricsExpo.org