{"id":8651,"date":"2024-09-03T16:00:08","date_gmt":"2024-09-03T16:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/auf-dem-weg-in-eine-nachhaltige-zukunft\/"},"modified":"2026-10-05T08:09:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T08:09:51","slug":"navigating-the-future-of-sustainable-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/en\/navigating-the-future-of-sustainable-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Path to a Sustainable Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<div id=\"container-block_52c3ddfaa77f876197fb124aaa649f63\" class=\"mx-auto w-full max-w-theme px-4 lg:px-10\">\n\n  <div class=\"w-full mr-auto max-w-[911px]\">\n\n    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div id=\"richtext-block_ca4ea4eaaef1d9e8737108becc3a9809\" class=\"richtext\">\n  <h3>An interview with Simon Angel<\/h3>\n<p>Simon, this season\u2019s Sustainable Innovations (SI) exhibit at Munich Fabric Start seems to have taken a more introspective turn. Could you share how you\u2019ve approached the curation for this year?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: Absolutely. If you look at our past themes, they almost read like serialized literature. We began by exploring the challenges designers faced and the industry\u2019s reluctance to move beyond traditional practices. Over time, our sustainable theme has woven itself into the very fabric of our industry\u2014integrating into processes, policies, and people\u2019s mindsets. This season, we\u2019re continuing this saga by posing critical questions and embracing a more holistic narrative. It\u2019s less about solutions and more about interventions and transformative thinking.<\/p>\n<p>Interesting. Could you elaborate on how this philosophy manifests in the exhibited projects?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: Certainly. Take Suzanne Oude Hengel&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.knitinmotion.com\/\">&#8220;Knit in Motion&#8221;<\/a> as an example. Suzanne\u2019s work challenges conventional knitting practices and pushes boundaries. Her exploration into combining knitting with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and 3D printing isn\u2019t just about creating new forms; it\u2019s about questioning and redefining traditional manufacturing processes. This fusion of techniques not only rejuvenates product design but also opens up new vistas for the industry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16\" class='h-5 lg:h-10 ' data-block-id='spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16'><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"media-slider w-full min-w-0\"  id=\"media-slider-block_53ec020c93ae4a25b9e5491f02167651\">\n\n  \n    <div class=\"swiper w-full min-w-0 max-w-full\" data-media-slider>\n      <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1277\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1765-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1765-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1765-w1920-872x580.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1765-w1920-600x399.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2879\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1766-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1766-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1766-w1920-872x1308.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1766-w1920-600x900.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n          <figcaption class=\"font-medium whitespace-pre-line text-theme-24x32\">Knit in Motion by Suzanne Oude Hengel<\/figcaption>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- segmented pagination (Swiper renders one .swiper-pagination-bullet per slide) -->\n    <div class=\"media-slider__pagination swiper-pagination\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16\" class='h-5 lg:h-10 ' data-block-id='spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16'><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"richtext-block_7d5fab61d90ea54e2635955ac5f48500\" class=\"richtext\">\n  <p>Joris de Groot\u2019s work is also featured prominently. How does his approach fit into this narrative?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: Joris\u2019s approach is quintessential to our theme of questioning and innovation. His &#8220;2000N Pressed Shoe&#8221; and &#8220;Recycled Raincoat&#8221; projects exemplify how traditional techniques can be reimagined for modern applications. By integrating industrial processes with sustainable practices, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jorisdegroot.com\/\">Joris<\/a> turns waste into valuable products, thus challenging the very concept of material utility in fashion. His collaboration on the &#8220;Welded Loop&#8221; project further demonstrates how combining different techniques can lead to novel, sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n<p>Tjeerd Veenhoven\u2019s projects with mycelium are intriguing. How do they contribute to the broader narrative?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tjeerdveenhoven.com\/\">Tjeerd<\/a>&#8216;s work with mycelium embodies a leap towards sustainable material innovation. His &#8220;Mycelium 2D Printing&#8221; explores the use of fungal materials to replace conventional plastics and dyes. This aligns perfectly with our theme of questioning and rethinking systems. Tjeerd\u2019s projects aren\u2019t just about creating sustainable alternatives; they represent a paradigm shift in how we perceive and utilize biological materials in fashion.<\/p>\n<p>Iris Veentjer\u2019s \u201cRietGoed\u201d project also stands out. What role does it play in this season\u2019s exhibit?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: Iris\u2019s &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rietgoed.nl\/\">RietGoed<\/a>&#8221; is a prime example of how material innovation can address environmental challenges. By developing high-quality textiles from reed fibers, she tackles issues like soil subsidence and CO2 emissions. Iris\u2019s approach is a testament to how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into textile production, promoting both ecological balance and economic viability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16\" class='h-5 lg:h-10 ' data-block-id='spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16'><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"media-slider w-full min-w-0\"  id=\"media-slider-block_8651dbb9b7c5b50aa38770143adfae50\">\n\n  \n    <div class=\"swiper w-full min-w-0 max-w-full\" data-media-slider>\n      <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1767-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1767-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1767-w1920-872x581.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1767-w1920-600x400.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n          <figcaption class=\"font-medium whitespace-pre-line text-theme-24x32\">Fabolous Fungi by Ilse Kremer<\/figcaption>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1768-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1768-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1768-w1920-872x623.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1768-w1920-600x428.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n          <figcaption class=\"font-medium whitespace-pre-line text-theme-24x32\">RietGoed by Iris Veentjer<\/figcaption>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1769-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1769-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1769-w1920-872x581.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1769-w1920-600x400.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n          <figcaption class=\"font-medium whitespace-pre-line text-theme-24x32\">LightLining by Biotexfuture<\/figcaption>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1770-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1770-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1770-w1920-872x363.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1770-w1920-600x250.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n          <figcaption class=\"font-medium whitespace-pre-line text-theme-24x32\">Studio Tjeerd Veenhoven<\/figcaption>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- segmented pagination (Swiper renders one .swiper-pagination-bullet per slide) -->\n    <div class=\"media-slider__pagination swiper-pagination\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16\" class='h-5 lg:h-10 ' data-block-id='spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16'><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"richtext-block_5f272a8c0fca32c4f1a8dca4bf6d7931\" class=\"richtext\">\n  <p>Ilse Kremer\u2019s \u201cFabulous Fungi\u201d introduces a novel way to approach textile dyeing. How does it fit into the exhibit\u2019s overarching theme?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: Ilse\u2019s &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fabulousfungi.nl\/\">Fabulous Fungi<\/a>&#8221; project is a brilliant illustration of how we can rethink traditional processes. By utilizing fungi to produce dyes, Ilse addresses both environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic dyes. This project embodies our theme of exploring and implementing alternative solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, can you shed some light on the BIOTEXFUTURE initiatives and its relevance to this year\u2019s theme?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: BIOTEXFUTURE is at the forefront of transitioning the textile industry to biobased materials. This initiative, which includes projects like TransitionLab and <a href=\"https:\/\/biotexfuture.info\/projects\/lightlining\/\">LightLining<\/a>, aligns with our broader narrative of fostering systemic change. By focusing on biobased polymers and sustainable textiles, BIOTEXFUTURE is paving the way for a future where the textile industry can achieve true circularity and sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16\" class='h-5 lg:h-10 ' data-block-id='spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16'><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"media-slider w-full min-w-0\"  id=\"media-slider-block_0e7a72d6ed97b113891267f2e2e1ecce\">\n\n  \n    <div class=\"swiper w-full min-w-0 max-w-full\" data-media-slider>\n      <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2879\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1771-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1771-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1771-w1920-872x1308.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1771-w1920-600x900.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n          <figcaption class=\"font-medium whitespace-pre-line text-theme-24x32\">Studio Joris de Groot<\/figcaption>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                  <div class=\"swiper-slide h-auto\">  <figure class=\"flex flex-col gap-2 lg:gap-4\">\n    <div class=\"relative w-full overflow-hidden aspect-video lg:aspect-[3\/2]\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1277\" src=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1764-w1920.webp\" class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 50vw, 100vw\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1764-w1920.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1764-w1920-872x580.webp 872w, https:\/\/www.munichfabricstart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1764-w1920-600x399.webp 600w\" \/>    <\/div>\n      <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- segmented pagination (Swiper renders one .swiper-pagination-bullet per slide) -->\n    <div class=\"media-slider__pagination swiper-pagination\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16\" class='h-5 lg:h-10 ' data-block-id='spacer-block_adc41fadc3eb237b2ad416d71be80e16'><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"richtext-block_b5e696586c213759881ceea6ae23f605\" class=\"richtext\">\n  <p>How do you see these innovations influencing the future of the textile industry?<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: These innovations represent a profound shift in how we approach textile design and production. They challenge existing paradigms and offer new perspectives on sustainability. By fostering a culture of questioning and experimentation, we\u2019re not just enhancing the industry\u2019s practices but also inspiring a broader societal shift towards more sustainable and thoughtful consumption.<\/p>\n<p>Simon, thank you for sharing these insights. It\u2019s clear that this season\u2019s SI exhibit is not just about showcasing new materials but about sparking a deeper conversation about the future of our industry.<\/p>\n<p>Simon Angel: My pleasure. I invite everyone to engage with these projects and be a part of this evolving dialogue. It\u2019s through such collective exploration that we\u2019ll truly drive forward sustainable innovation.<\/p>\n<p>We look forward to experiencing this season\u2019s exhibit and seeing how these pioneering ideas will shape the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This season, we\u2019re continuing this saga by posing critical questions and embracing a more holistic narrative. 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