As the sustainable fashion landscape evolves, the significance of global events in shaping industry trends cannot be understated. In 2026, a series of key gatherings will bring together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss crucial issues impacting sustainability in fashion, from resource management to regulatory challenges.
Major Sustainable Fashion Events in 2026
The first significant event on the calendar is the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, taking place from January 19 to 23 in Davos, Switzerland. This gathering will see leaders from various sectors convene to address pressing global issues. This year’s program emphasizes “a spirit of dialog,” focusing on questions of cooperation in a contested world and how to foster economic growth while respecting planetary boundaries. Discussions around innovation and responsible practices will be particularly relevant for sustainable fashion stakeholders.
Later in the spring, the Textiles Recycling Expo USA will occur on April 29 and 30 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This expo is being touted as the country’s first dedicated showcase for innovations in textile recycling. As the commercial application of textile-to-textile recycling gains momentum, the expo promises to feature cutting-edge technologies aimed at combating textile waste, with free admission for attendees.
The Cascale Forum, formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka from May 30 to April 1. This three-day program aims to foster practical action through workshops and peer-to-peer learning, with an emphasis on engaging with manufacturers directly. Yael Asher, the events director, highlighted the importance of listening to manufacturers and tailoring solutions to fit their operational realities.
From May 5 to 7, the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition will return to Denmark. This flagship conference will focus on “building resilient futures,” advocating for a diverse range of perspectives and a just transition in the fashion industry. Federica Marchionni, CEO of the Global Fashion Agenda, emphasized the need for stakeholders to play an active role in shaping a sustainable ecosystem.
Following this, the Scope 3 Innovation Forum will be held on June 16 and 17 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This event will address the significant Scope 3 emissions within the fashion supply chain, aiming to facilitate candid discussions about policy alignment and innovative financing models. The event is expected to attract major players, including Lewis Perkins, president and CEO of the Apparel Impact Institute, who will explore strategies related to decarbonization.
In June, the Future Fabrics Expo and Textiles Recycling Expo will be co-hosted in Brussels, Belgium on June 24 and 25. This collaboration aims to leverage shared audiences amid significant EU policy changes affecting the industry. The Future Fabrics Expo will showcase a variety of sustainable materials, with a focus on regenerative agriculture and alternative textiles.
Key Events in the Second Half of 2026
The London Climate Action Week, taking place from June 20 to 28, has established itself as a leading platform for discussions on sustainability. This year’s program is expected to feature over 700 events, including a briefing on “The Sustainable Fashion Reset” hosted by The Now Work, focusing on future strategies for sustainability in fashion.
The Cascale Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 15 to 17 in Athens, Greece. This flagship event will gather a diverse group of industry participants to accelerate collective action towards sustainability. Asher indicated that attendees can expect open discussions about effective strategies and shared accountability.
New York will host its Climate Week from September 20 to 27, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly. This event will feature a mix of policymakers and industry players, building on the momentum from previous years, which saw over 100,000 attendees in 2025.
The Textile Exchange Conference will be held from October 13 to 15 in Vancouver, Canada. This conference will focus on engaging with Tier 4 producers and advancing sustainable production systems. Claire Bergkamp, CEO of Textile Exchange, noted the importance of facilitating dialogue between producers and brands to foster practical sustainability efforts.
In Ghana, the Obroni Wawu October festival will take place throughout October, celebrating the country’s role in upcycling and secondhand markets. This event aims to highlight local creativity and challenge conventional narratives about waste and value in fashion.
The COP31 will be held from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Türkiye. As the annual UN climate conference, it presents a unique opportunity for the fashion industry to engage with financial institutions and other sectors, despite historically limited participation.
Lastly, the Sustainability Talks Istanbul will be hosted on December 8. This symposium will focus on transitioning from pledges to tangible progress, addressing regulatory challenges and the complexities of decarbonization in the fashion industry.
These events collectively represent a critical opportunity for sustainable fashion stakeholders to engage, learn, and collaborate on solutions that address the industry’s environmental and social responsibilities. As the sector navigates an increasingly complex landscape, active participation in these forums can drive meaningful change.
