Challenge the Fabric (CTF) 2025 is on.
The fifth iteration of this cross-industry initiative working to scale impact through collaboration now invites stakeholders throughout the man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) supply chain to join the two-day annual symposium in May with the announcement of the first round of confirmed speakers for this year’s edition.
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Those speakers include Jonatan Janmark, CEO of the rechristened Circulose; Alexander Granberg, materials manager, recycling and innovation at Bestseller; Marina Prados Espínola, co-director of the Policy Hub; and Baptiste Carriere-Pradal, co-founder and director of 2B Policy.
“As we celebrate the fifth edition of this event, it’s inspiring to see its growing impact,” said Nina Elmersson, vice president of Innovare at the Ekman Group. “Each year, we bring together industry leaders, innovators and experts who drive the conversation forward on the future of sustainable materials, making this a key platform for shaping the direction of the MMCF industry.”
Hosted by the Ekman Group and organized jointly with the Swedish Fashion Council, CTF works to underline the sway of stakeholder synergies within the industry. On top of workshops and keynotes covering topics like sustainable forestry and the perception of wood-based products, the conference will host interactive sessions and networking opportunities to reinforce this effort and “break down silos” to build out a “cohesive network” of players supporting the MMCF supply chain as it scales and takes shape. Also of focus are conversations centered around the implementation and scaling of next-gen materials, the changing legislative landscape, and how MMCFs fit into the retail space.
“CTF’s role and importance in the industry are growing with each edition and have proven that collaboration is the way forward,” said Jennie Rosén, CEO of the Swedish Fashion Council. “The CTF Award is an example of how CTF connects and establishes key relationships across different parts of the supply chain.”
CTF 2025 will take place at Palazzo Giureconsulti in Milan, Italy, May 13-14. The finalist of the CTF Award 2025 will be presented during the opening cocktail reception with an exclusive exhibition. That exhibition will showcase looks created with materials provided by this year’s partners, including Birla Cellulose, Circ in partnership with Pyratex, Circulose, Eastman Naia, Lenzing Group and Sappi Verve.