The fashion industry is at a crossroads. As consumers demand more sustainable and ethical practices, leading brands are looking to regenerative agriculture as a way to transform their supply chains and environmental impact. But what does a truly "regenerative" fashion industry look like, and how do we get there?
Rethinking the Entire System
What this really means is a complete overhaul of how the fashion industry operates - from raw material sourcing to manufacturing to retail and beyond. The Regenerative Fashion Manifesto, developed by the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance and the SMI Fashion Taskforce, lays out a bold vision for a circular, climate-positive industry that puts nature and people at the center.
"Regenerative fashion is not just about greener products," explains Federico Marchetti, chair of the SMI Fashion Taskforce. "It's about redesigning the entire system to be regenerative by nature - creating value for farmers, local communities, and the environment, not just shareholders."
Aligning on Outcomes
A key step in this transformation is establishing common ground on what "regenerative" actually means. The Regenerative Agriculture Outcome Framework from Textile Exchange provides a detailed roadmap, defining a set of holistic indicators that brands and producers can use to measure progress.
"The framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different contexts," says Liesl Truscott, Director of Fiber and Materials at Textile Exchange. "The goal is to move the industry away from a compliance mindset and towards a collaborative, outcome-focused approach that empowers farmers and creates real, positive change."
Putting it into Practice
Of course, translating these frameworks into action is the true challenge. As clothing stores brace for a turbulent 2026, the pressure is on for brands to make meaningful progress on sustainability. And as Paris Couture Week demonstrates, the appetite for high-fashion circularity is growing.
The bottom line is that regenerative fashion is no longer a niche concept - it's a necessity. By aligning on a shared vision and practical roadmap, the industry can chart a course towards a future where fashion is a force for good, not harm.