The road to sustainable fashion: Science and industry in interaction
4 Mar 2025
How can the textile industry achieve true sustainability? Prof. Simone Sommer from Pforzheim University shares insights on the attitude-behavior gap, the power of EU regulations, and why the next generation will be ‘sustainability natives’.
Research reveals a significant gap between consumer awareness of sustainability and their actual purchasing behaviour. While many consumers agree that sustainable clothing is a better choice, their decisions are still driven by aesthetics, texture, and price. “The purchasing power of the customer is not really influenced by trends, especially not sustainability awareness trends,” highlights Prof. Sommer. This insight emphasizes the need for deeper systemic changes rather than relying solely on consumer behavior shifts.
”The role of designers is evolving. No longer limited to aesthetics. Designers are increasingly seen as system thinkers who influence society’s relationship with products.”
Regulation as a key driver for sustainable change
The European Union’s regulatory framework is poised to play a crucial role in driving sustainability across the textile industry. While some brands are pioneers in sustainable transformation, Prof. Sommer points out, “Overall, regulations will have a bigger impact than just initiatives or marketing stories.” These rules will ensure that even hesitant players will need to reevaluate their practices and make sustainability a priority.
Circular economy: A shared exploration
The concept of a circular economy presents both an opportunity and a challenge. It is not yet fully established in practice, making it difficult to standardize teaching approaches. “We have to explore the circular economy together – academia and industry – at the same moment,” explains Sommer. Institutions like Pforzheim University are actively fostering collaborative research projects, building innovative labs, and strengthening partnerships to advance these efforts.
Discover more from the Texpertise Network on textile sustainability
The next generation: Sustainability as the new normal
A generational shift is on the horizon. Prof. Sommer envisions a cohort of ‘sustainability natives’, young professionals who view sustainable practices not as an option but as the standard. “In a few years, sustainability will be the new normal for the next generation of makers, designers, and producers,” she predicts.
From knowledge to transformation
Bringing together theoretical insights with practical applications is essential to preparing future professionals for the textile industry. According to Prof. Sommer, “The challenge lies in aligning educational objectives with real-world demands and tackling the transformation with a holistic approach.” This means not only teaching technical skills but also instilling a mindset capable of questioning and reshaping existing systems.
Designers as system thinkers: A new role for creatives
”The role of designers is evolving. No longer limited to aesthetics. Designers are increasingly seen as system thinkers who influence society’s relationship with products”, concludes Sommer. Designers now have the opportunity to shape not just products, but the systems in which they exist.
In an era of rapid change, collaboration across research, industry, and regulation will be key to driving meaningful and lasting transformation in the fashion sector. The future belongs to those who can bridge gaps, challenge norms, and design with both purpose and vision.
About the Textile Lab at Pforzheim University
The Textile Lab at Pforzheim University is a creative hub where tradition meets innovation to shape the future of sustainable textiles. Equipped with specialized craftsmanship machinery and open-source tools, the lab operates on a “micro-factory level”, experimenting with natural and recycled fibers. Here, students and researchers bridge design and material expertise, exploring bold solutions to close the textile loop locally and rethink how fashion is created – from fiber to finished product.
