Archive for March, 2025

The Global Discussion on the Future of Natural Fibres comes to Edinburgh

Posted by Katy Edwards

Natural Fibre Connect launches its fourth annual conference in a brand-new location this September

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Edinburgh, UK – The Natural Fibre Connect (NFC) Conference returns for its fourth edition on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2025, in a brand-new location. After previously being held virtually and then in Biella, Italy, the 2025 event will take place in the historic city of Edinburgh in the UK. Following the success of previous in-person gatherings, this year’s NFC Conference is set to unite over 300 professionals from across the natural fibre sector, including global farmers and herders, leading brands and retailers, researchers, and academics.

The NFC 2025 in-person event will be held in the historic city of Edinburgh, providing a truly immersive experience for all attendees. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the conference will take place surrounded by inspiring spaces like the Great Hall and the New Library. Known for its rich history, Edinburgh is the perfect location for a gathering focused on the future of natural fibres. Scotland’s deep-rooted textile heritage, from iconic Fair Isle knitwear to the long-standing tradition of family tartans, adds an authentic layer to the conference. Edinburgh’s stunning landmarks, combined with its long tradition of textile craftsmanship, create an ideal setting for NFC 2025. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the city’s historic gems, including the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, the charming Royal Mile, and the serene Holyrood Park.

The main conference will unfold over two days at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, located right in the heart of the city. Attendees will participate in plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and breakout events, all designed to provide valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the natural fibre sector. Key discussions will focus on developments in both local and global policies, sustainability, innovation, and transformative industry trends. Expert speakers, panellists, and sector leaders will offer invaluable perspectives on the evolving landscape of the industry.

Following the conference, attendees will have the unique opportunity to take part in exclusive tours of local heritage mills in the Scottish Borders. These tours will provide a firsthand look at how Scottish craftsmanship transforms raw fibre into luxury textiles, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s rich textile history.

True to its origins, this year’s NFC Conference remains dedicated to highlighting the voices of farmers, herders, breeders, and growers, who are at the very heart of the natural fibre sector. Delegates will have the rare opportunity to hear directly from these crucial stakeholders, who will share how industry challenges and trends are affecting both the sector and their livelihoods.

A South African grower who attended the 2023 NFC Conference in Biella shared:

“There is almost no other space where all the role players in the Natural Fibres Industry get together and share our passion, stories, challenges, hopes and fears. As growers this was an incredible and very rare chance to be part of the conversation. A conversation that affects us hugely.”

Building on the success of previous years, NFC 2025 will continue to address pressing topics such as changes to policy and legislation like the Green Claims Directive (GCD) and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), regenerative agriculture and rangeland stewardship, social and animal welfare, innovation and technology, green finance, and emerging initiatives. Past keynotes and speakers have included Gunter Pauli (The Blue Economy), Veronica Bates Kassidy (Independent Analyst), Anna Heaton (Textile Exchange), and Philippa Grogan (Eco-Age), among others. The conference has also provided a platform for industry standards groups like SFA, RMS, RWS, GCS, and ZDHC to host their working group and member meetings.

NFC 2025 is actively seeking expert speakers and panel members to participate in discussions on these critical topics. Organisations and individuals interested in joining the event are encouraged to reach out to marketing@sustainablefibre.org for more information on how to get involved. This conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand your professional network, connect with potential partners, and leave with actionable insights.

Join NFC 2025 for a transformative experience and take part in shaping the sustainable future of fibres and fashion. Ticket sales will open later this year—stay tuned to the NFC website for updates. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact marketing@sustainablefibre.org for more details on exclusive sponsor packages and benefits.

Click the button below to visit the Natural Fibre Connect (NFC) website and learn more about this year’s event. Keep an eye out for ticket sales opening soon to ensure you secure your seat!

Want to find out more about speaker opportunities, sponsorship, or any other aspect of this year’s event? Then please contact marketing@sustainablefibre.org for more information.

See you in Edinburgh!

Natural Fibre Connect Website

Katy Edwards

SFA MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

7 March 2025

SFA Mongolia’s Key Events: Sustainable Development & Collaboration

Posted by Katy Edwards

Within the cashmere supply chain, from the initial procurement by herders and cooperatives to the final production of finished goods, key quality indicators such as fibre diameter, colour, and length play a crucial role. These factors determine product quality, enhance competitiveness in the international market, and build consumer trust. Ensuring and improving cashmere quality requires more than just refining processing techniques; it demands the implementation of sustainable and responsible production principles at all stages, including livestock health and care, raw material sourcing, preparation methods, storage, and transportation.

The SFA actively promotes knowledge sharing, training, research, and experience exchange among supply chain participants to address this. By fostering collaboration and multi-stakeholder engagement, the SFA is committed to implementing its certification and Chain of Custody standards, contributing to a market-oriented and sustainable production framework.

Throughout February 2025, various events and meetings were organised, focusing on cooperation, knowledge exchange, partnerships, standards, training, and discussions on integrated health systems. Below is an overview of the key highlights from these events.

Cashmere Partnership 2025

On 17th February 2025, the “Cashmere Connect 2025” event was held in Ulaanbaatar to enhance collaboration between cooperatives involved in the “SFA Certified” cashmere supply chain and cashmere buyers, strengthening business relations.

This year’s event welcomed the SFA’s CEO Una Jones, representatives from ICCAW (International Cooperation Committee on Animal Welfare) in China, Dr. Julie Garnier, founder of The Odyssey Conservation Trust (OCT), as well as partners from Obortech Mongolia and the “Dornod Mongolian Dry Steppe Sustainable Landscape and Biodiversity Conservation” Project.

The event brought together over 60 participants, including representatives from 12 processing factories and enterprises implementing SFA standards, traceability system participants, representatives from 35 local cooperatives, partner organisations, and project representatives. The participants exchanged experiences and insights.

In her opening remarks, Una Jones emphasised the importance of sustainability and collaboration within the SFA traceability system, stating,

“The foundation of long-term sustainability lies in mutual understanding, fairness, and reliable partnerships.”

During the event, SFA Mongolia presented an overview of the key activities implemented in 2024 and their outcomes. The team also provided updated information on the SFA Animal Fibre Standard v1.0 and the SFA Chain of Custody Standard v1.1.

Concluding the event, stakeholders discussed the quantity and quality of cashmere to be supplied in 2025, as well as storage and transportation conditions. A dedicated business networking session was also held to foster new partnerships and business collaborations.

Knowledge Exchange Meeting & Training with ICCAW

A knowledge exchange meeting and training session were organised with the International Cooperation Committee on Animal Welfare (ICCAW), SFA’s partner organisation in China.

During the session, ICCAW President Mr Ayongxi and other experts provided a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s “Animal Welfare Requirements” standards, detailing their structure and implementation. They also shared information on the unique aspects, policies, and requirements of the SFA-ICCAW Animal Fibre Standard in China.

Additionally, discussions were held on the certification process, assessment criteria for farmers, and the organisation and execution of China’s certification system. This provided valuable insights into the step-by-step implementation of certification practices.

This event marked an important step in strengthening collaboration between SFA Mongolia and ICCAW to enhance animal welfare, ensure the quality of raw materials, support sustainable production, and improve compliance with international standards.

Expanding the "One Health" Initiative

A special meeting was organised under the “One Health” initiative to safeguard the ecological health of rangelands in Mongolia’s steppe regions. This meeting brought together scientists, herder representatives, and environmental researchers to discuss key issues, including sustainable rangeland management, livestock health, and food safety. By advancing collaboration in these critical areas, the SFA continues promoting sustainable cashmere production and responsible livestock management practices, ensuring long-term benefits for producers and the environment.

Keep up to date with the SFA’s events, meetings and more by signing up to receive our quarterly newsletters in the website footer below.

Tamir Bud

SFA COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

3 March 2025