Bio‑based and circular textiles took centre stage at Première Vision 2026, the major Paris trade show for the fashion and textile industries, as exhibitors and innovators highlighted materials and processes designed to reduce environmental impact and accelerate the shift to more sustainable supply chains.
The event, held from February 3 to 5 at Paris Nord Villepinte, brought together designers, manufacturers and material scientists from around the world to present fabrics, yarns and finished materials that emphasised renewable sources, recycling and full lifecycle transparency. Demonstrations of bio‑based, recycled and circular materials reflected industry efforts to move beyond fossil‑fuel‑dependent fibres toward alternatives that support a lower‑impact future.
Among the most attention‑grabbing exhibits was the be@t project — Bioeconomy at Textiles — a large collaborative initiative presented by European partners to demonstrate how bio‑based and recycled inputs can be integrated into industrial textile production. At the show, be@t partners displayed prototype garments developed with a wide range of natural, renewable and recycled materials to illustrate circular design principles from raw material selection through manufacturing, underscoring how eco‑design criteria are being embedded from the earliest stages. The project also showcased digital tools intended to track environmental impacts and promote transparency across supply chains.
Materials suppliers used the platform to unveil and promote sustainable innovations. Eastman, for example, showcased its Naia™ Renew and Naia™ Renew ES fibres, which blend certified recycled content with sustainably sourced wood pulp to offer biodegradable cellulosic alternatives to conventional fibres. The company said the fibre, now with Global Recycled Standard certification, combines performance with reduced reliance on virgin resources and lower carbon footprints, appealing to designers and brands seeking environmentally responsible inputs for knitwear, ready‑to‑wear and denim segments. Industry representatives said such innovations demonstrate how sustainable materials can deliver both functional qualities and eco‑credentials.
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Innovation extended beyond raw fibres at the trade show, with exhibitors sharing new synthetic developments that reduce carbon emissions and expand circularity. Technological previews from yarn producers pointed to future solutions that break down and reuse waste streams, including textile‑to‑textile recycling and low‑carbon synthesis processes aimed at reducing dependence on fossil feedstocks. These developments mirror broader trends in the materials sector, where businesses and researchers are increasingly exploring closed‑loop production and lifecycle‑aware design to meet tightening environmental regulations and rising consumer demand for sustainability.
Organisers at Première Vision also highlighted the expanding role of traceability tools such as Digital Product Passports, which are expected to become mandatory under forthcoming European regulations. These tools enable brands and consumers to verify material origins and environmental data throughout a product’s lifecycle, reinforcing transparency and accountability for sustainability claims. Experts at the show described traceability as a crucial step in verifying circular and bio‑based credentials, especially as brands adopt more ambitious environmental targets.
Across the exhibition halls, talks and themed zones explored how traditional craftsmanship and modern biotechnologies can converge to support a transition to regenerative production models, and how supply chains must evolve to support scale. Participants noted that while bio‑based and circular textiles are moving rapidly from niche experiments to commercial realities, challenges remain in scaling production, securing consistent raw material supplies and ensuring cost competitiveness with conventional alternatives.
Analysts said the strong focus on bio‑based and circular textiles at Première Vision 2026 underscores a broader industry pivot where sustainability is increasingly integrated into mainstream sourcing, design and manufacturing strategies rather than remaining a peripheral trend. As demand for eco‑friendly materials grows alongside regulatory pressure and consumer awareness, trade shows such as Première Vision are becoming key stages for signalling where the industry’s material priorities are heading.
