Reduction in a Growth Industry: Can Denmark Lead Textile Change?

The forthcoming Danish National Action Plan for Textiles aims to accelerate the circular transition of the fashion and textile sector in Denmark. Its ambition is clear: reduce production and consumption while strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and environmental performance.

But the textile industry is fundamentally structured around global supply chains and growth-driven business models. Danish companies operate in international markets shaped by cost competition, scale, and speed.

If Denmark is serious about reduction, what does that require in practice?

What changes are needed in business models, purchasing practices, and value chain partnerships?
How do we avoid shifting impacts abroad while transforming the sector at home?
And critically: do we actually have the competencies and system capacity required to deliver this transition?

Reducing volumes in a growth industry is not only a regulatory challenge — it is a leadership, skills, and governance challenge.

This debate explores how a national initiative like the forthcoming National action plan for Textiles can drive real transformation within Denmark, what responsibility companies carry within global supply chains, and whether our education and innovation systems are equipped for the shift ahead.

Panel:

• Claus Teilmann, Stakeholder engagement and human rights manager, Bestseller
• Nanna Callisen Bang, CEO, Ethical Trade Danmark
• Poul-Erik Jørgensen, research, development & innovation manager, VIA University College
• Sanne Nørgaard, Managing director, by Green Cotton Group

 Moderator:

• Frederik Thrane, Head of Circular Economy, Lifestyle and Design Cluster