Education

• 1983: Completed B.Tech. in Textile Technology at PSG College of Technology
• 1984: Obtained M.Sc in Textile Technology from the University of Manchester
• 1986: Obtained a Ph.D from the University of Manchester for research work in warp spinning technology

Professional Career

• On completion of Ph.D worked on a joint research project between Mezdan, Platts Saco Lowell and University of Manchester on evaluation of splicing of spun yarns
• Managing Director of Premier Mills Pvt Ltd and Premier Fine Linens Pvt Ltd
• Member of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation from 2000 to 2003
• Chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), Coimbatore, from 2007 to 2009
• Chairman of the South India Textile Research Association, Coimbatore, from 2016 to 2019
• Chairman of The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council, Mumbai, (TEXPROCIL) from 2018 to 2020
• Vice President of ITMF from 2018
• President of ITMF from 2023

Cem Altan is the President of International Apparel Federation (IAF) and one of the most successful manufacturer in Türkiye for more than 30 years. With his knowledge and strong experience, he has been leading many projects and organizations for many years.

Cem Altan has a degree in Textile Engineering at Nottingham Trent University in UK. After his graduation in 1983, he has started working for retail groups. The years he spent in the UK helps to shape his point of view on the business world and then he has started his own business as foreign trading company selling Turkish garments to the UK and to international markets. At that time, he brought many firsts to Türkiye and then he realized the need of manufacturing. So, he has established his garment manufacturing company Aycem Textiles in 1991.

Now, in Cem Altan’s second term as President of the International Apparel Federastion (IAF) which has members from more than 40 countries, he continues his works to make the sector more sustainable and greener. Cem Altan is also Vise Chair for Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Assosiation (TGSD) and Chair for Istanbul Apparel Exporters Assosiation (IHKIB) education trust. He has been head of Istanbul Fashion Week and Koza Young Designers Competition organised last 31 years.

Mr. Jemmy Kartiwa was born in 1967 in Indonesia. He completed his undergraduate studies at the California State University San Bernardino, in the United States in 1989. He has more than 33 years of experience in the textile industry. He is the President Director of PT. Dhanar Mas Concern and PT. Silver Kris, both a group of integrated spinning and weaving mills. In the beginning of 2020, Mr. Jemmy was elected as the national chairman of the Indonesian Textile Association (API).

Mr. Jemmy’s experience in textiles began in spun yarns, but has since grown to include spun yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing finishing, and printing.

Mr. Jemmy has been active in several organizations. He was the treasurer of the West Java Chapter of the Indonesian Textile Association during 2006 - 2009, he was also the regional Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) for West Java during 2008 - 2013, as well as its Chairman of the Advisory Board for West Java from 2021 to the present. Since 2020, he is the current national Chairman of the Indonesian Textile Association (API).

The Indonesian Textile Association (API) is textile the organization of all textile industries in Indonesia ranging from upstream to downstream; from fiber making, spinning, weaving and knitting, dyeing/printing/finishing up to garment factory and other textile articles. The organization was established in 1974 and became a strategic partner of the Indonesian government to develop textile industry excellency.

Bayu Krisnamurthi is professor in Agribusiness Policy in the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB University). His 35 years economist experiences contributes into the development of agricultural and manufacturing business.

His expertise in economic policy brought him to a hi-official level in previous cabinets, among others: Former Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs, Former Vice Minister of Agriculture, and Former Vice Minister of Trade.

IPB University is a top 5 university in Indonesia. Established on 1963 as Institut Pertanian Bogor. Lead the development of agricultural science in Indonesia for some decades and transformed into multi-disciplinary sciences, among others: Economy, Management, Informatics, Data Science as well as Medical Schools.

Mr. Vijay Agarwal is textile business and technology professional. His 50 years rich experience extended in overall business strategic and operation as top management position at various textile manufacturing plants.

Currently Mr. Agarwal is President Commissioner and CEO of PT Embee Plumbon Tekstil since last 25 years. The company enjoy a good brand reputation around the world and in Indonesia for highest yarn quality and sustainable growth with two spinning plants in Indonesia.

PT Embee Plumbon Textile is spinning factory that has developed a wide range of product to cater the diversified needs of customer. The plant is equipped with modern and “state-of-the-art Technology” to service the high growth demand of textile industries in the global market. The 3rd generation of textile machinery with latest intelligent software have established the new standard in quality and plant economics for 21st century. PT. EMBEE PLUMBON TEXTILES is certified with ISO-9001 and Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Since 2004 EMBEE is certified by USTER to mark all products as USTERIZED.

Born into a business family in logging and integrated wood industry, she took the turning point by joining PT Pan Brothers Tbk when it was ailing in 1997. As Vice CEO, she had played a vital role in turning the Company into Indonesia’s largest garment manufacturer producing apparel for international well-known brand and employing approximately 28.500 employees across Java Island, Indonesia.

She is also an award-winning and passionate professional who graduated from University of Southern California – USA and received her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles – USA (1994). Currently, she is pursuing her dream of graduating from bachelor's degree in Law at the University of Indonesia.

Along with her passion, she actively involves in various organizations, such as: The Indonesian Textile Association (API) as Vice Chairwoman of Trade and Logistic; Advisory Board of HIPPINDO (Indonesia Retail & Tenant Association); Head of Permanent Committee of International Negotiations of KADIN Indonesia; Chair of Trade of APINDO (The Indonesian Entrepreneur Association); Vice Chairman for Domestic Promotion and Marketing of ASMINDO (Indonesia Furniture Industry and Handicraft Association); Board Member of Endeavor Indonesia; YPO Indonesia Committee; Board of Trustee of AUSCI (Indonesian Alumni Association of University of Southern California); and had awarded as Indonesia’s Bonded Zone Ambassador; Board Member of International Apparel Federation (IAF).

PT Pan Brothers, Tbk is one of the largest garment manufacturing companies in Indonesia. With headquarters in Tangerang and manufacturing facilities located in Tangerang, Boyolali, Sragen, Ungaran and Tasikmalaya, PBRX and its subsidiaries manufacture all kinds of garments using various fabrics, ranging from performance wear to woven garments.

Prashant Agarwal is the Joint Managing Director of Wazir Advisors Private Ltd., India. He has an extensive experience of more than three decades, in various corporate strategy, business creation, diversification, performance enhancement and M&A assignments in the textile, apparel and retail sector for Indian and international clients.

Prashant has experience of leading manufacturing, sourcing and marketing set ups of leading textile and apparel companies. He has been a speaker at various national and international textile & apparel conferences/seminars e.g. CCI, CII, FICCI, IAF, etc. He has also served as guest faculty at IIT-Delhi, IIM-Ahmedabad and has been on the board of some of the most successful textile parks in India. He has been involved in policy making at Centre and State governments.

He is a textile graduate from TIT&S, Bhiwani and has an MBA from IMS, Indore.

Wazir Advisors Private Limited is a management consulting firm focused on end-to-end consulting for Indian and international textile and apparel manufacturing organisations, from concept to commissioning. The firm works closely with government bodies, public sector institutions, and private enterprises on strategic and developmental initiatives. Its areas of expertise include strategy development, market and demand analysis, project planning, transaction advisory, implementation support and stakeholder consultation.

Eric Trachtenberg joined the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) as Executive Director in 2023. Eric has more than 30 years’ experience working on agricultural development, international trade, and with International Organizations.

Eric leads ICAC, an association of governments of cotton producing, consuming, trading, and investing countries that is recognized by the United Nations as the international commodity body for cotton and related products. Founded in 1939, ICAC acts as a catalyst for positive change by helping member countries and other stakeholders support the global cotton economy. ICAC accomplishes its mission by making the positive case for cotton as a "Global Public Good" that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Before coming to ICAC, Eric led design and implementation of more than $700 million in programs to improve food security and strengthen land productivity at the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Outcomes included the vaccination of 25 million animals, and supporting restoration of more than 70,000 hectares of pasture and agricultural land that doubled crop yields.

Prior to MCC, Eric served as Director, Agriculture and Food Sector at McLarty Associates where he founded the sector practice. He counseled Fortune 100 and other corporations, investors, and non-profits in the food and agriculture sector on government issues and advocacy, market access, and political and economic issues. He was also part of the private sector delegation to U.N. Committee on Food Security (CFS) for four years.

From 1995 to 2010, Eric worked at USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) both in Washington and in key U.S. markets, including China, Taiwan, and Russia on resolving agricultural market access issues, export promotion, and supervising USDA development programs.

Prior to USDA, Trachtenberg worked in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Environmental Protection Agency, and on the Taiwan stock market. He received an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University, an M.P.A. in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a B.A. in Government and Economics from Cornell University.

Marcelo Duarte Monteiro holds a Master’s degree with First Class Honours in Agricultural Commerce from Lincoln University in New Zealand and an MBA from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) in Brazil. He also served as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, Marcelo plays a leading role in Brazil’s agribusiness, driving efforts in international trade, sustainability, innovation, and long-term strategy. He currently serves as Director of International Relations at Abrapa (Brazilian Cotton Growers Association), where he leads the Cotton Brazil program—an initiative focused on increasing the value and global market share of Brazilian cotton. Since relocating to Singapore in 2020, he has been instrumental in strengthening Brazil’s position as the world’s largest cotton exporter.

Vinay is a seasoned Sustainable Development Professional with over 15 years of experience spanning sustainable raw material sourcing and corporate social responsibility (CSR). For the past decade, he has focused on sustainable cotton production, collaborating with retailer brands, suppliers, and manufacturers to design and implement impactful sustainable sourcing strategies. His diverse background also includes work with non-profit organizations in the areas of education, intercultural exchange, micro-finance, and environmental sustainability, bringing a holistic and mission-driven approach to his work. He is currently the Membership & Supply Chain Lead for Better Cotton in the Far East Asia and Australasia, responsible for planning and coordinating membership growth, traceability onboarding, supply chain compliance, and stakeholder engagement across the region.

Andreas, born in Wuppertal, Germany, has been engaged in textile business more than three decades. It all started with work in several departments of an international fiber producing company (formerly Glanzstoff) during semester break. After graduation, Andreas joined Barmag in 1992 and moved to Saurer Headquarters in Switzerland in 2001. End of 2010, Andreas founded his own company to continue making the globally accepted brand „The Fiber Year“, a yearbook on feedstocks, fibers, yarns, nonwovens and trade. By now, „The Fabric Year“ is available for knitted and woven fabrics as well as nonwovens. Andreas has been quoted or appeared in numerous international news publications.

Sachin Malik is Chief Marketing Officer at Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), where he oversees the company’s comprehensive commercial strategy, including sales, business development, marketing and technical services. Sachin has over 17 years of extensive experience in the textile industry across India, China and ASEAN, a career defined by his commitment and dedication to customer focus, business growth and continuous learning.

Before joining APR, Sachin held senior leadership roles in leading cellulosic fibre businesses in China and India.

Sachin also brings a unique perspective from his background in the Indian Army, where he developed the discipline and strategic thinking that continue to shape his leadership style.

Sachin holds a Masters in Physics from Delhi University and an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur, and has furthered his learning through executive programs at INSEAD, Kellogg, ISB, and NTU Singapore.

Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), based in Indonesia, is Asia’s first fully integrated viscose rayon producer, from plantation to fibre. APR, which has a capacity of 325,000 tons per year, is located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau Province, Indonesia. APR is committed to becoming a leading viscose staple fibre producer with the principles of sustainability, transparency and operational excellence, and serving the interests of the community, country and climate, while providing value to customers. APR is part of the RGE group of companies.

Eray Karaduman received a BSc degree in Economics and an MSc degree in Transformation and Action Research. He started his professional career in 1999, joined Sabancı Group in 2002, and worked in Bossa and Temsa HR teams between 2002 and 2007. After working at Frito Lay as the Human Resources Manager between 2007 and 2009, he joined Enerjisa as the Human Resources Manager and kept that position until 2012.

He also worked as Group Human Resources and Industrial Relations Director at Coca Cola Beverages Company. He joined Unilever in 2015 as the Human Resources Director for Supply Chain, responsible for North Africa, the Middle East, Türkiye, Iran, Central Asia, and Russia. He double hatted the Global Supply Chain HR Lead position for the Sustainable Employment Project. He served as Sales and Marketing Human Resources Director, to which he was appointed in 2019, until August 2020. Karaduman has served as Kordsa Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications since September 1, 2020. As of July 1, 2024, Karaduman resume as acting Regional General Manager, North America in addition to his role of Chief Human Resources Officer.

Thomas Gries, born in Cologne, Germany, in 1964, studied at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He holds a diploma degree in mechanical engineering and economics and a doctorate in mechanical engineering. From 1995 to 2001, he worked at Lurgi Zimmer AG, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, at the Department of Technologies for Fibres&Textiles in leading positions.

From April 2001 onwards, he is Director of the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University. The honoris causa Professorship of Lomonossow University is the most distinguished scientific award of Russia given for his achievement of tailored reinforcements.

The ITA was established in 1934 and is one of the world’s leading research establishments. Its fields of research consist in man-made fibre technology, staple fibre processing, fabric production, technical textiles & composites, medical textiles & biomaterials as well as in smart textiles & joining technologies. With a budget of 15 million € and a staff consisting of 110 scientists, 65 technicians and administration staff and more than 200 graduate researchers ITA is leading in the digitalization of the textile sector as well as textile bio-economy.

Thomas Gries presently is

• Member of National Academy of Technological Science and Engineering acatech
• Member of the working group “Industrial Artificial Intelligence” of the National Platform Industrie4.0
• Member of the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Science
• Member of the scientific advisory committee of the “Zukunftsinitiative Textile NRW (ZiTex)” and other instituutions
• Evaluator DFG (German Research Foundation) as well as of other national and international project funding organisations
• Member of editorial board of several highly ranked scientific journals and conferences

Dirk joined EURATEX as a Director General in September 2019, representing the interests of over 200,000 European companies in the textiles and clothing industry, with a joint turnover of around €170 billion and 1.3 million workers. His mandate is to promote a competitive, sustainable and innovative European Textiles and Clothing industry. EURATEX’ work focuses primarily on shaping the EU policy framework for the textile industry, in a global context.

Prior to EURATEX, he worked for EUROCHAMBRES, the European Chamber of Commerce lobby. Dirk has an economic background and holds a Masters degree from the College of Europe, Bruges.

Yan Yan, the Director of the Office for Social Responsibility at the China National Textile and Apparel Council CNTAC, also serves as the Vice President of the China Textile Information Center. She is currently in charge of sustainable supply chain promotion at CNTAC and trade promotion at China Textile Information Center. She is a senior engineer and also a Board Member of the China Green Carbon Foundation.

Under her leadership, the textile and apparel sector’s commitment to social responsibility has not only witnessed groundbreaking research endeavors and in-depth industrial practices but has also garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally. Corporate Sustainability Compact for Textile and Apparel Industry (CSC9000T) has been continuously improved and developed. She adheres to an innovation-oriented approach and has rich work experience in the field of sustainable public governance in the industry.

She leads her team to actively explore responsibility value-added solutions that are suitable for China's socio-economic landscape and industry characteristics in the direction of global sustainable development. She strongly promotes sustainable supply chain initiatives, promotes innovative climate stewardship, and is responsible for the China Textile and Apparel Industry Life Cycle Assessment Working Group and the Accelerated Action on Carbon Neutrality in China's Textile and Apparel Industry (30▪60 Plan).

Azlina Sulaiman is Vice President of Government and Public Affairs (Asia Pacific Latin America) at NIKE, based in Singapore since 2012. She leads a regional team focused on government engagement to power and protect NIKE’s business goals and corporate reputation. Previously, she worked for the Singapore government in trade and economic policy roles, including at the Singapore embassy in Washington, DC. Azlina holds a degree from the National University of Singapore and enjoys traveling, film photography, and fitness.

Matthew Guenther is the Vice President Corporate Sustainability for TAL Apparel, a multi-national garment manufacturer. He oversees the implementation of the company’s sustainability strategy with a focus on climate action, circular economy, and worker wellbeing. He is also co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. He holds a MSc in Environmental Policy from Bard College, and an BA in International Relations from Bilkent University. He currently resides in Singapore.

Stefan Seidel has been heading Corporate Sustainability for PUMA since 2015.

Stefan started his career with PUMA in 2001 as a social and environmental Auditor after which he has held various leadership positions which have included Global Team Head Environmental Affairs and Sustainability Team Lead EMEA amongst others. In his current role as Senior Director Corporate Sustainability, Stefan is responsible for all Corporate Social and Environmental issues for PUMA. Before joining PUMA, he worked at First Data Limited and Siemens.

Stefan represents PUMA in industry-wide initiatives, such as the Fashion Industry Charter on Climate Action and the Zero Discharge for Hazardous Chemicals Foundation, both which he helped to create.

Michael Mayr is one of the founders of Silana – Automated Fashion Production, a pioneering DeepTech startup based in Vienna, Austria, and New York City. Silana has developed the world’s first fully automated sewing robot, capable of producing a T-shirt almost entirely without human intervention. This breakthrough removes the longstanding bottleneck of manual sewing, enabling high-quality, cost-effective production in high-wage countries — even making “Made in USA” at lower prices than “Made in China” possible. It shortens lead times, cuts CO₂ emissions, and eliminates overproduction.

Before founding Silana, Michael worked at Austria’s largest fashion retailer, Fussl Modestraße, and with several fashion producers across Europe. He also co-founded NOVID20, a non-profit tech initiative awarded Corona Fighter of the Year 2020 by Austrian Startups. Michael studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, specializing in IP law.

Harshal Chokhawala, PhD, the Co-Founder and CEO of ZymoChem, is a visionary leader in biotechnology who is revolutionizing the global chemicals industry with his groundbreaking work in decarbonization and sustainable manufacturing. Dr. Chokhawala’s company, ZymoChem, is developing cost-competitive and scalable bio-based alternatives to petrochemicals for everyday products.

With an impressive academic background and a track record of research excellence, Dr. Chokhawala founded ZymoChem to disrupt the chemicals industry. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Davis and then worked as a project scientist at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, establishing himself as a research leader in field biocatalysis with over 30 peer-reviewed publications, approximately 4,000 citations, and an h-index of 24, including publications in prestigious journals like Science and Nature Communications.

ZymoChem's innovative approach relies on renewable bio-based ingredients and leverages a patented fermentation process to manufacture materials that can biodegrade with virtually zero carbon emissions and significant reductions in energy use. This breakthrough technology has attracted partnership agreements from global hygiene manufacturers, well-mature chemical companies, and notable investors from various sectors.

Under his leadership, ZymoChem has secured significant funding from venture capital, government grants, and collaborations with Fortune 500 companies and worldwide brands, including lululemon athletica, inc., all while building a high-performing team and establishing itself as a frontier synthetic biology company. ZymoChem developed BAYSE™, a bio-based and biodegradable super absorbent polymer that is considered the "Holy Grail" for the hygiene industry, offering a viable polymer that meets consumer expectations at cost with additional environmental benefits.

Dr. Chokhawala's leadership has positioned ZymoChem at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, with the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, including hygiene products and fashion, through decarbonizing the production of key raw materials like Nylon 6,6. The company's selection for the highly competitive Fashion for Good 2023 Innovation Program, B-Corporation certification in 2024, and as a TIME Magazine Top Greentech Companies in 2025 underscores the significance of Dr. Chokhawala's work in driving positive environmental change across industries.

CEO, aweXome Ray Inc.
Dr. Se Hoon Gihm is a seasoned entrepreneur and materials scientist with a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Seoul National University. He has combined deep academic expertise with extensive business experience, leading multiple technology ventures before founding aweXome Ray Inc. in 2018. As an active figure in Korea’s science and technology community, he serves as a member of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council and as an Adjunct Professor at Seoul National University. His career reflects a rare balance of scientific rigor, leadership, and strategic vision—qualities that define him as a highly prepared startup CEO capable of translating advanced research into market-ready innovations.

aweXome Ray Inc.
aweXome Ray Inc. is a deep-tech company specializing in advanced carbon nanotube (CNT) materials and their applications. Leveraging proprietary crafting technology, the company can produce CNT fibers, fabrics, and nonwoven materials in customizable forms with tailored physical properties, enabling breakthroughs in diverse industries from electronics to aerospace. Since its founding, aweXome Ray has attracted cumulative investments totaling 27 billion KRW (approx. USD 20 million), achieving a company valuation approaching 100 billion KRW. With its unique materials platform and proven scalability, aweXome Ray is positioned as a global leader in next-generation CNT-based solutions.

Founded by Borre Akkersdijk in 2015, BYBORRE® is leading the transformation of how textiles are perceived and created. As a digital-first textile innovation company, Byborre challenge the conventional norms of the industry by exploring new textile creation processes that are less wasteful, harmful and inflexible, and more collaborative, open and inspiring – a movement that redefines the possibilities of textiles.

lululemon (Vancouver, BC)

A visionary in sustainable textile innovation, Yogi Dandapure leads lululemon’s global raw materials innovation team. With over 18 years at lululemon and more than 33 years in textile engineering and supply chain leadership, he brings a powerful blend of technical depth and strategic vision.

Educational & Global Expertise

• Masters in Textile Engineering from IIT Delhi
• Early career spanning manufacturing roles in four countries before relocating to Canada
• Established authority in emerging chemistries, enzymatic recycling, and bio-based polymers

Pioneering Sustainability & Innovation

• Spearheaded lululemon’s shift to recycled polyester (since 2008) and bio-based polymers (since 2011), aiming for 100% sustainable materials by 2030
• Drove the launch of lululemon’s plant-based nylon in partnership with Geno, marking a major step in depolymerizing petroleum dependence
• Led the development of the Packable Anorak featuring enzymatic polyester recycling and carbon capture technology, recognized by The Icons for environmental innovation
• Named among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2025 for outstanding teamwork in circular textile solutions with partners like Samsara Eco and Shinkong

Recognitions & Thought Leadership

• Frequent speaker at global forums like the World Fiber Congress in Dornbirn
• Featured in lululemon’s corporate profile series discussing bravery and planetary responsibility in material innovation.
• Credited with multiple patents and trade secrets, with extensive publications and commentary across industry outlets

What Drives Him

Yogi champions "courage" as an essential company value—believing that real innovation demands risk-taking, agility, cost-awareness, and accountability. His professional mission transcends apparel: he envisions a future where textile innovation is defined by circularity, environmental stewardship, and materials that truly capture carbon.

Calvin Woolley is a seasoned professional in the global textile industry, currently serving as the Sustainable Business Manager for the Textile Furnishing Category Area at IKEA's headquarters in Sweden. Calvin holds a BSc in Textile Manufacturing & Marketing from the University of Bolton, UK.

His career began in 1997 in Sweden, where he held various roles in the automotive interiors industry, where he later became Purchasing Manager at Johnson Controls Automotive Sweden.

In 2010, Calvin joined IKEA in Sweden as the Category Leader for home textile products, leveraging his expertise to oversee the global textile sourcing strategies. He moved to the New Delhi purchasing office in 2014, where he served as the Global Supplier Development Manager, and later held the same position in Istanbul from 2018 to 2023.

Since 2023, Calvin has been back at IKEA's headquarters, leading the sustainability agenda for the Textile Furnishing Category Area. His responsibilities encompass managing the overall supply chain sustainability and driving supplier and business development across IKEA's textile and comfort categories. Calvin's expertise continues to guide IKEA in pioneering sustainable practices globally.

IKEA history crosses over eight decades and shows how IKEA went from the woods of southern Sweden to being a major retail experience in 40 countries/territories around the world. At IKEA we are guided by our vision: “creating a better everyday life for the many people”. The IKEA business idea is to offer a wide range of home furnishings with good design and function at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. From the beginning, IKEA has taken a different path, we have decided to side with the many. That means responding to the home furnishing needs of people around the world: people with many different needs, tastes, dreams, aspirations, and wallet sizes; people who want to improve their homes and their everyday lives.

Purchasing within IKEA has always been an important contributor to realising our vision and business idea. We are constantly taking steps in how we work and grow together with our suppliers, with a common goal to optimise our value chain, resulting in better products at lower costs and at the same time create a positive impact for both people and the environment.

We have purchasing teams located around the world and we work with suppliers in more than 50 countries. The purchasing teams finds new suppliers and evaluate and develop existing ones. Together, we ensure optimal production conditions, capacity, product quality and availability. We also actively support suppliers in their work to improve working conditions and minimize negative environmental impact.

The IKEA Category Area Textile Furnishing is constantly working to implement innovative solutions in materials and techniques and to improve our supply chain, while supporting our suppliers to achieving our ambition towards net zero 2050.

António Braz Costa was born in 1962. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minho in 1989 and completed Advanced Public Management training at the National Institute of Administration (PT) in 2008. 15 million € and a staff consisting of 110 scientists, 65 technicians and administration staff and more than 200 graduate researchers ITA is leading in the digitalization of the textile sector as well as textile bio-economy.

Current Positions:

• General Director of CITEVE – Technological Centre for the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal, from January 2000 to May 2005, and again since January 2009.
• President of CeNTI – Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials, since May 2025, having been Executive Board Member since April 2012.
• President of TEXTRANET – European Network of Textile Research Organizations, since 2010.
• Vice-President of Textile ETP – European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing, since 2013.
• President of the Executive Committee of CTI Alliance – Network of Technology and Innovation Centres of Portugal, since June 2025.
• Member of the High-Level Group of the Textile Cluster: Technology and Fashion, since 2017.
• Vice-President of BIKiNNOV – Bike Value Innovation Centre, since May 2025.
• Board Member of BatPower – Battery Cluster Portugal, since June 2021.
• Board Member of CCG – Computer Graphics Centre, since May 2020.
• Member of the Advisory Board of ANI – National Innovation Agency, since June 2019.
• Member of CRIN – Regional Innovation Council of Northern Portugal, Co-Coordinator of PREI CMH – Regional Platform for Smart Specialisation “Creativity, Fashion and Habitat”, since July 2019.
• Secretary of the General Assembly of MOBINOV – Automotive Cluster Portugal, since November 2016.
• Member of the Strategic Innovation Council of I3N – Institute for Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication, since January 2023.
• Member of the Advisory Board of SPM – Portuguese Society of Materials, since January 2024.
• Member of the Stakeholders’ Committee of CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, since January 2023.

Previous Positions:

• Vice-President of TecMeat – Competence Centre for the Meat Sector, between 2019 and 2025.
• President of RECET – Association of Technological Centres of Portugal, between 2001 and 2005, and again from 2019 to 2022.
• President of AFTEBI – Technological School for the Training of Textile and Clothing Industry Specialists, between 2001 and 2005, and again from 2009 to 2016.
• President and Board Member of CEiiA – Centre of Engineering and Product Development (Excellence and Innovation in Automotive and Aeronautics), between 2007 and 2015, having led the creation and governance of the Mobility Cluster.
• Member of the Board of Directors of IAPMEI – Institute for SMEs and Innovation, between 2005 and 2009.
• General Director of IDITE-Minho – Institute for Technological Development and Innovation of Minho, between 1992 and 1999.
• Quality Director at SIM Portuguesa, Engine Parts Ltd., between 1989 and 1992.
• Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, between 1988 and 1995.

Janet holds over 25 years of experience in sustainable supply chains, including sustainability consultancy and leadership roles in international development (non-profit). She has served on several boards and councils of multi-stakeholder initiatives. Being the CEO for the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), she is currently responsible for overseeing SLCP’s strategic direction and execution.

The Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative with over 250 signatories striving for decent working conditions in global supply chains. Central to SLCP’s mission is the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) - a universal social assessment tool that eliminates the need for proprietary social audits - allowing saved resources to be redirected into improvement programs for workers.

Ninh Trinh is Director of Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability at Target Corporation, where he leads global oversight of human rights, social compliance, and sustainability across more than 5,000 factories, 3 million workers, and 50 countries of production. Since joining Target, he has held leadership roles spanning compliance, HR, product development, and sustainability, driving major program transformations and industry collaborations. He currently serves on the management board of the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), where he chairs the Finance & Risk Committee. Additionally, he represents Target through a number of industry collaborations, including Cascale, the industry summit. Ninh has spearheaded efforts to increase supply chain transparency, improve working conditions, and build supplier ownership through partnerships with Better Work, Cascale, and SLCP.

Target Corporation is a leading U.S. retailer headquartered in Minneapolis, offering a wide range of products across nearly 2,000 stores and digital platforms. Target has annual revenues exceeding $106 billion and employs over 440,000 team members. Known for its design-forward owned brands and inclusive approach, Target is committed to delivering value while advancing sustainability and responsible sourcing across its global supply chain.

Thomas Park is ESG Manager at TP Inc., a global garment manufacturer headquartered in South Korea with multiple production facilities in Vietnam and Indonesia. TP Inc. supplies leading international brands and is recognized for its strong commitment to sustainability, compliance, and responsible manufacturing.

His primary focus is on responsible sourcing, labor rights, and social audit management. He manages the company’s participation in SLCP, Better Work, and various brand audit initiatives, ensuring compliance and supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain. He also works with international stakeholders to enhance transparency and strengthen sustainability practices in the industry.

• 30 years old;
• Master in Physics and Finance;
• 15+ years experience in the Textile Industry;
• Inventor & author of 7 Patents;
• $100M+ under management, raised $45M+ from top VCs;
• Lives in Porto PT, lived in Shenzhen CN, San Francisco US, and Istanbul TR;

Passionate about technology, automation, & impact. Motivated by the chance to ensure a zero-waste future across the textile industry & beyond.

After over a decade in the textile industry & a masters degree in Physics & Finance my co-founders & I created Smartex - a tech company focused on innovative sensors & AI techniques which automate the textile production process & provide full traceability of textiles. Together we strive to empower factories around the world to produce with zero waste and sustainably.

Zhang Bin is the Chairman of LDZ New Aoshen Spandex Co., Ltd., a Professor-Level Senior Engineer, and holds a Master’s degree in Engineering. He has been engaged in research in the spandex industry for 31 years. As a project leader or key contributor, he has received the First Prize of Science and Technology Progress of Lianyungang and was recognized as an Outstanding Individual in the Jiangsu State-owned Assets System. He holds 10 authorized Chinese invention patents.

Siddharth Raj is the Regional Head of Business Development of Archroma Indonesia, part of the Textile Effects division of Archroma, following the company's acquisition of the Textile Effects division of Huntsman in March 2023.

In this role, he leads regional business development for textile dyes and chemicals, with responsibility for strategic business planning and driving growth in Indonesia.

Siddharth brings a wealth of experience in the textile industry, with a strong track record in leading marketing programs, accelerating business growth and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Prior to his current role, he held various commercial, technical and marketing leadership roles across multiple regions.

Siddharth is an Indian national and he graduated with first-class from The Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences. He is currently based in Bandung, Indonesia. er at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, between 1988 and 1995.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep ÖMEROĞULLARI BAŞYİĞİT (40) is Associate Professor of Textile Technology Department at Bursa Uludağ University, Türkiye, and the Coordinator of the Erasmus+ CoVE project entitled “Unlocking Circular Fashion Design Excellence – ReMode.”

She graduated first of her department in her Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering and continued with a Master’s degree in Textile Finishing at Bursa Uludağ University. She later completed her PhD at the same institution, conducting her doctoral thesis as a PhD scholar at North Carolina State University (USA) –Wilson Collage of Textiles and working for two years as a Visiting Researcher at Cotton Incorporated.

At a young age, Dr. Ömeroğulları Başyigit had already begun to receive national and international recognition, with scholarships from TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) and the NSF (National Science Foundation-USA), invitations from the Innovation Council of Turkey, and several awards for her innovative R&D studies. Today, she has authored over 77 publications, including articles in leading international journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings.

Her research areas are wide-ranging, from multifunctional and sustainable textiles, flame retardancy, and antibacterial finishing to plasma and foam applications, microencapsulation, green chemistry, composites, and smart materials. Known for her creativity and innovation, she has led numerous university–industry collaborations, serving as an R&D consultant for several textile and chemical companies, and providing continuous guidance to textile R&D Centers. Dr. Ömeroğulları Başyigit is the holder of 8 patents, most of which have been licensed to industry, and has received around 18 national and international awards, including:

• Valedictorian and Engineering Faculty Award (2008),
• TÜBİTAK and NSF scholarships for international research (2012–2014, USA),
• Innovation and R&D awards from national competitions (2013-2022),
• Two Bronze Medals at the ISIF’2018 International Patent Fair,
• Grand Prize of Bursa Uludağ University (2022) for most licensed patents to industry,
• and multiple recognitions from the Innovation Council of Turkey for applied research.

She is also an active member of TSE (Turkish Standards Institute) Textile Committee, and during her stay in the USA was a member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). Beyond academia and industry, she is the active member of TÜMKAD (Association of All Women Engineers in Türkiye), where she actively supports and empowers women engineers in the engineering sectors in Bursa and across Türkiye. With her outstanding record of achievements, her innovation-driven research, and her global academic and industrial collaborations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Ömeroğulları Başyigit stands as a role model for women in science and engineering, shaping the future of sustainable and advanced textiles worldwide.

Mr. Seheon Kwon serves as President Director of PT Hyosung Jakarta, overseeing business operations across Textile (Spandex, Nylon), Tire Cord Local Sales, and Marketing & Market Research for Polypropylene, Steel, and Heavy Industry sectors. Since joining Hyosung in 2001, he has contributed to sales and development of polypropylene products throughout Korea, China, and Asia, focusing on building partnerships with industry stakeholders.

Mr. Kwon brings experience in collaborative problem solving and understanding customer needs, which he now applies to his role in the textile sector since his appointment as President Director in 2023. Working closely with manufacturing teams and customers, he focuses on delivering quality products and stable supply to support garment manufacturing.

Looking forward, Mr. Kwon is committed to strengthening the connection between production capabilities and evolving market demands. He aims to leverage cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation while ensuring the reliable provision of essential materials for the textile industry. His approach centers on building sustainable partnerships and supporting Hyosung's mission for responsible growth in the global textile market, with particular emphasis on meeting the changing needs of customers and contributing to the industry's development in Indonesia and beyond.

Dr. Fanny Liao obtained her Ph.D. degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has worked in Far Eastern Group for more than 28 years in various fields including petrochemical/specialty chemicals, technology licensing, joint venture management, biotechnology venture capital investments, brewery, PET/polyester recycling, medical devices and M&A. She is currently leading 150-people RD team in Taiwan, China and US for PET/polyester, medical device and new materials. Under her leadership, the RD team had created records as 6 world first products of PET/polyester products.

She is also the President of Oriental Resources Development and the board directors of Air Liquide Far Eastern, Eminent Venture Capital Fund, Bockhold B.V. and Bockimmo B.V.