Nicola Mansfield, Senior Lecturer in Fashion at the University of Westminster, was recently invited to speak on how wool can drive sustainable fashion at the 28th annual International Fashion and Textile Institutes (IFFTI) Annual Conference 2026 in Vietnam. The event uncovered new approaches to sustainability, inspired by the rich traditions and innovations of communities worldwide.
Hosted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University Vietnam between 13-17 April, the conference explored the transformative power of cultural diversity in shaping sustainable fashion. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and hands-on workshops, the event focused on the theme of Cultural Connections for Sustainable Fashion Futures: Rebuild, Renew, Regenerate.
Mansfield delivered her presentation virtually as part of the conference’s hybrid programme, joining an international panel of researchers exploring regenerative material futures. Her paper draws on interviews with sheep farmers, clothing designers and sourcing specialists across the UK, exploring how regenerative farming can help absorb and store carbon. The paper’s illustrations explain how this works, showing how carbon is stored in wool fibres and how natural processes like respiration and photosynthesis balance against the environmental impact of sheep, including methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
During her talk she also examined emerging traceability technologies that allow brands to map wool’s journey from farm to finished garment, supporting more transparent and ethical sourcing.
About the conference, Mansfield said: “The conference allowed interaction from global perspectives and connected with materiality and design solutions. I was impressed by the breadth of topics and the conversations that I was involved with.”
Mansfield’s research directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and 13: Climate Action. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Fashion courses at the University of Westminster.
