Inaugural workshop

launches research project on Private International Law and Circular Economy within the fashion industry

On 22 April 2026, the inaugural workshop of the research project Fashion’s Place – Private International Law and Circular Economy was held at the Edinburgh Futures. The event marked the official launch of the three-year project, which explores the role of private (international) law in supporting the transition to a circular economy within the fashion industry.

Designed as an interdisciplinary exchange, the workshop brought together scholars and practitioners from law, sustainability, design, and policy. The project’s team, consisting of Ralf Michaels, Verónica Ruiz Abou-Nigm, Antonia Sommerfeld, Michael Picard and Lara Schmidt presented its core research agenda und value inputs were provided by Lucy Wishart on the second-hand textile markets, by Kirsty Frew on fashion education and innovation, and by Jack Barrie on global circular textiles strategies. A dynamic interactive session enabled participants to jointly map key stakeholders, challenges, and opportunities, fostering collaborative thinking on how to advance circularity in the fashion sector. The workshop generated valuable insights and laid the foundation for continued cross-disciplinary collaboration throughout the project.