The MITT sector (fashion, interiors, carpets and textiles) is undergoing a major transition. Companies are working hard on sustainability, digitalisation and circular production, while operating in an increasingly complex environment. Social, ecological and technological changes are unfolding rapidly. In response, Modint — as an innovative industry association — initiated an exploration of trends & scenarios for the textile sector to support its members.
Modint aims to provide perspective and direction in a time of uncertainty. It does so through the Trend Report and accompanying scenarios for 2040. By linking trends to long-term future visions and actively involving members, the board and experts, a shared understanding emerges. This highlights where the sector stands and which directions it could take.
The societal relevance of this trajectory is significant. A future-proof MITT sector can contribute to sustainability, reduced raw material use, fairer supply chains and greater innovative capacity in the Netherlands. In doing so, the sector supports not only economic resilience, but also a more sustainable and just future for generations to come.
Co-creation and Sector-wide Support
The trajectory focused on the joint development of future scenarios for the MITT sector. This was built on a strong foundation of trend exploration and broad engagement. In co-creation with the board, members’ council, members and the Modint team, we worked step by step towards a shared future outlook.
The trend phase formed the substantive basis. Through research, analysis and dialogue, a clear picture emerged of the most important developments and uncertainties.
Next, during several intensive and interactive sessions, we developed four future scenarios. We first worked with the board and members’ council, and later with a broader group of members. This diversity of perspectives contributed to recognition, credibility and strong sector-wide support.
Overall, the process showed that collective reflection and participatory methods are crucial in shaping policy and strategy. Beyond producing scenarios, it strengthened the sector’s collective capacity to make future-proof choices together.
Scenarios for the Textile Sector in 2040
We translated the input from the sessions into four fully developed scenarios for 2040, as part of the Trend Report. These scenarios are based on high-impact long-term developments. Key drivers include Europe’s political and economic relevance, the pace of AI and robotics adoption, sustainability legislation and rising costs.
Scenarios in one sentence:
Patchwork; transitions and traditions – A strong and technologically advanced Europe drives a textile sector that grows into a resilient patchwork of automated innovation and renewed craftsmanship.
Textech blend; digital and global – As Europe loses influence and raw material scarcity increases, the sector is forced to shift to circular processes, niche innovation and high-quality on-demand production.
Slow textiles; origin and reuse – A more stable Europe and strong sustainability regulation steer the textile sector towards a confident transformation focused on recycling, repair and circular supply chains.
Silk thread; creative, local, but under pressure – With a fragmenting and economically weakened Europe, the sector shrinks into small local craft clusters, while scarcity and crises lead to a survival-oriented culture of sharing and repair.
From Future Insight to Collective Action
With the Trend Report and its accompanying future scenarios, Modint has laid a foundation. This provides direction for strategic development within its own network, and is also valuable for individual members seeking to define their position in a rapidly changing sector.
At the same time, Modint uses scenario thinking to engage in dialogue with external stakeholders. This helps develop sector-wide options for the future.
As a result, scenario planning becomes more than an internal tool. It becomes a way to make shared challenges visible, build collective responsibility and strengthen support for the choices the MITT sector needs to make to remain resilient and future-proof towards 2040.
Interested in a future exploration for your sector? Feel free to get in touch with us.
Photos by Josje Veling & Joanne de Lijster
