Now Just Two Weeks Away: Explore Circularity Day 2026: What’s in it for me?

Explore Circularity Day 2026 will welcome explorers from across sectors to examine how Alberta can accelerate progress toward a circular textile economy — from design and innovation to policy and producer responsibility.

Textile waste is one of the fastest-growing material streams globally — but it also represents a significant opportunity for Alberta to advance circular solutions.

For municipalities: textiles provide a tangible pathway to divert more material from landfill while engaging residents in practical, visible circular initiatives.
For regulators and policymakers: the sector offers an important moment to align policy, shape the evolution of extended producer responsibility (EPR), and support the development of new markets.
For service providers — collectors, haulers, processors, and innovators: emerging textile streams point to growing demand for new infrastructure, services, and business models.

The opportunity is clear: by working together across the value chain, we can turn a rapidly growing waste stream into a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and circular growth in Alberta.

Sessions include renowned global textile circularity experts and local Alberta champions.

In the first session of the day on Charting a Course, Kelly Drennan of Fashion Takes Action will provide essential context on the global textile waste crisis, outline what’s already underway in Canada, and explore why Alberta is uniquely positioned to lead.

During Trailblazers: Spotlight on Alberta Circular Textile Leaders (sponsored by the City of Calgary), innovators including Dan King (Davey Textiles), Deanne Ferguson (KUMA), and Katrina Hillyer (Earth Warriors) and Russell McPherson (Gear re-Store / PLAEX) will share real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Alberta’s textile circularity landscape.

The momentum continues with Innovating Toward New End Markets, highlighting cutting-edge projects redefining environmental and economic value. Speakers include Mehr Nikoo (Alberta Innovates), Melanie Mok (Debrand), Leila Lawson, (Zylotex) and Marc Puyuelo, (COLEO).

After lunch, keynote speaker Maren Costa — climate activist and former Amazon employee turned whistleblower — will challenge participants to think boldly about corporate accountability and systems change.

The afternoon features a lively Popcorn Debate: Individual vs. Industry Action (sponsored by the City of Edmonton), moderated by Charlotte Genge of Ensemble Co. Panelists include Jordan Girling (WRAP), Dr. Rachel McQueen (University of Alberta), Mortimer Capriles (Goodwill Industries of Alberta), and Erin Polowy (My Green Closet) exploring who holds responsibility — and how solutions can scale.

In The Path to Extended Producer Responsibility, experts including Christina Seidel (sonnevera international corp), Tonny Colyn (National Association for Charitable Textile Recycling), Joel Chung (Environment and Climate Change Canada), Barry Friesen (Cleanfarms) and Kelly Drennan will examine lessons from Europe and California and what Alberta can do now to prepare for potential textile-focused EPR legislation.

The day concludes with key insights and outlining practical next steps for collaboration and action.

Explore Circularity Day 2026 promises a full day of insight, dialogue, and momentum — positioning Alberta at the forefront of textile circularity innovation and policy.