As part of the official Textile Exchange Conference 2025 programme in Lisbon, over 20 sustainability professionals from leading global fashion brands stepped out of the city and into the forests of Talhadas, in Sever do Vouga, to experience first-hand how sustainably managed forests support responsible sourcing for the fashion and textile sectors. …The field visit also highlighted how collaboration between the forestry and fashion sectors can drive meaningful change. The project in Talhadas was made possible through industry support from the Inditex Group, whose investment is contributing to reforestation and biodiversity restoration in the region. This partnership demonstrates how brand commitments to sustainability and ESG goals can translate into real, on-the-ground impact. …For many attendees, the visit underscored a vital message: that sustainability in fashion begins with the forest.