Sappi Celebrates Petra Fagerström’s Win at Challenge the Fabric 2025
Stockholm/London/Milan – May 2025 — Sappi is proud to celebrate the victory of Petra Fagerström at the 2025 Challenge the Fabric (CTF) Award, honouring her visionary contributions to sustainable fashion. Originally from Sweden and currently based in London, Petra was awarded the top prize for her outstanding ability to blend creative design with environmental responsibility—earning a $10,000 cash prize and global recognition.
This year’s CTF Award, held in Milan, brought together 180 stakeholders from across the textile value chain—including designers, producers, and retailers—focused on the future of man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF). Petra’s winning collection, created using Sappi Verve fibre in collaboration with innovation partner Kara Fiber (the maker of Ecocell™ fabric), stood out for its originality, scalability, and strong commercial appeal.
“I enjoyed the challenge of working with fabric made from Verve fibre,” said Petra. “It allowed me to think deeper about the materials I use and how they impact the world. I’m inspired to continue exploring sustainable innovations in fashion.”
The jury praised Petra’s entry for its “exceptional strength across all criteria,” noting her authenticity, forward-thinking vision, and practical application of sustainable principles. Competing against talented finalists from fashion capitals like Paris, New York, and London, Petra’s work exemplified how eco-conscious design can meet the demands of today’s fashion industry.
As an official sponsor of CTF 2025, Sappi reaffirmed its mission to drive sustainability across the textile sector. With Sappi Verve—a premium dissolving wood pulp used to create traceable and renewable fibres—the company is pushing forward circular solutions for the global shift toward responsible fashion.
“Petra’s work highlights exactly why we invest in sustainable fibre innovation,” said Bernhard Riegler, VP Marketing, Sappi Dissolving Wood Pulp. “Her designs show that environmental consciousness and creative excellence can go hand-in-hand. We believe she represents the future of fashion.”
The CTF platform continues to play a critical role in accelerating sustainable innovation in textiles, especially as the fashion industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. With champions like Petra Fagerström leading the way, and partners like Sappi Verve supporting the transition, the future of fashion looks both stylish and sustainable.
