Tomorrowland is more than a music festival. It is a cultural universe where music, art, fashion and storytelling intersect. Every design choice contributes to that narrative — including the materials used in lifestyle products and clothing.
As the Tomorrowland universe expands beyond the festival grounds, so does the responsibility that comes with it. From hoodies and headwear to perfumes and books, each product introduces material choices with environmental consequences. The central question becomes clear: how can creative expression be balanced with a more responsible approach to materials?
To address this, Tomorrowland has introduced a structured way to assess the environmental impact of materials used across its lifestyle collections. Every fibre is now evaluated through a dedicated framework: the Material Matrix.
Collaboration in material mapping
Understanding material impact is complex. Numerous sustainability labels exist, each with different criteria, scopes and interpretations. Even within a single label, requirements can vary significantly depending on the fibre.
To navigate this complexity, Love Tomorrow partnered with Masjien, an Antwerp-based agency specialising in fashion, sustainability and technology. Together, they developed the Material Matrix: a practical tool designed to support more informed material decisions.
The matrix is informed by recognised industry sources, including the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI), the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT), and the Sustainable Fashion Academy (SFA). Materials are classified across six categories, ranging from category 6 (highest environmental impact) to category 1 (lowest environmental impact). This classification supports designers in comparing fibres and understanding relative impact, rather than relying on generic labels.
A living framework, not a fixed label
Guided by Masjien, the Material Matrix is designed as a living document. It evolves alongside developments in the fashion and textile industry. The framework is reviewed every six months, with annual reporting on material use to improve transparency and track progress over time.
Towards greater material responsibility
The Material Matrix represents a starting point rather than a finished solution. The first phase focuses on mapping all materials currently in use. The next step is the development of a material action plan, with a targeted shift toward increased use of recycled and organic cotton where feasible. This evolution depends on close collaboration with suppliers and ongoing assessment of available alternatives.
By structuring material choices and making them measurable, Tomorrowland takes a more informed approach to product design — one fibre at a time.
