Copernicus bringing biodiversity intelligence to the textile industry

As biodiversity becomes a priority on the EU sustainability agenda, textile companies are being called upon to understand and reduce their ecological footprint. However, industries, traditionally distanced from nature monitoring, often struggle to turn complex environmental data into actionable insight.

A recent pilot project funded by EUSPA has offered a compelling solution: by applying Copernicus data, the pilot demonstrated how Earth Observation (EO) can support companies assessing biodiversity risks, planning mitigation strategies, and integrating nature metrics into ESG and traceability systems, all without the need for field-intensive operations.

The pilot was completed through a collaboration with the Italian textile brand Manteco, exploring site-level biodiversity risks and land-use planning in industrial and rural contexts. The data analysis was performed by Kanop, a company from EUSPA CASSINI portfolio specialised in environmental monitoring using satellite imagery (mostly Copernicus data) and machine learning.

The project considered as a Proof of Concept (PoC) was carried out on three contrasting operational landscapes to evaluate biodiversity impacts: Montemurlo, an industrial area under urbanisation pressure and Casentino, a more natural region with lower infrastructure density, due also to the presence of Foreste Casentinesi Park, an important protected area (I Siti Natura 2000 del Parco | and part of UNESCO World Heritage list). Using Copernicus data and a complementary platform from a service provider, Manteco gained visibility into vegetation dynamics, built-up expansion, and habitat connectivity.

By providing time-series analysis and high-resolution metrics on land use and ecological change, the PoC allowed Manteco to strengthen its proactive, place-based sustainability strategies. In addition, the project showcased how satellite data can be turned into replicable, operational tools for biodiversity management in the textile sector.

The success of this initiative proves that space data is no longer just for scientists or governments, but it is ready to serve the private sector as it adapts to a climate- and nature-conscious economy.

Thanks to EUSPA’s support, this pilot has laid the groundwork for a broader transformation: one in which biodiversity indicators become as accessible and integrated as carbon accounting or supply chain mapping.

Got interested in the use cases? Would you like to explore how Copernicus could benefit your organisation? EUSPA can support textile and fashion companies through initiatives such as the Copernicus Demonstrators, helping them recognise their specific needs, identify matching Copernicus-based solutions, and implement pilot projects. Fashion and Textile companies interested in exploring these opportunities are encouraged to contact EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.eu.

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