The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) is to host its next conference which will focus on sustainability and ethics in the fashion supply chain.
The event, ‘Time for change – facing up to fashion’s sustainability and ethical challenges’ aims to find “practical solutions to difficult problems” and will look to answer whose responsibility it is for cleaning up the industry.
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The conference takes place against the backdrop of the UK Government’s enquiry into fast fashion and will examine how brands can continue to meet spiralling consumer demand while operating in a sustainable and ethical manner. Industry experts will look at how brands and retailers can make sustainability pay so that doing the right thing benefits their bottom line as well as people and the planet.
So far, confirmed speakers include Phil Townsend, who serves as technical lead, environmental sustainability and technical services, at Marks & Spencer who will share the retailer’s experience on its journey to sourcing only sustainable cotton, and Peter Hughes, sustainability lead at Eurofins BLC Leather Technology, who will touch on the emerging trend for vegan alternatives to leather.
Meanwhile, Mark Sumner, lecturer in sustainability, fashion, and retail from the University of Leeds, will focus on consumer psychology and behaviour and whether there are any rewards for brands and retailers working to make their businesses greener.
In addition, Alvanon consultant Jackie Lewis will present a case study demonstrating the financial rewards reaped by sustainable Dutch fashion brand Studio Jux as a result of its emphasis on environmental and social issues.
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By GlobalDataOther speaking companies include UL Consumer Retail Services and Shirley Technologies, the latter drawing on its experience of auditing textile plants globally and sharing its insights into the world of textile production behind the storefronts and how the fashion industry is taking steps to clean up the harmful environmental effects of manufacturing.
GreenEarth Cleaning will look at what happens to garments after purchase and how to make them last longer with sustainable aftercare and the Recyclatex Group of textile recycling companies will address issues around clothing reuse and efforts to reduce the amount that ends up in landfill – currently 350,000 tonnes annually in the UK – which is estimated to cost the UK economy more than GBP80m (US$106m) a year.
The conference will take place at the Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel on 8 May.
