Taking place on 8 May against the backdrop of the UK Government’s enquiry into fast fashion, ASBCI’s latest conference: Time for change – facing up to fashion’s sustainability and ethical challenges, will examine how brands can continue to meet spiralling consumer demand while operating in a sustainable and ethical manner. And, on a practical note, a line-up of 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 planet.
The fashion industry has been identified as the second biggest contributor to the problem of modern slavery, according to the Global Slavery Index 2018. Daphne Guelker from UL Consumer Retail Services will tackle this complex issue for brands and retailers, explaining the changing legal landscape around migrant labour and human trafficking and presenting case studies addressing modern slavery in the fashion supply chain.
Shirley Technologies will outline fashion’s very real environmental concerns and explain how environmentally responsible manufacturing is essential to securing the industry’s future. Phil Townsend from Marks & Spencer will share the retailer’s experience on its journey to sourcing only sustainable cotton, while Peter Hughes, sustainability lead at Eurofins | BLC Leather Technology, will touch on the emerging trend for vegan alternatives to leather.
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. Jackie Lewis from Alvanon 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.
Garry Knox, sustainability director for GreenEarth Cleaning, will look at what happens to garments after purchase and how to make them last longer with sustainable aftercare, while Vanessa Wakefield, general secretary of 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 £80 million a year. Vanessa will look at options for retailers, F2F recycling, and new business models.
The conference will take place at the Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel on Wednesday 8 May. It will be hosted by Dr Julie King, deputy dean at the University of South Wales and ASBCI event director. Registration is from 9.00am and places can be booked via the ASBCI: www.asbci.co.uk – 01422 354666 – asbcioffice@asbci.co.uk. A limited number of early bird places are available until 8 April.
