WHAT'S THE STORY
Do B e t t e r – G r e e n ovat i o n
ACT NOW!
The topic has been on the agenda for quite a while. But how can the fashion and textile industries improve in the short and medium term in order to achieve a more sustainable textile chain? We put this question to various individuals who deal with this complex issue. Text: Ina Köhler. Illustrations: Claudia Meitert@Caroline Seidler
CHANGE THE INDUSTRY
Thimo Schwenzfeier, Show Director Neonyt at Messe Frankfurt “Sustainability needs to be followed up consistently. Fashion labels exhibiting at Neonyt must meet clear social and environmental criteria. It’s not enough to use a bit of organic cotton. Innovation power also plays a central role. However, it is clear that sustainable fashion labels must first and foremost address the fashionable zeitgeist in order to be successful in the long term. Our ultimate vision is to change the industry as a whole through collaboration and innovation, sustainability and technology. To this end, we have created Neonyt as a business and communication platform. Thus, we provide an even broader stage for sustainability and innovation and create a framework within which one can find new business partners, exchange ideas, and give each other new impetus. In January, we have decided to introduce a common focus topic for the very first time. This time the topic is water. The Fashionsustain conference, which is a central part of the hub, revolves around highly topical issues ranging from microplastics to water stewardship. What is discussed on the conference stage is made tangible in the exhibition area titled ‘Showcase of Change’. Beforehand, we plan to stage a two-day thinkathon.”
SUSTAINABLE ACTION IS A MUST
Georg Dieners, Secretary General of OEKO-TEX Service Group “The topic of sustainability is now being discussed widely. Sustainable action is a must in the face of global resource consumption. Processes and supply chains need to be optimised ecologically and made more socially responsible. In this context, the STeP label by OEKO-TEX® can be a helpful tool. With this certificate, we ensure that local labour standards in the production countries comply with the relevant legal requirements. The companies we certify guarantee freedom of assembly, allow unions, and rule out child labour. With the OEKO-TEX® Standard Made in Green, we combine the assessment of production sites and product testing. I’d also like to share my opinion on the so-called ‘Textile Alliance’. The initiative was launched in 2014 by Gerd Müller, the Development Minister of Germany, due to poor working conditions in production countries. I perceive the fact that all major industry protagonists were brought to the table and the issue of sustainability thus found a broader audience as a partial success. Now, however, concrete action must follow. OEKO-TEX® offers solutions for brands and retailers. It is now the turn of the companies to take action.” 094
style in progress
