COPENHAGEN – As we enter the final few weeks before Planet Textiles 2016 takes place in Copenhagen on 11th May, we can reveal that Derek Vollmer, research scientist at US not-for-profit Conservation International; Javier Goyeneche, president and founder of Spanish apparel brand Ecoalf; Nicole Ryecroft, Executive Director of Canopy; Cecilia Brannsten, sustainability project manager H&M; and Manohar Samuel from Indian fibre producer Aditya Birla will all speak at the event.
With over 29 confirmed speakers, delegates from over 30 countries have already registered for the event at the Copenhagen Concert Hall, which is anticipated to sell out with around 400 delegates that span the complete textile and clothing supply chain.
Since spaces are now very limited, we encourage delegates to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. CLICK HERE to reserve your place at what is expected to be a seminal event that looks at ‘How we do sustainability’ in the textile industry. You can also find a full speaker list here.
Derek Vollmer will reveal for the first time in public how Conservation International is working on a new project with leaders in the apparel sector – such as Li & Fung – to assess and mitigate risks to water basins in textile producing regions such as China and Cambodia through the development of a ‘Freshwater Health Index’. Pilot trials are already underway.
Previously, he was a Program Officer at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, where he directed studies on clean energy, multi-stakeholder partnerships, product certification schemes and urban sustainability issues.
Marine clean-up
Meanwhile, Javier Goyeneche, President and Founder of Spanish apparel brand Ecoalf will detail how he’s created a unique fashion brand based on recycled materials recovered from the marine environment.
With the support of the Spanish government, he launched the ‘Upcycling the Oceans’ project that helps to remove waste from the oceans thanks to the support of local fishermen. A fleet of 180 vessels is already taking part in the project, which will soon expand to the entire coastline of Spain to recover deep-sea waste. The first fabric collection will be revealed at the next edition of Pitti Filati in Florence, Italy.
“The main objective for Ecoalf is to recover the trash that is destroying the Mediterranean Sea and transforming it into top quality yarn to produce fabrics and tailor clothes and accessories,” he said.
Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of campaign group Canopy will lead a joint session on traceability ‘From Forest to Brand’ on man-made cellulosic fibres together with CeciliaBrannsten, sustainability project manager H&M and Manohar Samuel from Indian fibre producer Aditya Birla.
Elsewhere at Planet Textiles, further details of the GLASA session can now be revealed. Building on the insights and actions generated from previous GLASA activities, the purpose of the two-hour session is set to identify the key actions needed from the investment community to significantly accelerate sustainability performance in the apparel sector.
We can confirm that contributors during this session include:
James Gifford, Director of Impact, TAU Investment Management; Emma Lupton, Water Specialist, CDP; Vicky Dodman, Project Manager, Corporate Human Rights Benchmark; Michael Beutler, Director, Sustainability Operations, Kering; Jason Kibbey, Executive Director, Sustainable Apparel Coalition; Vivek Tandon, Founder, PerPETual Global Technologies.
The final programme and session schedule will be released later this week.
Details of topics at the event together with other confirmed speakers can also be found HERE.
Planet Textiles 2016 is being co-organised by MCL News & Media, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Messe Frankfurt.
The event is being generously sponsored by Leadership partner, Oeko-Tex, and supported by Covestro, Historic Futures, TIPA Corp., Novozymes, Australian Cotton, Workplace Options.
