Sustainability still high on consumer agenda, Mr Chamberlain

01 Jul '11

3 min read

Economic gloom and price inflation caused by rising raw-material costs have failed to dull consumers' concerns about sustainability, according to Philip Chamberlain, director of corporate social responsibility at C&A Europe.

“Far from customer interest fading in such matters, we expect to see an increasing level of consumer interest in relation to broad sustainability matters,” he said.

The man in charge of environmental and ethical compliance for one of Europe's biggest retailers, Mr Chamberlain believes that the priorities for improvement in the textile industry cover a combination of social and environmental factors.

On this subject, Mr Chamberlain will share his practical insights at the ITMA-ITMF World Textile Summit, with the aim of helping to guide manufacturers in developing sustainable operations. His presentation, entitled 'Proactive strategies for environmental and ethical conformity', will discuss the standards retail customers expect from textile manufacturers and what they are likely to demand in future.

Mr Chamberlain will place sustainability policy in the context of rising consumer expectations about the ethical origins of the goods they purchase. Among his topics will be a focus on water resources and the need for continuing improvement in working conditions.

Mr Chamberlain will be developing a theme already introduced by keynote speaker Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General and a passionate advocate for the UN Global Compact on ethical practice, to which several major textile companies are signatories.

The one-day Summit offers a line-up of eminent speakers, covering a range of topics strategically vital to the future of the world's textile enterprises.

“The value of such forums is that they help to raise awareness of the issues and discuss common approaches in effecting necessary improvement,” said Mr Chamberlain.

The ITMA-ITMF World Textile Summit will take place on September 21 at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona, one day ahead of the opening of the ITMA 2011 textile and garment machinery show in the same city.

The Summit is the first joint initiative between the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) and the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), and is being organised in partnership with the World Textile Information Network (WTiN) and international event organiser MP International. Sponsors include Oerlikon Textile, Newlife by Filature Miroglio and Royal Ten Cate.

ITMA, the world's largest international textile and garment machinery show, is recognised as the 'Olympics' of the textile and garment machinery industry. Held every four years at different venues across Europe, it is owned by CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers.

International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

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