Copenhagen Fashion Summit introduces Innovation Forum

The Innovation Forum will be open to all during the two-day event on May 15-16.

"Previously, the summit, with all its inspiring and thought-provoking speeches, panel and roundtable discussions, primarily centred on words, but we felt that the time was right to add more action to the event. With this new exhibition space, our guests will now be able to take the next step, to go from words to action and accelerate their sustainability journey," Eva Kruse, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda which organises the summit.

At Innovation Forum, a special speed dating event with prescheduled business meetings between solution providers and fashion brands will also take place. Curated by Dio Kurazawa, founder of The Bear Scouts and WGSN Denim director, the meetings will help the small and medium-sized companies at Copenhagen Fashion Summit take the first important steps towards implementing sustainability.

"Innovation Forum will also incorporate a pitch stage, which will give 15 new innovations the chance to pitch their solutions to participating investors and large, global enterprises interested in investing in new technology, disruptive solutions and R&D. Among the new innovations are Carbios, which recycles plastics and textiles fibres using enzymes; Haelixa, which uses DNA to track garments; and Re:Newcell, whose technology can turn used cotton and viscose into brand new biodegradable fabrics. The best pitch will get the opportunity to present on the main summit stage in front of a full house," Global Fashion Agenda said in a press release.

"Sustainability, if not a core brand focus, can be a daunting task for a brand to implement. Furthermore, solution providers looking to offer brands sustainable products are often met with resistance. Speed dating gives the brands opportunity to screen solution providers prior to their date to ensure that brand and solution providers get the most out of their encounter," added Kurazawa. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India