Copenhagen Fashion Summit discusses the future of sustainability in the textile and apparel sector
The Copenhagen Fashion Summit 2018 was held May 14 to 16 in Copenhagen, Denmark, with four Brazilian companies attending that are members of Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program) – the result of a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency). Representatives from Farm, Rhodia, Dellas Lingerie and Hering took part in the business mission to the conference, known for promoting debates on environmental, social and ethical issues related to the textile and apparel industry.
Over four days of immersion, representatives attended current and critical discussions on the work of the industry. Notable among the topics discussed was transparency in the supplier chain and the circular economy. Another important moment at this edition was a talk by designer Stella McCartney on the price of sustainability and the release of the second edition of the Pulse of the Fashion Industry survey, which is given by the Boston Consulting Group and aims to map the current scenario in the fashion industry in relation to this issue.
According to Luiza Medeiros, with the Sustainability and Innovation Area at Abit’s Department of the Superintendent for Industrial and Economic Policy, the mission to the Copenhagen Fashion Summit reinforces the Program’s commitment to the agenda of sustainability in fashion. “This year’s edition was very positive for the exporting companies that came with us. In addition to serving as a major source of inspiration, it also provided for an exchange of knowledge among participants – an experience only made possible in information-rich environments,” she notes.
Amelia Malheiros, Manager at Fundacao Hering, reiterated the event’s importance and the subjects discussed: “it is so nice to be able to hold a debate on sustainability at such a large event. This really is a unique opportunity,” she adds.
About Texbrasil
The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works with textile and apparel industry companies to develop strategies for success in the global market. It has helped around 1500 brands to enter the export market, bringing in USD 3.6 billion in business. The Program is conducted by Abit in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).