{besps}ss/RITE{/besps}LONDON - Key figures from across the sustainable fashion and textile industries have now been confirmed to speak at the fourth annual RITE Group conference “Shaping Tomorrow’s Industry’, which will be held in London on October 6th at Central Hall, Westminster.

The final speaker line-up at the event includes a welcome by UK politician Baroness Lola Young OBE, who is hoping to set up a cross parliamentary committee on sustainable fashion in the UK. Delegates will also hear from Vicky Murray, Forum for the Future, who give delegates an insight into ‘Fashion Futures 2025: making sense of uncertainty ? scenarios for the future of the fashion industry’. Paul Hulme, the new President of Huntsman Textile Effects will discuss ‘Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment ? a chemical manufacturers’ view’.

Further topics to be covered include ‘Global Cotton Production: trends and challenges in sustainability’ with Simon Ferrigno from Sustainable & Organic Farm Systems, and Sara Giorgi, from Independent research and strategy consultants Brook Lyndhurst will take an intriguing look at ‘Consumer attitudes and behaviours around textile purchasing, use and disposal.’

Anna Harvey from Marks & Spencer will discuss ethical sourcing issues, Dorothy Maxwell, Global View Sustainability Services, will update delegates on ‘Sustainability in Textiles – progress and next steps?’ while Tom Podkolinski from outdoor and surfwear brand Finisterre will update the industry on new cutting edge developments this small UK brand has been making in terms of sustainable raw material sourcing.

The afternoon session will then begin with a financial analysts view of sustainability from Rabobank International and look at the growing importance of ethical investment.

There will be an opportunity for each delegate to attend two of the five breakout sessions, covering Textile fibres: nature, science or hybrid; Current eco-textile standards and a sustainable sector?; Ethical sourcing: supply chain transparency; Opportunities and barriers in textile recycling; and a session on how can consumers change their buying behaviour?

The Ethical Fashion Source exhibition will also run alongside the RITE Group conference and partners C.L.A.S.S. will showcase high-end sustainable fashion from leading designers.

Registration for the 4th Annual RITE Group Conference is now open HERE.

Please click on the HERE for more details of the RITE Group programme.