{besps}ss/RITE{/besps}Two major eco-textile and ethical fashion events will join forces in London this autumn when the Ethical Fashion Source exhibition runs alongside the fourth international RITE Group conference on sustainable textiles. Leading speakers include Baroness Lola Young OBE, Forum for the Future, Marks & Spencer, DuPont, Huntsman, surf brand Finisterre, plus five breakout sessions on textile recycling, GOTS and dyeing, textile fibres and GM, ethical sourcing, Sustainable Clothing Action Plan.

LONDON - Environmental and ethical fashion will be thrust into the media spotlight in October in London when leading non-profit organisations the RITE Group and the Ethical Fashion Forum run two major environmental and ethical fashion events alongside each other.

For the latest information see: http://bit.ly/RITE2010

On 6th October, and for the first time, the RITE Group on sustainable textiles and clothing will welcome the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) to Central Hall, Westminster, London, as it launches the newly named Ethical Fashion Source exhibition (formerly Global Sourcing Marketplace) at the fourth RITE Group conference.

"The RITE Group has an inclusive approach to textile sustainability but we purposely focus on environmental aspects. However we recognise that environmental and ethical issues are often difficult to separate and many of our supporters have asked us to give more time to ethical considerations", explained, RITE Group Chairman Phil Patterson, "we are therefore delighted to partner with the Ethical Fashion Forum and we firmly believe its input into the RITE event will be interesting, stimulating and above all very useful for all our delegates".

Because the two separate UK events will now run alongside each other it will offer a new, unique knowledge and sourcing platform for leading international retailers and brands as well as a useful point of call for small high street boutiques and industry professionals wanting to know more about sourcing sustainable textiles and ethically-made clothing.

Tamsin Lejeune, Managing Director of the Ethical Fashion Forum added, "This collaboration is an excellent opportunity to increase the impact and profile of both events. We hope that a joint event will make it easier for fashion professionals to engage with sustainability in their work. For the Ethical Fashion Source Exhibition, this will mean increased opportunities and access to market for the fair trade suppliers and groups exhibiting and the communities they support.

Speakers at the 4th annual RITE conference so far include Baroness Lola Young OBE, Marks & Spencer, Forum for the Future, DuPont, DEFRA and the new head of Huntsman Textile Effects. Other speakers to be announced shortly will supplement environmental breakout sessions on textile fibre selection, genetic modification, dyeing and finishing, textile recycling, and ethical sourcing.

The Ethical Fashion Source Exhibition is the annual industry trade show for suppliers of ethical and fair trade fabrics, components, and manufacture to the fashion industry, which launched last year as the Global Sourcing Marketplace.

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

Please click here for more details of the RITE Group event and how to register.