LONDON – With less than a month to go, high-level industry specialists from across the clothing and textile industries are gearing up for this year’s RITE Group conference, which takes place in October at Central Hall, Westminster, London.

The event will feature Green Carpet Challenge (GCC) founder Livia Firth, who will team up with British TV presenter, Observer journalist and author Lucy Siegle to host a special session looking at ‘raising the bar’ and profile of sustainable fashion and consumption. Delegates will also hear from Lord Peter Melchett, Policy Director at the Soil Association, who will be providing details of the Soil Association’s forthcoming ‘Have you Cottoned on Yet?’ campaign. The campaign, which launches in October, will gather evidence which shows that organic cotton is the long-term goal for brands wanting to offer sustainable textiles by setting out five unique benefits of organic.

With breakout sessions exploring Closed Loop Recycling, Harmful Chemicals and Textile Pollution, and Sustainable Cotton Futures, other confirmed speakers for the conference, which takes place on Wednesday 10 October, include Baroness Lola Young OBE, Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business, Marks & Spencer, Pavel Misiga, Sustainable Consumption, European Commission, Mark Held, Secretary General, European Outdoor Group, Mike Shragger, Swedish Fashion Academy, Cyndi Rhodes, CEO Worn Again; and Giusy Bettoni, from the eco-fashion hub C.L.A.S.S.

“As global population rises and the pressure to source more raw materials to make clothes intensifies,” noted John Mowbray from RITE, “then the need for more sustainable sourcing by retailers and a more intelligent way of shopping by consumers becomes much more important.

For further details, go to www.ecotextile.com/uploads/2012RITEConf.pdf

To reserve your place at the event, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit http://www.ritegroup.org/book-conference.html