Today, in partnership with the International Apparel Federation (IAF), Ecotextile News has published a series of three webinars for our readers on digital transformation in the textile industry; how regulation can drive innovation; and a discussion around the reimagination of the buyer–supplier relationships in garment supply chains.
The most recent IAF webinar examined a white paper authored by former Rockport CEO John S. Thorbeck, now of Chainge Capital. The paper states that sustainable and systemic change in the global fashion supply chains requires buyers to alter their historic relationships to improve mutual profitability, productivity, and sustainability.
In addition to Thorbeck, guests include Matthias Knappe, head of fibres, textiles and Clothing at the International Trade Centre (ITC) – a joint agency of the UN and WTO located in Geneva. Brad Ballentine, CEO of MAS Acme a US subsidiary of MAS Holdings, and James Theuerkauf, CEO and founder of New York AI firm Syrup Tech, along with Goncalo Cruz from Platform-E.
Thorbeck introduces viewers to the “Zara Gap” concept to demonstrate how improved supply flexibility can significantly increase operating income and market capitalisation for fashion companies.
Digital transformation
A second IAF webinar on the digital transformation of supply chains post-pandemic explores cutting-edge technologies and associated best practices that drive sustainable innovation in the sector.
Sebastian van de Loo CEO at van de Loo Development GmbH explains why creating new digital dimensions can improve global interaction and exchange between brands and suppliers, while Dominic Sluiter, of Dutch-based @ EnhanceThat updates viewers on the integration of its 3D, PLM, and DAM tools.
Representing ITKIB , Mehmet Kaya, also general manager at TYH Tekstil, gives examples of how this works in practice.
Regulatory webinar
A regulatory focussed third webinar is co-hosted by experts from the İTKİB (Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters’ Association) and the IAF (International Apparel Federation), and looks at how regulations, innovative practices, and collaboration can together drive sustainable transformation in the global textile sector.
This session features Pascale Moreau, founder and managing director of Ohana Public Affairs, who discusses the impact of the European Green Deal on brands and retailers, emphasising that Turkish manufacturers can gain a competitive edge by aligning with these regulations early.
Participants include Ebru Debbağ, representing Soorty Enterprises, who shares details of the denim producer’s approach to water recycling, digital sampling to reduce waste, and its cradle-to-cradle certification. İsmail Kolunsağ, board member of İTKİB and vice president at Euratex, also joins the discussion.
