In a significant textile industry move, the RITE Group and NICE (Nordic Initiative Clean and Ethical) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the two parties cooperate closely to more effectively address environmental issues in the global textile value chain.
The new development announced at RITE Group conference on sustainable textiles in London, sees the creation of a strategic alliance between RITE and NICE aimed at strengthening each group's objectives through mutual support in terms of collaboration, communication, knowledge and outreach.
It is anticipated that the move will add momentum and impetus to efforts aimed at confronting environmental issues within the global textile sector – at a time when concerns with regards to sustainability in the industry are more pressing than ever.
Moreover, working together the two parties will also gain key benefits of critical mass and the likelihood of broader and deeper influence with key industry stakeholders and governing bodies.
Phil Patterson, RITE Group Chairman said, "the new relationship will allow both RITE and NICE to simultaneously support and also challenge the textile industry to develop best practice in their quest to reduce environmental impacts of textiles."
Under the new MoU, opportunities moving forward include the potential for joint conferences and marketing; joint funding applications for common interests; linking to establish stronger representation on textiles and the environment in business, government academia and schools; stronger links to academic research; more input and stronger links to governmental initiatives in the UK and Scandinavia; stronger links with exhibition organizers and event platform stakeholders.
Jonas Eder-Hansen, Development Director at Danish Fashion Institute, and in charge of the NICE secretariat said, "The new partnership will create strong links across the North Sea region and form a solid foundation for knowledge-sharing, further education, and a powerful network that cuts across national borders.
Sustainability issues need the industry's full attention and the partnership enhances our ability to work even harder to reach common goals."
As a first step and within days of the RITE Group conference, delegates and interested parties will be able to provide feedback on the most recent version of the NICE Fashion Code of Practice, which will become available to view on the RITE website.
RITE is a UK-based not for profit organisation formed in early 2007 by The University of Leeds, Marks & Spencer and Ecotextile News to provide an independent, industry-led platform to address all environmental issues within the global textile sector.
NICE (Nordic Initiative Clean and Ethical) is a joint commitment from the Nordic fashion industry to take a lead on environmental and social initiatives.
