COTTON ON!
As sales for organic and Fairtrade cotton rise, a major event in
Bristol investigates the future of the fibre
April
2009
A
groundbreaking conference to be held in Bristol on 9 May will present
a new vision for sustainability in the cotton industry. [1]
‘COTTON
ON!’
will
be introduced by environment journalist Lucy Siegle and will offer
expert speakers from the Department for International Development,
Soil Association Oxfam, Fairtrade Foundation, Labour Behind the
Label, Gossypium, Monsoon, and more. [2]
The
event will cover everything from fashion and design to the chain from
cotton plant to high-street store product.
The
latest organic market report from the Soil Association reveals
significant growth in sales of organic cotton which increased
by 40% in 2008 and total UK sales of organic clothing and textiles
reached £100 million.
Consumer
demand for ethically produced cotton is clear – the question is
whether the industry can rise to this demand?
Tim
March, head of marketing for Howies clothing company, who are
sponsoring the event, said:
“We
are delighted to support this important and challenging event. Howies
is committed to ethical standards and we are keen to see the debate
develop and move on.
“This
is not preaching to the converted – we’re bringing together people
who might not often get the chance to sit at the same table, such as
campaigners, big retailers and government, with the aim of working
out some real solutions.”
Hannah
Durrant, campaigner for Oxfam in the South West, added:
“Many
cotton farmers compete in a world market that excludes them with
subsidies paid to farmers in richer countries. On a recent visit to
Mali I met farmers who said that producing organic and Fairtrade
cotton really makes a difference to them. We want to see more farmers
around the world get a chance at a fair deal.”
Ends
For
further information please contact the Soil Association press office:
Clio
Turton, senior press officer, 0117 914 2448 / 07795 562 556 /
Notes
to editors:
[1]
The
Council House, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR
9
May, 9.30am to 4.30pm
£12
/ conc. £8
Tickets
available at http://tinyurl.com/cotton-on-booking
[2]
The
event has been organised by the Soil Association, Oxfam Campaigns
South West, Bristol Fairtrade Network and Bishopston Trading Company.
Bristol
City Council is also supporting Cotton On and is currently
investigating ethical workwear for its staff. Bristol is leading the
green agenda and was recently the only UK finalist to become a Green
City.
Tags: aid, Enterprise, fashion, industry, organic, recycling