An important panel discussion entitled ‘Strategies for greater sustainability of the fashion industry - from production to distribution, up until washing, care and recycling of the units sold’ took place in Milan on 7 June, organised by  the European Commission for Climate Action and conducted by the Commissioner Connie Hedegaard.

The debate developed within the European campaign to raise awareness on the issues of energy saving ‘A world as you like it, with the climate you want’, with the purpose of raising awareness in the general public and in companies and promoting creative and innovative solutions across Europe that reduce the environmental impact of the products we consume.

The working group, constituted by the Commissioner together with the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (AISE), the Nordic Fashion Association and CLASS (Creativity Lifestyle and Sustainable Synergy), had presented several practical solutions that demonstrate the continuous research finalised at production that is more respectful of human beings, the environment and the climate.

The debate

Gucci, Marks and Spencer, Puma and CLASS were among various brands from the fashion industry who took part in the debate ‘Wear, treat and share – redesigning the utilisation of fashion’.

Electrolux and AISE also launched the campaign ‘I prefer 30°’, a unique initiative with the objective of encouraging the utilisation of washing at 30 degrees, due to the ability of the modern detergents to achieve excellent results without the need to wash at the high temperatures. This is said to allow save energy and money while maintaining garments in perfect condition for longer time.

Within the discussion of environmental problems and their solutions, Connie Hedegaard declared: “Each one of us can make the difference in combatting climate change: governments, industries, cities, but even single consumers. How? For example, by buying local products or those with low energy consumption, using bicycles or avoiding the waste of energy: this sustainable approach will allow us to save time and money and to reduce polluting emissions.”

Eco-sustainable fashion show

A fashion show featuring innovative ingredients that are 100% made in Italy, respectful of the right utilisation of raw materials and all the production processes, took place at the end of the panel discussion and was organised collaboratively by  CLASS and NICE (Nordic Initiative Clean & Ethical).

The show was supposed to demonstrate that aware and sustainable choices don’t implicate the renouncement of high quality and refined design.

The eco-fashion partners of CLASS that took part in the fashion show on this occasion were Silenzio Stampa, Ventisettebi, Bioneuma, Goodsociety, Illogique, Palettiz, Rizieri and 959. The models presented at show are also currently available to the consumer in various sales points internationally.

The designers that participated were Baum Und Pferdgarten, Barbara I Gongini, Armoire d’Homme, H&M, David Andersen, Nina Skarra, Rutzou, Marimekko and Norrback. Many of these designers have presented creations made from fabrics from the CLASS eco-library.

Collections

Palettiz, specialising in the natural dyeing, presented its scarves made from natural fibres, such as silk, wool and linen. Another participant, goodsociety is a brand that manufactures fashionable and responsible denim garments for men and women. The brand choose to use only organic cotton for their leaders certified GOTS.

Bioneuma collection is developed with the use of two natural raw materials, organic wool and organic cotton. H&M, by turn, has just launched a new collection of partywear this spring, made from sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyamide and Tencel.

Swedish Norrback, launched by self-taught designer Camila Norrback, with a mission to create fashion with a sustainable focus, decided to go for vegetable tanned leather and viscose from wood for designing the garments.

Rützou, which collections are usually inspired by cultural anthropology, history, and contemporary art, voted for fabrics like bamboo, recycled polyester, organic wool, organic silk and organic cotton.

CLASS

CLASS is an international eco-platform founded in 2007 that supports and promotes environmentally sensible products for fashion, home and design through a wide range of eco-textiles, yarns, processes and services. Its global network of showrooms feature a comprehensive materials library as well as highlights from ranges of finished high-quality and stylish fashion garments and accessories, products for the home, and eco-relevant lifestyle products.

In march 2012 CLASS has joined forces with The Green Carpet Challenge (GCC) by Livia Firth to create the first ‘Green Carpet Challenge Fabric Library’. The Green Carpet Challenge is a dynamic project which pairs glamour and ethics to raise the profile of sustainable style at the world’s most high profile red carpet events.

NICE

NICE is a Nordic partnership initiative with a strong focus on responsible, ethical, and sustainable fashion. It is an educational project that includes various subprojects on key topics and involves numerous partners across the Nordic countries.

www.classecohub.org