The RITE Group and NICE (Nordic Initiative Clean and Ethical) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will allow the two parties to cooperate closely to address more effectively the environmental issues in the global textile value chain. The strategic alliance is designed to strengthen each group’s objectives through mutual support in terms of collaboration, communication, knowledge and outreach.

The move is designed to add momentum to efforts aimed at confronting environmental issues within the global textile industry, at a time when sustainability concerns have become increasingly pressing. The two groups will also be able to develop broader and deeper influence with key industry stakeholders and governing bodies.

Under the new MoU, opportunities 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 and academia; stronger links to academic research; more input and stronger links to governmental initiatives in the U.K. and Scandinavia; and stronger links with exhibition organizers and event platform stakeholders. As a first step, following the RITE Group Conference in London in October, delegates and interested parties were able to provide feedback on the most recent version of the NICE Fashion Code of Practice, which is available on the RITE website.

Jonas Eder-Hansen, development director at the 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.”