What was happening at NEONYT? COSH! sums up the highlights!

Local Approaches to Global Challenges 

Where better to ignite the shift towards sustainable practices than in your own neighbourhood? On the weekend of 27^th and 28^th July 2024, Düsseldorf buzzed with innovation as NEONYT took centre stage. This international trade fair for sustainable fashion and textiles has firmly established itself as the go-to platform for brands, designers, manufacturers, and industry experts. Attendees were treated to a series of captivating panel talks and hands-on workshops, all centred on pioneering ideas to promote the circular economy and cutting-edge concepts for the fashion industry.

Imagine bringing innovative approaches and practical solutions around sustainability directly to our cities, raising awareness among urban populations. Communication and education are pivotal for both businesses and consumers to make this vision a reality. It’s essential that everyone in the value chain, as well as end consumers, are well-informed about sustainability principles, equipped to share and actively use this knowledge. Discover how NEONYT is leading the way and be inspired to join the movement towards a more sustainable future.

Ole Friedrich from Visit Düsseldorf urges cities and companies to reposition themselves and actively work on raising awareness about sustainability and providing a platform for small businesses. Theresa Förenbacher, Design Engineer and founder of hesa.design, emphasises the need for transparency and direct dialogue.

Feeling overwhelmed by the current political and economic climate? It’s more important than ever to support small businesses and seek innovative solutions. Imagine a platform where small steps lead to big progress, giving these enterprises the visibility they deserve.

Guess what? Düsseldorf is leading the way as the first German city to team up with COSH! to offer more sustainable shopping alternatives and boost local commerce. Intrigued? Discover how this partnership is set to transform your shopping experience and support your community!

Education as the Key to Sustainability

For all the exciting companies that showcased their innovative product and concept ideas at NEONYT, circularity and durability always play a central role. In addition to awareness of sustainability, valuing textiles is also crucial. Alternative repair concepts, such as Repair Rebels, demonstrate how extending the lifespan of clothing is possible while simultaneously fostering a responsible approach to fashion. 
Let’s spread and promote the knowledge and skills needed to repair clothing! This is also the appeal of Antonia, an active creator, who, along with Prym, launched the ​“Repair&Care” campaign at NEONYT. Many people lack the necessary skills because practical craftsmanship is no longer taught in schools. Repairs show appreciation, and as Dr. Monika Hauck, founder of Repair Rebels, emphasises, ​“When we wear our repairs with pride, we inspire others to do the same.”

Preserving textiles helps to conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote more mindful consumption. Instead of discarding damaged or worn-out clothing and replacing it with new items, repairing them significantly extends their lifespan. Let’s revive traditional handcraft techniques and inspire a more conscientious approach to textiles.

Visible mending is a trend! This method not only transforms textiles into unique pieces but also offers a fantastic opportunity to get creative and breathe new life into clothing. Discover how easy and satisfying it can be to repair your favourite items and create something truly unique in the process.

This year’s discussions and presentations at NEONYT have impressively demonstrated the diverse ways to contribute to a more sustainable future in fashion. As Lavinia Muth says, ​“You don’t have to be extroverted to take action. Sign petitions, engage in educational work, use social media, get involved in organisations, boycott, repair!” 
Everyone can be active in their own way and make a difference. Let’s collectively enhance, sharpen, and transform the focus on sustainability – with the combined efforts of cities, businesses, and you!

A keynote on Greenwashing

On the second day of NEONYT, Niki De Schryver (founder COSH!) delivered an insightful keynote on how to avoid greenwashing in communication in the fashion industry. Her presentation provided a comprehensive overview of upcoming legislation, detailed the seven deadly sins of green claims, and highlighted how COSH! Can help companies navigate these challenges. Additionally, she touched on the subject of the Digital Product Passport, which aims to enhance traceability and transparency of a product’s lifecycle. 

Do you want to know more about how COSH! can help your company in the current legal landscape? Book a meeting with our CSR expert here!

Niki emphasized that despite the introduction of new regulations, customers continue to struggle with finding more sustainable solutions. The Green Claims Directive was set into place to address the issue of greenwashing. As the regulation got stricter, even microbusinesses have to comply. The smaller companies, in particular, are affected the most by the implications of this directive. Due to their limited resources and scale, they face significant challenges in meeting the requirements. This puts them under immense pressure, making it harder for them to adapt to these rules. 

Conclusion

NEONYT’s latest edition has spotlighted the power of local action in tackling global sustainability challenges. Düsseldorf’s collaboration with COSH! exemplifies how cities can lead the charge in promoting sustainable shopping and supporting small businesses. The event’s engaging workshops, innovative solutions, and inspiring talks underscored the importance of education and transparency. From Repair Rebels’ creative mending to Niki De Schryver’s insights on greenwashing, it’s clear that repositioning cities and businesses toward sustainability is vital. 

Join the movement, embrace local action, and let’s make a significant impact on the fashion industry together!