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 Organic Exchange Europe |
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Organic Exchange opens European Office
Organic Exchange (OE) is pleased to announce the opening of our European office with a focus on expanding, connecting, stimulating and supporting the market for organic and sustainable textiles in Europe. OE will be partnering closely on key elements of our efforts in Europe with MADE-BY. Together we feel we can offer a more complete portfolio and be more responsive and proactive with apparel brands, retailers and suppliers in growing the market. This effort is also generously supported by ICCO and Solidaridad, two EU-based development organizations and longtime partners of Organic Exchange.
OE Services
In 2008, we will offer three types of services to help brands and retailers develop their organic business as well continuing to provide our member services.
 • Open Trainings for brands/ retailers and suppliers. These trainings will be designed and delivered with MADE-BY and will be held 4 times a year in key European market countries. They will be open to anyone who wants to learn about the subject. We will offer a basic training for those new to organic and sustainable textiles as well as a more advanced training for those who already have experience with organic fibres during each session. Introductory Session
• Targeted trainings and workshops for brands, retailers and suppliers. These trainings will be offered by Organic Exchange upon request by an organization. These requests generally are focused on educating in-house executives and teams. Topics offered in open trainings will be offered in our targeted training along with custom designed trainings.
• Project Consultancy. This service is focused on addressing the needs of brands and suppliers over the medium to long term. Those who want help building their whole organic cotton / sustainable textile roadmap or specific pieces of it. We will work to develop this directly with the organization.
• General Member Services. Depending on your level of membership this would include consulting hours, tools (which include the annual Market and Farm and Fiber reports, certification and labeling guides) and sourcing services.
OE Europe Staffing
Organic Exchange will use existing staff and compliment with key experts as needed. Kathleen Wood , Director of Program Integration, is leading the start up of this effort and will be hiring a EU Program Director in the first quarter of 2008. Marian van Weert will act as an Account Manager with brands, working 60% time on this effort. Esther Verburg, Business Development Manager from MADE-BY, will work closely with OE’s Europe staff. And of course the effort will be supported by the great teams behind both organizations. We plan to be based out of Amsterdam for at least the first half of 2008. We can be reached at europe@organicexchange.org |
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About Organic Exchange
Organic Exchange is a 501(C)(3) charitable organization committed to expanding organic agriculture, with a specific focus on increasing the production and use of organically grown fibers such as cotton.
Our long term goal is to grow the amount of certified organic land farmed for fiber production by 50% per year. Achieving this goal will allow us to have a positive, significant, visible and measurable impact on the world..
To support these efforts, we bring together brands and retailers with their business partners, farmers and key stakeholders to learn about the social and environmental benefits of organic agriculture, and to develop new business models and tools that support greater use of organic inputs. In addition, we raise consumer awareness about the value of organic farming and the availability of products containing organic cotton.
We create solutions which improve environmental quality, enhance the livelihoods of farmers, increase profitability for innovative brands and their business partners and expand consumer choice.
About MADE-BY
What does MADE-BY wish to achieve?
MADE-BY wants to expand the market for clothing manufactured in a sustainable manner.
1. By helping fashion brands clean up their production process.
2. By developing socially responsible production chains worldwide.
3. By giving consumers a wide choice among fashion products made with respect for
people and planet.
How will MADE-BY do that?
Blue button. MADE-BY is an umbrella label used by fashion brands and retailers to show consumers that their clothes are okay, i.e. that they are produced in a sustainable manner. The brands affiliated to MADE-BY use organic cotton and work with sewing factories that have a social code of conduct. MADE-BY is the first fashion initiative to focus on environmental and working conditions throughout the entire production chain. The MADE-BY brands can be identified by means of a blue button. If you see one, you will know that brand produces its collection in a people- and environmentfriendly manner.
Organic Exchange
www.organicexchange.org
MADE-BY
www.made-by.nl |
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