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UK-India Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Market Visit

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UK-India Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Market Visit

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Bags of Ethics along with supporting partners, the British Fashion Council (BFC) and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) held its first ever UK-India Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Market Visit to Chennai and Pondicherry India 5th to 7th April 2024. The event brought together British and Indian businesses to experience first-hand the key aspects of sustainability including innovative design, supply chain transparency and trading within India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Given the historic trade ties between the UK and India, this unique market visit served as a platform to highlight the potential for collaboration and expansion between the two nations focussed on responsible and green trade.

Unlike other sustainability conferences, senior business leaders from global fashion, luxury, retail, and beauty industries embarked on a unique journey to the heart of the supply chain at Bags of Ethics/ Supreme Creations’ factory in Pondicherry – the world largest manufacturer of reusable bags, packaging, and promotional merchandise. Delegates got an exclusive tour of the factory to see circularity and design innovation in practice as well as gained comprehensive visibility into the entire supply chain. They met with the workforce of which 80% are female, who have been crafting reusable products for clients worldwide for over 25 years. The immersive visit brought decision-makers at each end of a supply chain closer together – from factory to shop floor – a distinct setting to drive real, practical change for future production and consumption to become more sustainable.

Dr. R. Sri Ram, Founder of Bags of Ethics said:

“Our factory, established in 2008 with a mission to minimise single-use plastics, has successfully curbed the usage of over 30 billion plastic bags. This achievement stands as a testament to the collective dedication of our robust workforce, partners, and suppliers, with whom we share a symbiotic relationship. Fostering empathy and compassion has nurtured a supportive and harmonious workplace environment, enabling us to collaborate seamlessly towards our shared goal.”

The-British-High-Commission-in-Chennai

The market visit was a rich educational opportunity, with sustainability workshops, roundtable discussions, and networking sessions.

Brands represented and included in the delegation included Al Shaya, Reliance Brands Limited, Fashion Design Council of India, Bicester Collection/ Value Retail, WH Smith, Clio Peppiatt,  Estée Lauder, Cass Art, Ottolenghi, Brand x Society, Forest Essentials, Talitha, FAD Academy, Aashni + Co, Aakaro, Amit Aggarwal, Myntra, Harago and more.

It presented an auspicious moment for the UK and India to cultivate new relationships with sustainable suppliers, delve into potential export prospects, and to gain deeper insights into India’s evolving sustainable landscape.

Oliver Ballhatchet MBE, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, India hosted a welcome High Tea reception at his official residence, to mark the visit.

Caroline Rush, CEO of  British Fashion Council said:

“We are thrilled to visit Pondicherry and witness first-hand the incredible work being done by the community at BFC Patron, Bags of Ethics. Collaborating with Dr. Sri, Smruti, and their team has been a privilege, and we are proud of the impactful projects we’ve accomplished together. These initiatives have not only raised vital funding for our BFC Foundation Charity but have also fostered invaluable connections and opportunities for our BFC Community. As we explore the sustainable practices and innovation at the heart of this factory, we look forward to forging new partnerships and opening doors to the Indian market, enriching our global fashion community.”

Jamila Saidi, Head of Digital Commerce, Retail & Luxury at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade said:

“We’re excited to be part of this unique market visit that not only promotes trade and collaboration but also champions a more sustainable future for the fashion, beauty, and luxury industries. We hope initiatives like this can play a role in promoting a more ethical and environmentally-conscious business landscape for British and Indian companies to thrive in, especially in the context of cross-border trade.”

Learn more about this initiative:

Bags of Ethics x BFC x DBT - UK India Sustainability Visit - April 2024

Watch to find out more:

Sustainability Panel- Fashion Industry Growth

Sustainability Panel- International Brand Growth

Sustainability Panel- Design Method: Conscious Consumption

Afternoon Tea by the British High Commission in India and UK's Department for Business & Trade

Sustainability Panel- Fireside chat with the Founder

Dr. R. Sri Ram's Speech at the Deputy Mission in Chennai

Dr. R. Sri Ram's Speech at the Deputy Mission in Chennai

Bollywood Dinner Party

Interview with Smruti Sriram- Chief Executive of Bags of Ethics/ Supreme Creations

Interview with Jamila Saidi- Department for Business & Trade

Interview with Dr. R. Sri Ram & Caroline Rush- British Fashion Council

Interview with Bhavna Darira- Aashni + Co

Interview with Divya Divakaran- Department for Business & Trade

Interview with Geeti Mehra- Patine

Interview with Darshana Gajare- Reliance Brands Limited & RISE Worldwide

Interview with Ketrin Felice- Bags of Ethics/ Supreme Creations

Interview with Lauren Wiseman- WH Smith & Rosie Woodcock- Ottolenghi Group

Interview with Sylvie Freund Pickavance- The Bicester Collection

Interview with Seneca Cottom- Al Shaya

Interview with Shalini Medepalli- British Deputy High Commission Chennai

Interview with Nana Siriboe Anderson- Cass Art

Interview with Neha Kohli Dhingra- Fashion Design Council of India

Interview with Clio Peppiatt & Aditya Shridhar

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