Italy, Forum das Americas and Osklen to Develop Eco-friendly Textiles

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

As governments, companies and NGOs met in Rio de Janeiro last week under the aegis of the Bright Green Cities Conference, an innovative cooperation program has been announced by the Government of Italy, Brazilian think-tank Forum das Americas and Instituto e, the not-for-profit arm of Osklen, one of Brazil' s top high-end fashion brands.

The program will develop cutting-edge, environment-friendly technologies aimed at eco-friendly textiles. These are to bring about sustainable raw materials in the fashion industry through the extended research on new organic and recycled fabrics.

Another element in the program is the pilot assessment of carbon footprint of Osklen's products, and developing tools for the purpose of neutralizing accounted carbon footprint.

Corrado Clini, who heads the project on behalf of the Italian Government, said "we are delighted to initiate this program in sectors with such strong public appeal that will certainly become a hallmark for best practices in this vibrant industry."

Mario Garnero chairs Forum das Americas, an independent think-tank concentrating on issues of international cooperation and development. He points out that "this cooperation adds to our contribution for sustainable products. We were pioneers as the entrepreneurial force behind Brazil's biofuels program. This new cooperation will not only produce late technology textiles, but also help raise awareness to environmental causes". Garnero is largely viewed as "the father of the ethanol car" in Brazil, as he led industrial programs for the production of alcohol-fueled engines that helped the country offset the effects of the 1970s oil crises.

Nina Braga, president of Instituto e, comments "we lead several projects such as e-fabrics, e-board and other environmental management projects, as well as protecting coastal native vegetation and designing sustainable furniture for public libraries. We are very enthusiastic about this new front."

Oskar Metsavaht, founder and CEO of OSKLEN, who manages more than sixty stores in three continents, states that "Osklen was the first retail fashion company to carbon neutralize its emissions. This cooperation will help strengthen the image around the world of Brazil's fashion design applied to sustainability."

The results of the program will add a new dimension to the country's efforts towards sustainable development.

    
    CONTACT:
    Anamelia Meirelles
    anamelia@brasilinvest.com.br
    T. +55-11-3094-4000