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.
- 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 our staff with key experts. Andy Salm, as Program Director Organic Exchange Europe, is leading the effort with Marian van Weert acting 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. The office is based in Amsterdam. We can be reached at europe@organicexchange.org.
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