Interview with Nina Bachmann, Swiss Textiles

In an interview for the Swiss Textiles Focus Series, Nina Bachmann explains the origin of the program Sustainable Textiles Switzerland 2030 and why collaboration is key to a successful transition in the textile sector. For Nina Bachmann, the exploitation of synergies between differen actors are a fundamental step to allow for collective action:

“The debate on sustainability in the textile sector has exploded in the last five years. Many actors want to contribute something, there are more and more events taking place. The federal government, associations and NGOs are active. However, we address a very small target group in Switzerland. It does not help if the same companies, the same group of people are constantly invited to a maze of sustainability events. By consolidating, we can get to the implementation phase faster. We have to join forces!“

Furthermore, Nina Bachmann emphasises the importance of aligning the activities of STS 2030 with international initatives, such as the UN sustainability goals or the Partnership for Sustaianble Textiles in Germany to meet the reality of internationally embedded Swiss companies:

“We do not want a completely new Swiss programme –  companies that are internationally active need international solutions.”

Nina Bachmann says that the interest in sustainability amongst the members of Swiss Textiles has increased noticably over the last years. Both on the political level and on the level of the consumers, she is anticipating relevant changes that will make an open dialogue about sustainability key to success:

“Even if the process is demanding and its outcome open, it makes sense to talk about sustainability.”

You can read the full interview in German on the webiste of Swiss Textiles, click on the button below.