Owen speak with sustainability expert Raffaella Santoro, Director, Global Strategic Solutions for Softlines at TÜV SÜD

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of sustainability within the testing and inspection industry, particularly focusing on softlines, which encompasses textiles and apparel.

Key Talking Points:

Rafaela's Journey: She shares her unexpected entry into the testing industry through her research on fair trade products, which ignited her passion for sustainability in consumer goods.

Industry Transformation: The discussion highlights how perceptions of innovation in softlines have shifted, emphasizing that while products may appear unchanged, significant advancements are occurring behind the scenes, especially in sustainable practices within the chemical industry.

Sustainability Integration: Rafaela explains how sustainability is becoming integral to every aspect of business operations, akin to the human body's functions. This integration presents both challenges and opportunities for companies in the sector.

Market Dynamics: The podcast explores how companies are increasingly competing with consulting firms rather than traditional testing houses, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainability-focused services.

Regulatory Landscape: The conversation touches on recent developments in EU regulations regarding sustainability reporting and digital passports, emphasizing their impact on market competition and innovation.

If you'd like to be a guest in an upcoming ep or know someone who should be; email our editor at d.wilkinson@strativgroup.com.

This podcast series is produced by Strativ Group.

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