Celebrities and Young Activists join PUMA’s Conference of the People to find Solutions for Industry’s Sustainability Challenges

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE). on Gen Z

Alongside actress, model and activist Cara Delevingne, writer, director and presenter Reggie Yates will guide the audience through the event. The day’s panel discussions will be chaired by TV presenter and Paralympic medalist Ade Adepitan MBE, sustainable fashion journalist Sophie Benson and Vogue Business sustainability editor Bella Webb. Discussions will focus on waste and product lifespan, using more sustainable materials, dealing with environmental fears, protecting ecosystems and finding ways for industry to work together to achieve faster results.

“Over the years I have made documentaries dealing with fashion and sustainability. The conversations these films sparked were at least inspiring,” said Reggie Yates. “I love the idea of ​​attending an event where highlighting the solutions is a priority.”

The goal of the Conference of the People, powered by PUMA, is to give the young generation a voice when it comes to making decisions today that will shape their future. The first discussion of the event will focus on waste and some of the solutions the industry can find to become more circular. For example, PUMA will provide an update on its RE:SUEDE project, which aims to test a biodegradable version of the company’s most iconic suede sneaker.

A discussion on materials will explore what brands can do to make a positive impact on the environment by using sustainable sources of cotton, polyester and other fabrics at scale, while a lecture on biodiversity will show how choosing innovative new materials can do this the solution can contribute.

Eco-anxiety has become a difficult issue for many young people amid a constant barrage of negative reports about the state of the environment. Together with Cara Delevingne, a panel shows ways how this negative energy can be transformed into positive action. Finally, there will be a discussion to show how the fashion industry can come together to accelerate positive environmental outcomes.

Gen Z representatives taking part in the discussions include sustainable lifestyle influencers Monika Poppy and Izzy Manuel, Flock Together co-founder Nadeem Perera, and Earthrise Studios co-founders Jack Harries and Alice Aedy.

The Conference of the People begins September 6 at 12:30pm BST (1:30pm CET, 6:30am CT) in London for 225 invited guests. The live stream of the event is accessible to everyone free of charge.

To sign up or for more information, please visit PUMACOP.com

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands that designs, develops, sells and markets footwear, apparel and accessories. For more than 70 years, PUMA has relentlessly advanced sport and culture by developing fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as football, running and training, basketball, golf and motorsports. It works with renowned designers and brands to bring sporty influences to street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group includes the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company sells its products in more than 120 countries, employs around 16,000 people worldwide and has its headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany.