COLLABORATION -
Cotton is an integral part of the apparel and textile industry providing livelihoods for over 300 million people across the globe. The environmental and social implications of cotton production are, however, significant.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
With Earth Day 2017 quickly fading in the rearview mirror, I’m reminded of the challenge we face every other day of the year: maintaining high awareness and action on sustainability issues. Government agencies and nonprofits have traditionally shouldered the greatest responsibility for year-round efforts aimed at influencing behaviors that benefit individuals and society. But a growing number of forward-thinking businesses and brands are beginning to invest in the kind of genuine behavior change programs known as “social marketing” – or, when done by a corporation, “corporate social marketing.”
WALKING THE TALK -
A more sustainable apparel industry is on the horizon thanks to continued efforts by industry leaders to develop innovative textile policies that value natural resources.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation continues to drive forward the circular economy agenda with the launch of a new initiative that brings together key industry stakeholders, including C&A Foundation, H&M, Nike Inc,
PRESS RELEASE -
Last year, as a global outdoor lifestyle brand, Timberland launched a five year commitment to double its footprint in five cities – just not in the way you might expect. In each city, we will create or restore urban green spaces that match or exceed the combined retail footprint of our local stores in that city.
COLLABORATION -
The fashion industry continues on its journey towards a more sustainable future as industry leaders band together to improve transparency and develop new technologies designed to reduce impacts of everyday products.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Today C&A, one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers, debuted the first Cradle to Cradle Certified™ GOLD T-shirts, marking an industry-first achievement for a fashion garment.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
Human Rights Watch is calling on the fashion industry to adopt and carry out the Apparel and Footwear Supply Chain Transparency Pledge. The organization contacted 72 apparel companies, asking them to publish information identifying the factories that produce their goods, addressing a key obstacle to rooting out abusive labor practices across the industry and helping to prevent disasters such as the Rana Plaza collapse.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Just in time for Fashion Revolution Week, the Fairtrade Foundation and researchers in Finland have revealed new studies and initiatives aimed at driving the fashion industry towards a more sustainable, ethical model.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
Four years after the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in which 1,134 people were killed, Fashion Revolution has released its 2017 Fashion Transparency Index, which ranks 100 of the biggest fashion companies on their social and environmental policies, practices and impacts.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
Seventy-five million people work directly in the fashion and textiles industry. Many are subject to exploitation; verbal and physical abuse, unsafe working conditions and poor pay. While some progress has been made since the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in 2013, which killed 1,138 people, there is still a lot to be done.
PRESS RELEASE -
It’s cute, it’s high-quality, it was developed by kids for kids—oh and did we mention it’s environmentally friendly, too?
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Just weeks after the launch of McDonough Innovation’s Fashion for Good innovation and practical action lab in Amsterdam, the 12 startups selected to participate in the Plug and Play — Fashion for Good accelerator have been announced.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
Walk to work. Recycle your aluminum cans. Remember your reusable shopping bags. These modern-day sustainability mantras help consumers take small steps every day to lower their environmental footprint, keeping plastics out of the oceans and carbon emissions down. But have we considered the footprint of our clothing — one of the biggest polluters in the world?
PRESS RELEASE -
Savers’ State of Reuse Report examines the impact of reuse
MARKETING AND COMMS -
In honor of National Soil Conservation Week, which commences on April 16, the Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC) has launched a new campaign encouraging Canadians to play in the dirt. Initiated by the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario, the Soil Your Undies campaign aims to draw attention to the importance of soil health.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Just days after Reebok announced plans to introduce a plant-based, compostable shoe later this year, Adidas has launched a new piece of performance footwear featuring midsoles crafted with light and oxygen.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
The concept of fast fashion isn’t exactly synonymous with conscious consumerism and sustainability, but major retailer H&M has been at the forefront of the movement to change that — and the fashion industry as a whole.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Global fitness brand Reebok has launched its “Cotton + Corn” sustainable products initiative, which will bring plant-based footwear to the market later this year.
PRESS RELEASE -
Apparel and textile companies are increasingly facing questions from stakeholders about their sustainability performance, policies and strategies. To respond with transparency and accuracy, credible data along the value chain is key to make informed, fact-based decisions and to prioritize their sustainability efforts.
Watch the replay of the Quantis webinar that includes a panel of experts in the field: Quantis’ Rainer Zah, Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Julie M.H. Brown and Hugo Boss’ Heinz Zeller. In this one-hour session, they provided business case examples of how apparel companies are deploying programs and strategies based on metrics.
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