By The fashion industry is making notable strides in its sustainability efforts, as highlighted in the latest findings from the Project Retrospective Report. According to the report, 76 per cent of active members of the Fashion Pact have documented their sustainability progress in 2023, marking a significant improvement from previous years. Among these members, 52 per cent have established formal strategies, showcasing a remarkable increase from just 10 per cent two years ago. Moreover, 69 per cent are actively implementing measures to minimize their environmental impact, particularly in areas such as raw material harvesting and production processes.
The project, titled ‘Transforming the Fashion Sector to Drive Positive Outcomes for Biodiversity, Climate, and Oceans,’ is a collaborative effort led by Conservation International, in partnership with The Fashion Pact (TFP) and supported by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). Over the past three years, the project has documented significant advancements made by the 60-plus member companies of The Fashion Pact, focusing on critical environmental issues such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, ocean plastics, and fossil fuel usage.
Conservation International received a $2 million grant from the GEF in 2021 to support the development and implementation of fashion-specific tools aimed at promoting sustainability within the industry. These resources include guides, reporting mechanisms, and pilot projects designed to assist Fashion Pact members in creating science-based strategies for their supply chains.
The progress outlined in the report underscores The Fashion Pact’s commitment to enhancing environmental resilience within the fashion sector. Participating CEOs pledge to adhere to the roadmap set forth by The Fashion Pact, which aims to reduce and eliminate the industry’s negative impacts on nature and climate. All member companies are required to pursue sustainability through three primary pillars: biodiversity, climate, and oceans.
Eva von Alvensleben, executive director of The Fashion Pact, emphasized the significance of this progress, stating that it signifies a pivotal moment in the transition towards a nature-positive and net-zero fashion industry. She highlighted the importance of accelerating action to achieve the goals and targets outlined in the sustainability strategies.
Franklin Holley, director of sustainable fashion at Conservation International, reiterated the environmental challenges posed by fashion consumption and production. He emphasized the lasting damage caused by the production of raw materials and the entire lifecycle of garments, underscoring the urgency of sustainable practices within the industry.
