Bottega Veneta's parent company Kering is part of the charter. Image credit: Bottega Veneta
Burberry and Kering are among the fashion companies joining with UN Climate Change to tackle the industry’s impact on the environment.
The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action was launched on Dec. 10 by 43 firms, including labels, suppliers and retailers, and will be open for other companies to join. Fashion as a sector has a significant impact on the environment, causing companies to adopt measures aimed at reducing emissions, using more eco-friendly materials and educating consumers about the effect their purchases have on the planet.
“The fashion industry is always two steps ahead when it comes to defining world culture, so I am pleased to see it now also leading the way in terms of climate action,” said Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary for UN Climate Change, in a statement. “I congratulate the signatories of this important charter, which represents a unique commitment and collaboration from an array of fashion leaders.
“The Charter, like the renowned fashion runways of the world, sets an example that I hope others will follow,” she said.
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The charter, introduced during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP24), is based on the goals of the Paris Agreement. Among the targets is reaching net zero emissions by 2050, with signatories pushing to reduce their emissions 30 percent by 2030.
Other efforts will revolve around reducing or eliminating carbon from production and transportation and collaborating to create policies surrounding the fashion industry. Companies are also encouraged to look into cyclical business models.
Those who have signed the charter will work in six groups to develop plans to implement these goals.
Along with Burberry and Kering, the charter was signed by Hugo Boss and Stella McCartney.
Stella McCartney has signed the charter. Image credit: Stella McCartney
“Climate change is undoubtedly one of, if not, the biggest challenge of our lifetime,” said Ms. McCartney in a statement. “It is and will affect everyone on this planet and our future.
“This is why I am proud to be a signatory of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action,” she said. “I want to call on my peers in the business, from other brands to retailers and suppliers, to sign up to this charter now and take the necessary actions to address the reality of the issue of climate change in their business and value chains.
“Collectively we have a voice and the capacity to make a difference.”
Earlier this year, Burberry announced it is stopping the practice of destroying unsold goods as part of its five-year responsibility plan.
The label, along with many others, has caught backlash for burning and destroying unsold products to prevent them from being resold at cheaper prices and diminishing its brand image. In addition to stopping this practice, it will also prohibit the use of real fur in its designs, as consumers become more sustainably conscious (see story).
“Burberry is proud to be a signatory of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action,” said Marco Gobbetti, CEO of Burberry, in a statement. “While we have committed to becoming carbon neutral in our own operations, achieving a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across the entire global fashion industry by 2030 will require innovation and collaboration.
“By working together with other signatories of the charter, we believe that we can achieve systemic change and build a more sustainable future,” he said.