Adidas, Burberry, Hugo Boss examine supply chain in Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Change

A major global supply chain charter for climate action in the fashion industry has been launched in a bid to collectively address the climate impact of the fashion sector across its entire value chain.

The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, launched under the UN Climate Change, pulls together 43 industry leaders from around the world to implement or support 16 principles and targets as identified within the charter.

Adidas, Gap Inc, Hugo Boss and Burberry are among industry leaders that will re-examine the entire fashion supply chain and recognise the industry’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, and as a sector explore the multiple opportunities to reduce emissions while contributing to sustainable development.

In accordance with the Paris Agreement, the Charter will work towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Where the fashion industry supply chain comes into the equation is through decarbonization of the production phase, selection of climate friendly and sustainable materials, low-carbon transport, improved consumer dialogue and awareness, working with the financing community and policymakers to catalyse scalable solutions, and exploring circular business models.

“We are aware that more than 90 percent of PUMA’s Carbon Footprint is being generated in shared supply chains. If we want to reduce carbon emissions in our supply chains, we need to work together with our industry peers,” said Bjørn Gulden, CEO of PUMA. “The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action provides a collective industry effort to support the goals of the Paris Agreement. We appreciate that UN Climate Change has set up a global platform and call upon our industry peers to join the initiative.”
 

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As part of their signing on to the Charter, CEOs and presidents of these organizations have confirmed their commitment to address climate change and their willingness to step up collaboration within and beyond the fashion sector towards a cleaner, low-carbon future. The fashion industry -- which encompasses textiles, clothing, leather, and footwear industries, from the production of raw materials and manufacturing of garments, accessories and footwear to their distribution and consumption — has long supply chains and energy intensive production.

“Burberry is proud to be a signatory of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action,” said Marco Gobbetti, Chief Executive Officer, Burberry. “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.”