Mango is reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and employee development through a strategic collaboration with the Centro Superior de Diseño de Moda de Madrid (CSDMM), affiliated with the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). The collaboration formalized on January 12, is a significant step towards Mango's dedication to fostering relationships with academia, attracting and retaining top talent, and advancing its sustainability roadmap.
The partnership involves a comprehensive training program set to unfold throughout 2024. More than 250 employees, particularly those in the product area, will undergo training sessions focusing on crucial sustainability aspects such as circular design, utilization of sustainable fibers, and eco-friendly processes.
Mango's Director of Sustainability Embraces Collaboration for Environmental and Social Impact
These sessions, designed to foster engagement and debate, will feature distinguished experts in the field, including Luis Barros Presedo, a renowned specialist in sustainable development and supply chains; Gemma Gómez, a consultant with expertise in the social and environmental impact of the fashion sector; and Mercedes Rodríguez, Assistant Director and Professor at CSDMM-UPM, among others.
The training initiative encompasses various topics, including recycling processes, the latest developments in sustainable materials and fibers, certifications, labeling, and the integration of circularity criteria in designing collections. Experts from both Mango and CSDMM-UPM, such as Luis Barros Presedo, Román Padín, Gemma Gómez, Javier Plazas, Tania Rodríguez-Pomar, and Mercedes Rodríguez, will contribute to enriching the sessions with their insights and expertise.
Andrés Fernández, Mango's Director of Sustainability and Sourcing, conveyed his excitement about the collaboration, expressing that establishing an alliance with the Centro Superior de Diseño de Moda de Madrid, a leading institution in the fashion industry with substantial expertise in sustainability, is an honor. He is confident that leveraging their knowledge will propel Mango towards creating a more sustainable collection, minimizing its environmental impact, and enhancing its societal contributions.
Aligning Academic Alliances and Talent Development for Sustainable Impact
Guillermo Cisneros Pérez, the Dean of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, emphasized the university's commitment to societal improvement through knowledge generation and transfer. He sees the alliance with Mango as an excellent opportunity to lead social change, particularly in the crucial fashion sector.
Leila Rettali, Mango's Global Director of Talent and Organisational Development, highlighted the strategic importance of training in attracting and retaining talent. She mentioned that the company's recognition by Forbes as one of the best employers in the world in 2023 underscored Mango's commitment to providing an attractive value proposition based on company values, training and development, remuneration, and employee benefits.
The collaboration agreement underscores Mango's dedication to integrating sustainability into its core operations, fostering valuable connections with academic institutions, and empowering its workforce to contribute positively to the fashion industry's environmental and social responsibilities.