ESG Sustainable Procurement News and Updates

"Ethical Fashion Brands" News Archive

American Circular Textiles Urges Biden to Procure Sustainable Textile Practices

American Circular Textiles Urges Biden to Procure Sustainable Textile Practices

ACT is championing the integration of textiles into the Biden Administration's sustainable procurement plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as part of the "Investing in America Agenda."
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|October 11th, 2023|1:05 PM
Reformation Launches New Eco-Swimwear Line

Reformation Launches New Eco-Swimwear Line

Reformation has enhanced its sustainable swimwear materials, using the previous launch's recycled ECONYL regenerated nylon leftovers as well as a new, non-synthetic, and renewable material made of a bio-based fiber called EVO by Fulgar.
REFORMATIONREFORMATION
|March 18th, 2024|5:01 PM
Boohoo and H&M Engage in Dialogue with UK Legislators on Sustainable Fashion

Boohoo and H&M Engage in Dialogue with UK Legislators on Sustainable Fashion

Boohoo Group and H&M Group were the sole clothing retailers to attend a significant House of Commons session on UK fashion industry sustainability, with Conservative MP Philip Dunne commending their participation.
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|May 9th, 2024|3:09 PM
Reciclados Tangier to Invest $68.5 Million Into New Recycling Plant

Reciclados Tangier to Invest $68.5 Million Into New Recycling Plant

With this investment, Reciclados Tangier hopes to position itself as a national leader in the manufacture of recycled textile and apparel products to serve not only the local market but also the markets in Europe and America.
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|May 2nd, 2023|7:04 AM
Arc’teryx, Zalando, and H&M Explore Profits Without Production Growth
Material Innovation & Circularity

Arc’teryx, Zalando, and H&M Explore Profits Without Production Growth

Fashion Leaders Embrace Circular Economy in $700 Billion Reuse Market
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|July 24th, 2024|2:42 PM
Garment Workers in Hugo Boss' Supply Chain Confront Challenges Amidst Sri Lanka's Crisis

Garment Workers in Hugo Boss' Supply Chain Confront Challenges Amidst Sri Lanka's Crisis

For nearly three years, Lanka Leather Fashion workers in Sri Lanka have been battling for their right to form a union, challenging a long-established German-owned company in Asia's oldest and one of the largest high-end leather garment producers, with notable clients like Hugo Boss.
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|October 2nd, 2023|4:08 PM
Investor Pressure Drives Fashion Brands to Enhance Buying Practices

Investor Pressure Drives Fashion Brands to Enhance Buying Practices

Investors are pressuring fashion brands such as Burberry and Levi’s to improve their buying practices, driven by the recognition that sustainability is crucial for long-term financial success.
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|May 17th, 2023|6:36 AM
The Wealthy are Less Willing to Spend on Sustainable Products

The Wealthy are Less Willing to Spend on Sustainable Products

Millennial and Gen-Z respondents were among the most likely to pay a premium for environmental-friendly practices.
Business of FashionBusiness of Fashion
|April 22nd, 2024|3:46 PM
Leveraging the Global Recycled Standard: Driving Circular Fashion Economy Partnerships

Leveraging the Global Recycled Standard: Driving Circular Fashion Economy Partnerships

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) plays a pivotal role in propelling the circular fashion economy forward by promoting transparency, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation, offering a crucial framework for sustainable sourcing and production as businesses prioritize environmental sustainability.
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|April 2nd, 2024|2:10 PM
LVMH and CFDA Join Forces to Produce Video Series for Earth Week

LVMH and CFDA Join Forces to Produce Video Series for Earth Week

LVMH and CFDA partner for "Voices of Impact," a sustainability-focused video series premiering during Earth Week to inspire action in the fashion and luxury sectors.
Editorial TeamEditorial Team
|April 23rd, 2024|4:02 PM
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5 Ways AI is Transforming the Fashion Industry for Sustainability
Apparel & Textiles
Technology & Software

5 Ways AI is Transforming the Fashion Industry for Sustainability

In this article, The Fashion Network explains the transformation of the fashion industry by enabling virtual marketing campaigns and fashion shows, virtual fitting rooms, improving the second-hand market, and integrating AI into rental fashion.
The Fashion NetworkThe Fashion Network
|May 24th, 2023|3:40 PM
Fendi Starts a New Holistic Journey

Fendi Starts a New Holistic Journey

Fendi has started a whole new strategy aimed at defining tomorrow’s fashion based upon the indispensable respect for environment, quality and ethics.
FENDIFENDI
|July 6th, 2022|4:26 PM
Burberry Builds on Climate Positive Commitment with Biodiversity Strategy to Protect, Restore and Regenerate Nature

Burberry Builds on Climate Positive Commitment with Biodiversity Strategy to Protect, Restore and Regenerate Nature

Burberry announces its biodiversity strategy to support global conservation efforts. Through this plan, Burberry will take action to protect, restore and regenerate nature, helping to slow further global warming as part of the transition towards the 1.5°C pathway set out in the Paris Agreement.
BURBERRYBURBERRY
|January 25th, 2022|1:28 PM
How Fashion Brands and Retailers could accelerate Forest-Positive MMCF Sourcing

How Fashion Brands and Retailers could accelerate Forest-Positive MMCF Sourcing

PEFC Launches New Whitepaper: “Enhancing Sustainability through Forest-Positive MMCF Sourcing. A Guide for Fashion Brands and Retailers"
PEFCPEFC
|July 10th, 2023|1:09 PM
Stella McCartney Launches Summer 2024 Collection: A Sustainable Fashion Triumph

Stella McCartney Launches Summer 2024 Collection: A Sustainable Fashion Triumph

This innovative approach not only advocates a more circular future but also highlights Stella McCartney’s ongoing commitment to sustainable solutions.
STELLA MCCARTNEYSTELLA MCCARTNEY
|March 25th, 2024|1:25 PM

Explore Popular Categories to Find Sustainable Business Partners

Textiles

Textiles

In the textiles sector, sustainability is the fabric of development and the preservation of ecosystems and a resilient supply chain. Businesses are mitigating their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices including reducing water in dyeing to circularity, where recycling and waste reduction are put forward. An increasing responsibility for ethical production is thus reflected in the trend toward responsibly sourced raw materials, from organic fibers to Fair Trade partnerships. Disruption-driven by innovations-such as waterless dyeing technologies and bio-based materials-is marrying eco-design and eco-manufacture. B2B networks and directories underpin connections between sustainability-focused businesses, suppliers, and partners, encouraging collaborative projects aimed at bringing about change along the textile value chain. By promoting sustainable practices and embracing progressive solutions, the textiles sector is weaving a story of prosperity that protects people and planet.
Cosmetics

Cosmetics

The core of the Cosmetics industry stands for sustainability fighting for a greener spawning of innovations. Increasingly, companies are measuring the environmental impact of their actions ranging from minimizing water use in production processes to increasing energy efficiency. Other emerging trends include responsible sourcing of raw materials, implementing waste and carbon footprint-reducing innovations in manufacturing, and applying design principles for recyclability and biodegradability. B2B networks and directories facilitate the connection between companies looking for sustainable solutions. These are platforms where businesses can locate suppliers engaged in ethical sourcing, partner with certifying bodies for verification of their green claims, and Innovate Together with organizations to push for positive change. Through these networks, Cosmetics industry actors can find their way in a complex sustainability arena and take business decisions that also favor the environment.
Fashion and Apparel

Fashion and Apparel

Sustainability is today no longer an option but a must in Fashion and Apparel. The industry is in a paradigm shift, going down the responsible practices route-from conserving water, energy, and resources. Companies are practicing responsible sourcing, creating new ways of production, and employing design philosophies that are least harmful to the environment. These B2B networks and directories are helping to further this paradigm shift by connecting businesses with suppliers and partners who practice ethical and environmentally mindful practices. With sustainability at the forefront, the Fashion and Apparel industry is not just redesigning its future but also setting an important example for businesses around the world in all industries.
Food and Beverage

Food and Beverage

The sustainable food and beverage industry is constantly evolving to create sustainable products, processes, and practices in response to the increasing demand for sustainable consumption. Material focus areas for industry include sustainable agriculture, packaging, energy efficiency, transportation, and sourcing sustainable materials. The goal is to reduce waste, improve efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of production. Sustainable food and beverage companies are also working towards circular economic systems by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials, investing in sustainable marketing practices, and sourcing ingredients from ethical and sustainable suppliers. ## ## 2. Benefits of Sustainability in the Food and Drink Industry ### A. Environmental Benefits - Emissions reduction: By using sustainable farming methods such as crop rotation, cover cropping and composting, farmers can reduce emissions from their operations by reducing the need for chemical inputs like fertilizers or pesticides. In addition, sustainable farming practices result in healthier soil that can capture more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to fight climate change. - Renewable energy sources: The sustainable food and beverage industry also leads to less reliance on non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels for energy-intensive activities like refrigeration or transportation. By utilizing renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power for these processes, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency and sustainability. - Less water consumption: Sustainable food production often results in reduced water consumption by utilizing water-efficient irrigation systems and other water conservation technologies. Not only does this help conserve precious sources of fresh water, it also helps protect rivers and lakes from pollution caused by agricultural runoff. Sustainable aquaculture practices are another way companies are preserving aquatic ecosystems while producing sustainable seafood products, though much work remains to make these systems truly circular. - Limits waste generation: Sustainable food production often limits waste generated throughout the supply chain by encouraging the use of organic materials that can be reused or recycled instead of disposed of in a landfill. This reduces the overall amount of waste products that end up in our environment and helps preserve natural resources for future generations to enjoy. ### B. Social Benefits - Improved access to nutrient-rich foods: Sustainable farming methods often focus on growing a wide variety of plant-based foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients which are critical for healthy diets. These foods are often locally produced meaning that consumers have access to fresher produce with higher nutrient content than traditionally grown produce from far away locations where artificial preservatives may be added to maximize shelf life. - Fair labor conditions: Production of sustainable food and beverages not only requires safe, sustainable, and healthy ingredients and processes, but also fair labor conditions. Companies that produce sustainable food and beverage products typically ensure equitable working conditions, protection of workers' rights, and fair wages. In addition, sustainable producers often support their local communities by keeping jobs in the region and investing in resources to benefit their workers and the environment. ### C. Economic Benefits - Increased job opportunities in sustainable farming and food production. - Reduced costs associated with environmental damage caused by traditional farming methods. - Higher profits due to increased demand for sustainable products. - Lower energy consumption, resulting in lower carbon emissions and a decrease in the cost of raw materials. ## 3. Producing Sustainable Food and Drinks ### A. Materials & Inputs: Increasing common inputs for sustainable food and beverages include: - Organic or local ingredients such as grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, herbs, and spices. - Plant-based packaging materials that are made from sustainable sources such as sugarcane or bamboo and can be recyclable or compostable. - Sustainable packaging materials such as paperboard, glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans or recyclable plastics are increasingly utilized. - Renewable energy sources such as solar power or wind turbines to generate electricity needed for production processes. ### B. Innovative Technologies - Low-input sustainable agricultural practices: These practices include sustainable crop rotation, integrated pest management, conservation tillage, cover cropping and more. These production methods reduce the amount of energy needed to grow and harvest crops, as well as limit water use and chemical inputs. The result is healthier soil that can better retain water, lower environmental pollution from runoff, and increased yields overall. - Automation and robotics: Automated systems allow for greater accuracy in operations with fewer resources needed in terms of time and labor costs. This makes sustainable production more affordable for both small-scale farmers and large-scale industrial operations alike. ## 4. Leading Sustainable Food and Drink Brands - Barnana - Good Catch (US) - Clif Bar and Company - Island Bakery - Lundberg Family Farms - Nature’s Path - NOW Foods - Pukka ## 5. Sustainable Food and Drinks Standards - USDA ORGANIC - FAIRTRADE INTERNATIONAL - SOIL ASSOCIATION - THE NON-GMO PROJECT - ACO CERTIFICATION LTD - NATURLAND - WORLD FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION (WFTO) - FAIR TRADE USA - AMAGGI RESPONSIBLE SOY STANDARD - ACCREDITED FISH FARM SCHEME - EUROPEAN VEGETARIAN UNION - ORGANIC FARMERS AND GROWERS - BIOFORUM
Home and Interiors

Home and Interiors

Sustainability is extremely important in the Home and Interiors Industry because it fosters environmentally conscious choices. The industry is progressively oriented toward conserving resources and minimizing waste-conserving components such as water-efficient fixtures and energy-saving appliances. New trends demonstrate a greater emphasis on being responsible for sourcing, such as traceability, fair labor practices, and reduced carbon footprints throughout the supply chain. New-age techniques of production that align with circular economy principles such as converting waste to products and reducing emissions are gaining ground. Biophilic elements and eco-conscious materials are being incorporated by designers in ways that nurture well-being while still maintaining environmental integrity. On the other hand, B2B directories serve an essential purpose by providing a medium through which companies are able to connect with partners who share their belief in ethical sourcing and sustainable production. Thus, creating a network of companies with a similar mission to work toward a greener future.
Outdoor and garden

Outdoor and garden

The outdoor and garden industry encompasses the production and sales of outdoor-space products, including gardening tools and furniture and decor. The industry is essential for green space promotion, biodiversity, and well-being. Some major sustainability trends include using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and water conservation practices. Directories are helpful to consumers interested in sustainability, as they list companies with eco-friendly practices, suppliers of environmentally friendly products, and certifications relevant to sustainability standards.