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COP27 announces Fashion Industry Target Consultation to strive towards a net-positive industry

Chloe Burney
09 November 2022

At COP27, the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced the launch of The Fashion Industry Target Consultation.

The Fashion Industry Target Consultation aims to identify existing industry-aligned targets to reduce environmental and social impact. These key areas, according to the Fashion CEO Agenda, are respectful and secure work environments, better wage systems, resource stewardship, smart material choices, and circular systems.

Not only will the Consultation work to improve the aforementioned targets, but it will also form new goals that are currently being overlooked, such as purchasing practices and circular design. The main target is to establish a clear path towards a net-positive fashion industry.

This scheme will be a multi-stakeholder project led by GFA - a non-profit organisation that fosters industry collaboration on sustainability – in addition to UNEP, which will be drawing on the expertise of the United Nations.

Federica Marchionni, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, commented: “We know that addressing the complex matrix of environmental and social issues prevalent in the fashion industry can feel insurmountable – especially when acting in isolation – which is why we at Global Fashion Agenda recognise the unparalleled value of collaboration. We are delighted to be working with UNEP and to capture the broader industry’s direction for targets that will accelerate the fashion industry forward, united in its purpose for a net positive industry.”

GFA and UNEP invite global stakeholders including brands, retailers, NGOs, manufacturers, data providers, innovators, intergovernmental organisations, policy-makers, and more to share their insights on milestones that the industry must strive to meet and to gauge what tools and support are needed to achieve them.

The organisations say that the fashion industry continues at its current trajectory, it will not meet the decarbonisation targets set by the UNFCCC’s 1.5-degree pathway by 50%. A universal route is needed to achieve a sustainable industry, they say, as well as to protect the human rights of the 300 million people working in the fashion and textile industry.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the Economy and Industry Division at UNEP, added: “Addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss requires a collaborative and holistic approach. Together with partners within the United Nations and beyond, UNEP works to ensure a just and effective transition to circularity in which all stakeholders participate. UNEP welcomes this unique opportunity with GFA to consult with the textile sector, including on circularity, chemicals in products, gender, worker protections, and business models to ensure all voices are understood and inform ambitions.”

The Fashion Industry Target Consultation will distribute an online survey for target feedback, which will be available in multiple languages. It will also host regional workshops led by UNEP  in order to achieve its goal of creating a net-positive industry.

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