FatFace secures ‘net zero partnership’ scheme with suppliers in India

British lifestyle brand FatFace, which was acquired by NEXT in 2023, has launched a new “net zero partnership” scheme with its suppliers, with two of its biggest suppliers in India, Afflatus and Kautilya Industries, already on board.

Partners involved in the agreement will agree to establish a methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, develop and implement a net zero transition plan, and provide FatFace with updates on progress towards these milestones.

In return, FatFace agrees to grant any participating supplier status as a preferred partner for designated product categories, as well as co-funding opportunities in decarbonisation projects, pilot programmes or tooling upgrades that directly contribute to emissions reduction.

The brand will also be “sharing best practices” in measuring and reducing emissions, along with energy-saving ideas.

Kautilya Industries is one of India’s largest garment manufacturers and exporters, with over 1,500 workers spread across four working units, while Afflatus designs and delivers apparel, home products and accessories for more than 20 global brands.

Both companies are long-established partners who have been working with FatFace for over 15 years and produce over a tenth (11%) of the brand’s products.

Nick Stevenson, Trading & Sustainability Director at FatFace said: “Since launching our most recent ESG strategy in 2020, we have made huge strides as a business, including becoming B Corp-certified in April 2023.

“But we still have work to do, and a focus on the pathway to net zero emissions is a big part of that. While we have more control over our own operations, we need to simultaneously look at the carbon impact in our supply chain and bring our manufacturing partners on the journey with us.

“This new agreement is a landmark step, and it’s fantastic that two of our biggest suppliers have already committed to the partnership.”