Business Sector Exchange: Fashion

10% of global CO₂ emissions are attributed to the fashion industry. In the UK alone, one million tonnes of textiles are disposed of every year. Garment workers across the world systemically earn below a living wage, and modern slavery is rife within supply chains. When it comes to sustainability, the fashion sector continues to lag. To catch up with other sectors, businesses need support to anticipate changing regulations and adapt effectively. Yet the everchanging ESG landscape and new reporting requirements mean businesses lack the necessary time and funding to act.

The UN Global Compact Network UK will mobilise the fashion industry towards sustainable impact, including through its partnerships with leading organisations across the fashion industry to unify the sector including Common Objective and the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion. 

Fashion Sector Exchange

On 2 July 2024, the UN Global Compact Network UK convened over 80 professionals from the fashion, textiles, and sustainability industries at the Fashion Sector Exchange, hosted by Soho House. Expert speakers shared best practices, while attendees gained insights, networked with peers, and connected with potential partners to accelerate collective action.

The Fashion Sector Exchange highlighted the need to accelerate transformative change amongst consumers, businesses, suppliers, and policymakers by shifting the narrative, restructuring business models, collaborating for action, and driving policy forward. Key themes discussed included balancing slow versus fast fashion, managing supply chain disruptions, and the future of sustainable fashion.

Speakers:

  • Melanie Grant, Responsible Jewellery Council
  • Megan Shearer, Monica Vinader
  • Annabella Ng, SHEIN
  • Bex Hall, Sedex
  • Tamsin Lejeune, Common Objective
  • Josephine Philips, SOJO
  • Lisa Smosarski, Stylist
  • Rachel Arthur, UNEP
  • Rahemur Rahman, British Bangladeshi Fashion Council
  • Tamara Cincik, Fashion Roundtable

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Interested in learning more about what sustainability leaders had to say? Discover key insights and actionable strategies discussed by industry experts by downloading the key takeaways now:

Textile Transparency Fireside Chat

Transparency is critical for driving systemic change in the fashion industry, with evolving sustainability reporting standards holding brands accountable for their environmental and social impacts. Public disclosure enables stakeholders to scrutinise policies, demand accountability, and push for industry-wide change. Brands that fail to meet these rising standards will face increased scrutiny from consumers, investors, and regulators.

Watch our fireside chat with UN Global Compact Participants EY and ASOS as we explore the vital role of transparency in the fashion industry and its impact on sustainability and business success. We discuss how leading brands are overcoming challenges to build transparent supply chains, driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as how to adapt to stringent reporting requirements, foster openness, and prepare for future regulations.

Speakers:

  • Dania Sauza, EY
  • Jodie Leek, ASOS

For more information please contact Lily Venables, Governance and SDGs Project Manager.