Copenhagen Fashion Week sets sustainability requirements for participating brands
Copenhagen Fashion Week (CFW) has introduced a set of minimum sustainability standards that all show schedule brands must meet in order to be considered for the official CFW show schedule. The standards, which span six focus areas covering the entire value chain, are designed to help CFW become a leading fashion week in terms of sustainability.
The six focus areas are:
- Strategic Directions: Brands must work strategically with embedding sustainability and international standards on human rights. They must also include diversity and equality in their management approach and actively consider these aspects when hiring staff, especially for management positions.
- Design: Brands must design to increase the quality and value of their products economically and materially, and inform their customers about the value of longevity. They must also find a second life for their samples.
- Smart Material Choices: At least 50% of a brand’s collection must be either certified, made of preferred materials or new generation sustainable materials, upcycled, recycled or made of deadstock. Brands must also have a preferred materials list in place and a list of restricted substances in place, following the requirements of the EU REACH Directive.
- Working Conditions: Brands must be committed to exercising due diligence in their supply chain according to international guidelines and standards, and work with their suppliers to ensure fair labor practices. They must also be committed to operating a safe, healthy and respectful working environment for all their employees.
- Consumer Engagement: Brands must ensure that their in-store and online customer service staff are well informed about their sustainability strategy. They must also educate and inform their customers about their sustainability practices on multiple platforms. Brands must also avoid using single-use plastic packaging in store or for online orders, and instead offer recyclable, recycled or repurposable alternatives.
- Show: Brands must ensure that their set design and show production is zero waste. They must also avoid using single-use plastic packaging backstage during fashion week, and instead offer recyclable, recycled or repurposable alternatives. Brands must also offset or inset the carbon footprint of their show.
CFW’s sustainability requirements are a significant step forward for the fashion industry. They send a clear message that sustainability is a top priority for CFW, and that they are committed to working with brands to make the fashion industry more sustainable.
If you are a fashion brand that is interested in participating in CFW, I encourage you to learn more about the sustainability requirements and to make sure that your brand is in compliance. Together, we can make the fashion industry more sustainable for the future.
Read the full set of requirements at Copenhagen Fashion Week.