Sustainability Requirements #784

2023/21/08

The Sustainability Requirements introduce a minimum set of standards that all CPHFW show schedule brands must conform to by 2023

The Sustainability Requirements introduce a minimum set of standards that all CPHFW show schedule brands must conform to by 2023

Copenhagen Fashion Week: Sustainability Requirements

As of 2020, Copenhagen Fashion Week introduced their 2020-2022 Sustainability Action Plan that sets out to incur longterm change within the fashion industry. In order to deliver on our vision to become a leading fashion week, the Sustainability Action Plan introduces a minimum set of standards that all show schedule brands must conform to. As of Copenhagen Fashion Week AW23 (AW23: 31 January – 3 February 2023), all show schedule applicants whose sustainability efforts meet the minimum standards will be considered for the official Copenhagen Fashion Week show schedule.

Sustainability Requirements Document

The Minimum Standards span six focus areas covering the entire value chain. In addition to those, brands are asked to answer an additional set of questions to get insight into their current standing on their sustainability efforts. As of AW23 the Minimum Standards include 18 action points.

Minimum Standards

Strategic Directions

  • We work strategically with embedding sustainability and international standards on human right
  • We include diversity and equality in our management approach and actively consider these aspects when hiring staff, especially for management positions
  • We do not destroy unsold clothes from previous collections

Design

  • We design to increase the quality and value of our products economically and materially and inform our customers about the value of longevity
  • We find a second life for our samples

Smart material choices

  • At least 50% of our collection is either certified, made of preferred materials or new generation sustainable materials, upcycled, recycled or made of deadstock
  • We have a preferred materials list in place
  • We have a list of restricted substances in place, following the requirements of the EU REACH Directive, and engage with our suppliers to ensure compliance
  • Our collection is fur-free

Working conditions

  • We are committed to exercising due diligence in our supply chain according to international guidelines and standards and work with our suppliers to ensure e.g., freely chosen employment, secure employment or no child labour
  • We are committed to operating a safe, healthy and respectful working environment for all our employees, free from harassment and discrimination and where everyone enjoys equal opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, political/religious/ sexual orientation, physical appearance and ability

Consumer engagement

  • Our in-store and online customer service staff is well informed about our sustainability strategy
  • We educate and inform our customers about our sustainability practices on multiple platforms
  • We do not utilise single-use plastic packaging in store or for online orders but offer recyclable, recycled or repurposable alternatives

Show

  • Our set design and show production is zero waste
  • We do not utilise single-use plastic packaging backstage during fashion week but offer recyclable, recycled or repurposable alternatives
  • We offset or inset the carbon footprint of our show
  • We are signatory of the Danish Fashion Ethical Charter and consider diversity and inclusivity when casting models

Read more – Copenhagen Fashionweek newsletter

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