A group of 15 luxury fashion brands, including Chanel, Dior, Prada and Burberry, have announced a joint commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The pledge, which was made at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, is part of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, a voluntary initiative led by the United Nations.
The brands have agreed to reduce their emissions by 50% across their own operations and supply chains, and to offset the remaining emissions through credible projects that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. They will also collaborate on developing innovative solutions for low-carbon materials, circular design and renewable energy.
The move comes as the fashion industry faces increasing pressure from consumers and regulators to address its environmental impact. According to a report by the Global Fashion Agenda, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global water use. The report also warns that the industry’s emissions could increase by 50% by 2030 if no action is taken.
The luxury fashion brands hope that their pledge will inspire other players in the industry to follow suit and join the global effort to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as agreed in the Paris Agreement. They also hope that their pledge will enhance their reputation and appeal among environmentally conscious customers, especially younger generations.
“We believe that luxury fashion has a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead the way in addressing the climate crisis,” said François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of Kering, the parent company of Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. “By joining forces with our peers, we can accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral fashion industry and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”
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- The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action currently has over 100 signatories, representing more than 30% of the global fashion industry. The charter aims to align the industry with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- The luxury fashion brands’ pledge is also supported by the British Fashion Council, which has launched the Institute of Positive Fashion, a platform that promotes best practices and innovation in sustainability, social justice and ethics in the fashion industry.
- The pledge is welcomed by environmental activists and experts, who urge the luxury fashion brands to ensure that their actions match their words and that they report transparently on their progress and challenges. They also call on the brands to address other environmental and social issues, such as biodiversity loss, water pollution, waste generation and human rights violations, that are linked to the fashion industry.