Global Fashion Summit: the new sustainable commitments for the sector

The Global Fashion Summit took place between June the 27th and 28th, in Copenhagen, and had more than 110 speakers who discussed topics related to sustainability. This is the main international forum on the subject, since 2009, held by the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) — a platform that connects fashion professionals who want to collaborate with the industry through the exchange of knowledge. The event is a meeting point for representatives from different countries with the common aim of reducing impacts on the environment.  

This edition brought the motto “Ambition to Action”, which deals with the urgency needed to invest in actions that bring positive impacts in order to mitigate the damage caused by climate change. Representatives of Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program) — result of a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments) — were present at the forum to bring the main discussions to the companies participating in the Program through a report, which will be released soon. 

The beginning of the lectures was marked by the presence of the CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, Federica Marchionni. Abit was listed as one of the entities invited by the GFA that will participate in a meeting to forward a discussion platform launched at the event: the Global Textiles Policy Forum (GTPF). In addition, five main subjects permeated the event: cooperation, goals, biodiversity, sustainable strategies and communication. 

“It became evident that brands need to work collaboratively, supporting their partners along the entire production chain, even financially. This is the most accurate way if you want to ensure the reduction of the impacts of products and the operation” summarizes Camila Zelezoglo, from Abit’s sustainability area and who was at the event. 

Based on the most recent scientific data (“Science-Based Targets”), targets were presented that envisage actions to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. In addition, companies must establish means to reduce impacts on global biodiversity. 

The strategy defined by the European Union for the sustainability and circularity of textiles was also presented. As of 2030, brands and companies must be prepared to meet the new requirements, respecting social and environmental rights.

Finally, the “Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook”, was launched, prepared by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and UN Climate Change. The material highlights the need to redirect fashion communication in order to educate and drive change towards a more sustainable and less unequal industry. The objective is to fight disinformation and excessive consumption and promote more conscious lifestyles, empowering consumers to play the role of citizens. 

About Texbrasil

The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works together with companies in the textile and apparel sector in the development of strategies to conquer the global market. Over 20 years, it has already helped around 1600 brands to enter the export trail, winning US$ 9 billion in business. The Program is carried out through a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).