Sustainability League: Brazilian fashion as reference in responsible practices

The Brazilian Sustainable Fashion League – BSFL project brings together companies committed to reviewing their production and management practices in order to reduce their environmental impacts. With this, they comply with urgent global guidelines based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG/UN), such as reduction in the use of natural resources and the protection of the environment and the climate.

Created in 2020 by Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program) — the result of a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), the BSFL also aims to work on the group work mindset so that the League becomes a benchmark for other companies. Thus, in addition to encouraging sustainability practices, it also positions the Brazilian textile sector internationally with a collective and solid narrative regarding its performance in this agenda.  

“The Sustainability League contributes to the individual and collective maturation of companies, so that Brazilian fashion becomes more sustainable and becomes a global reference in sustainable practices”, explains Lilian Kaddissi, Abit’s executive superintendent of strategic projects. 

The first two training groups for the project took place between 2020 and 2022 and, in addition to sharing content on the sustainability agenda in group meetings, each company also received 16 hours of individual assistance, conducted by the contracted consulting service. Some of the topics covered were: ESG, Circular Economy, Climate Change, Communication, More sustainable production chains and Collaboration.

In all, 15 companies went through the education on BSFL and are currently part of the league: Capricórnio, Cedro, Santista Têxtil, Vicunha, ITM Têxtil, Textilfio, Contextura,  Marie Mercié, Dellas Thork, Grupo Gatomia, Grupo Kyly, Timirim, Digitale Têxtil, Sling and Lunelli. As a continuation of the work started in these companies, this year the Sustainability League will meet in periodic meetings, with the intention of preserving the culture of exchanging knowledge and experiences.

In 2023, two relevant themes of the sustainability agenda will be worked on in greater depth: the decarbonization of the fashion value chain and communication on sustainability practices and attributes in textile and clothing products. In June, Texbrasil will also organize the trip of a group of companies to Copenhagen to participate in the Global Fashion Summit, in addition to meetings with possible partners and suppliers of solutions in more sustainable practices. 

A meeting of the League is planned for the month of April, the date of which is yet to be confirmed. If your company is in Texbrasil and wants to be part of the League, contact the Sustainability department by email: luiza@abit.org.br .

About Texbrasil

The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works with companies in the textile and apparel sector in the development of strategies to conquer the global market. Over 21 years, it has helped around 1800 brands to get on the export trail, doing USD 9 billion in business. The Program is carried out through a partnership between Abit and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).