Spanish clothing group Inditex and the International Clothing Federation (IAF) signed a framework agreement on Monday to drive change in the global clothing industry through clear goals and concrete actions to promote the adoption of more sustainable practices and technologies.
The IAF Through its associations, represents around 100,000 manufacturing companies from more than 40 countries. The new agreement is intended to pave the way for the development of projects to improve working conditions, protect the environment, promote the circular economy and transparency and traceability in the supply chain.
“Collaboration with clothing associations is the key to change that reaches the entire clothing and textile industry and addresses both the social and environmental challenges of the future. This agreement will allow us to continue the development and integration of best practices, promote innovation and invest in the most efficient technologies, as this helps to raise the standards and competitiveness of the entire industry,” comments Inditex CEO Óscar García Maceiras in a press release.
Agreement identifies focus areas
As part of the agreement, the International Clothing Federation and Inditex have identified key areas of focus as a start. This includes promoting industrial development in producing countries and transitioning to an industry that converts waste into new raw materials while aiming for net-zero emissions.
Promoting the use of renewable energies and processes with less impact on ecosystems is also crucial. In addition, the agreement places a strong focus on improving working conditions and includes joint actions in areas such as occupational health and safety, social protection and diversity and inclusion.
In addition, it also takes into account cross-cutting aspects such as creating a common framework for measuring and verifying the impact of the textile industry, promoting resilience and introducing transparency-enhancing practices such as digital labeling. Among other things, it will also examine the interoperability of information systems and promote the digitalization and increased efficiency of global supply chains.
“We are very pleased that Inditex shares our vision of joining forces across the entire supply chain to drive sustainable change in the apparel industry. Joining forces from Inditex with the global apparel manufacturing community will allow us to focus on real change on the ground that will benefit all stakeholders and positively impact the existing global industry initiatives involving Inditex and the IAF “, explains IAF President Cem Altan.