An industry in need of a clean-up
The textile and garment industry ranks among the least sustainable industries worldwide, with estimates suggesting it contributes to around 2% of global carbon emissions – similar to aviation*!
And the situation is only getting worse. Between 2000 and 2020, global textile production doubled from 58 million tons to 109 million tons, with predictions of 146 million tons by 2030**.
*https://www.iea.org/energy-system/transport/aviation **https://textileexchange.org/app/uploads/2021/08/Textile-Exchange_Preferred-Fiber-and-Materials-Market-Report_2021.pdf
Action where it’s needed most
While opting for organic and recycled materials keeps our material-based carbon emissions lower, this is just one part of the puzzle. To drastically reduce our total emissions, we need to look elsewhere.
Over the past two years we’ve been mapping every aspect of our operations and value chain to measure our carbon footprint. And the data is clear. Over 50% of our emissions are linked to the manufacturing process: yarn spinning, fabric manufacturing, and garment sewing.
If we want to have a significant impact, we need to tackle manufacturing-related emissions head-on. But how, when these steps are carried out not by us but by our suppliers?
United for action
Our partners are experts in their field, know the market inside-out, and share our vision for a more sustainable textile industry. We’ve challenged each one to develop an ambitious, yet feasible action plan to overhaul their operations and decrease their environmental footprint.
And we’re investing alongside them. We’re setting up 12 multi-stakeholder working groups bringing together our suppliers, internal Stanley/Stella employees, and independent experts to make sure our efforts across various key topics deliver the most impact.
Our first working group, focusing on water & energy efficiency, has already kicked off, with a pilot programme in the factories that manufacture our garments.
Defining a new normal
With our highly collaborative and laser-focused approach, we’re defining a new paradigm: one where companies work hand-in-hand with their partners across the whole value chain to achieve meaningful change that benefits everyone.
This ties in with our ultimate mission: to inspire positive change and invite others to participate in our sustainable vision for the future of the textile industry.