Center for Sustainable Business launched its new apparel sustainability framework, developed in collaboration with Reformation, Eileen Fisher and REI. The framework is based on its Return on Sustainability Investment methodology launched with other sectors two years ago. The project was funded by HSBC Bank US’s foundation.
As part of the framework, the Center for Sustainable Business identified eight key strategies for making the apparel industry more sustainable, uncovering more than 60 best practices to address environmental, social, and governance-related issues.
Key strategies outlined included: reducing chemical impact, improving water management, improving energy management, investing in the reduction of material waste, implementing sustainable raw material sourcing, investing in circularity and innovation, investing in employee and supplier well-being, and investing in sustainable brand marketing and communications.
Reformation helped steer the framework’s initial findings on circularity, having engaged in consultative conversations with NYU’s team on its circular strategy, specifically providing data and insight on its resale partnership with ThredUp and fabric waste solution strategies, like its L.A.-based post-production recycling partner OsomTex.
