An inter-regional alliance of garment producer associations, The Sustainable Textiles of the Asian Region (STAR) Network, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainability by joining the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, a UN Climate Change initiative.

This action highlights the collective ambition of STAR's nine national member associations, which represent the garment, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) industries in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Together, they will work toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the region’s GFT sector.

The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action brings together leading fashion brands, retailers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders in a united effort to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement, particularly the ambition to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C (2.7° F) above pre-industrial levels.

The charter sets a clear pathway for decarbonization, committing signatories and supporting organizations to concrete actions like achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, promoting renewable energy, and advancing circular business models.

By joining as a supporting organization, the STAR Network strengthens its role as a regional voice for producers and suppliers in Asia. The partnership will enhance advocacy on behalf of nearly 35,000 manufacturers across its member associations, ensuring supplier perspectives are represented in global sustainability dialogues.

Further, it will facilitate collaboration with major global brands and peer organizations to scale best practices, innovations, and policies that reduce emissions and environmental impact.

The partnership will also strengthen capacity building by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, training, and technical support for manufacturers navigating the green transition.

Lastly, it will accelerate collective impact by fostering joint initiatives on renewable energy adoption, sustainable production practices, and transparent supply chains.

Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Chairman, STAR Network and Executive President, BKMEA, says, joining the charter is a ‘major step forward’ for the network. By joining the Charter,s it engages more closely with global stakeholders to ensure the voices of Asian suppliers are heard in the global climate movement.

Established in 2016 with the support of the GIZ Fabric Project, the STAR Network is a cross-Asian alliance that represents over 35,000 manufacturers with a combined export value of approximately $420 billion.