Partnering for sustainability: the main takeaway from the Global Fashion Summit

Additionally, Ian Ponce, Programme Officer with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change echoed the necessity of partnerships when asked about the disparity between where the industry is now, and where it would like to be in 2030 in terms of decarbonisation goals. Ponce stressed the importance of not only cross-competitive collaboration between fashion corporations, but also involving the manufacturers and garment workers in this transition. He reminded the audience that the Scope 1 emissions of one company are the Scope 3 emissions of another. Noel Kinder, Chief Sustainability Officer for Nike echoed this sentiment, and highlighted that in order to reduce these Scope 3 emissions in a socially sustainable way, partnering with a supplier to utilise their existing wisdom and years of experience can allow for co-creation and mutual growth.

Partnering with logistics providers to reach decarbonisation goals

Fashion brands were not the only speakers and attendees in house at the Global Fashion Summit this year, but there were numerous service providers present. From data management software suppliers and textile recycling advocates, to cotton farming protectors and sustainable logistics providers, there were opportunities for brands to capitalise on the expertise of each specialised group. Logistics in particular was a large player in the summit, with a panel discussion of case studies and a keynote presentation focusing on the importance of partnering with a logistics provider that can help the industry reach their decarbonisation goals. So how can logistics help reduce Scope 3 emissions for the fashion industry?

Firstly, by partnering with a logistics provider that can provide digitalised tracking solutions for supply chain visibility, brands can rest easy knowing where their stock is, all the time. This increased visibility can enable less overproduction, and in turn, less waste, allowing companies to respond in real-time to potential delays by re-routing goods to different markets.

Secondly, working in partnership with a sustainability-minded logistics company can give access to new emissions tracking technology. Some companies already have digital solutions available that let brands see the volume of emissions coming from each transportation journey. In turn, empowered by this knowledge, brands can choose to reiterate their supply chains, increasing more sustainable transport modes and decreasing use of more emission-heavy options.

Additionally, more and more logistics providers are utilising alternative fuels for lower emissions. From electric trucking to container ships that run on methanol, there are increasingly more options available driven by the growing demand from logistics users.

Co-creating solutions through partnerships

While there might not yet be perfect sustainable logistics solutions for every industry need, by working closely in partnership with a logistics provider, brands can drive innovation by driving the demand for new sustainable logistics products and offerings. Thus, helping to move us closer to a net zero future through the power of collaboration, co-creation, and partnerships.