What's Happening?
Fashion Revolution has released its second annual 'What fuels Fashion?' report, revealing that major fashion brands are failing to disclose significant information about their climate efforts and the risks posed to garment workers by extreme heat stress. The report assessed 200 of the world's largest fashion brands, including Zara, H&M, Lululemon, Hermès, and Adidas, and found that only 10% disclosed renewable electricity targets for their supply chains, while just 6% published broader renewable energy goals. Additionally, no brands shared data on heat and humidity levels in supplier factories, despite the increasing impact of extreme temperatures on worker health and productivity. The report highlights the industry's reliance on fossil fuels and the lack of transparency in supply chain traceability, with publicly listed companies accounting for 59% of brands scoring zero in this area.
Why It's Important?
The findings of the Fashion Revolution report underscore the urgent need for the fashion industry to improve transparency and accountability in its climate efforts. The lack of disclosure on emissions and heat stress risks not only affects the industry's climate credibility but also poses significant health and safety risks to garment workers. As extreme temperatures continue to rise, workers face ill health and lost income due to decreased productivity. The report calls for brands to invest in clean heat technologies and worker-led monitoring of heat stress to protect both the environment and the workforce. Without these measures, the industry risks damaging its reputation and future output.
What's Next?
Fashion Revolution is advocating for immediate investment from brands in clean heat technologies, such as electric boilers and heat pumps, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The report suggests that brands should also implement worker-led monitoring of heat stress to ensure the safety and well-being of garment workers. As the industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, brands may need to reassess their supply chain practices and invest in sustainable infrastructure to meet consumer and regulatory demands for greater transparency and accountability.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights deeper issues within the fashion industry, such as the reluctance of suppliers to electrify if grids remain powered by fossil fuels and the hesitance of governments and utilities to invest in renewable infrastructure without clear industrial demand. This creates a cycle of dependency on fossil fuels, hindering efforts to decarbonize the industry. The lack of long-term supplier contracts also contributes to greater opacity in supply chains, making it difficult for brands to invest in sustainable practices. Addressing these systemic issues will be crucial for the industry to achieve meaningful progress in its climate efforts.
