Big Fashion Companies Lag behind on Green Targets

FILE PHOTO: People stand next to the window of a fashion boutique in a shopping district in Tokyo, Japan, May 30, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: People stand next to the window of a fashion boutique in a shopping district in Tokyo, Japan, May 30, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
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Big Fashion Companies Lag behind on Green Targets

FILE PHOTO: People stand next to the window of a fashion boutique in a shopping district in Tokyo, Japan, May 30, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: People stand next to the window of a fashion boutique in a shopping district in Tokyo, Japan, May 30, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo

The 15 largest listed fashion companies are lagging behind when it comes to meeting the social and environmental targets of the Paris climate agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals, a new report by the Business of Fashion said on Monday.

The Business of Fashion, an online publication about the fashion industry, analysed in its report publicly disclosed information from the five biggest companies by revenue in three categories - luxury, sportswear, and high street fashion, including Kering, Adidas, H&M and others.

The fashion industry is under increasing pressure from consumers and governments to clean up its act. Statistics cited by the World Economic Forum show that the industry is responsible for at least 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Business of Fashion’s report scored companies out of 100 in their progress towards meeting sixteen targets which would align their performance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement on emissions, waste, workers’ rights, water, and materials.

It also ranked the companies on transparency, or how much information about a company’s practices was currently available, Reuters reported.

Kering ranked top with 49 points and Under Armour ranked lowest at 9 points. The average score for the companies was 36 points.

The report found the companies were more likely to disclose information on targets than concrete actions towards fulfilling them.

“Opaque working practices and fuzzy definitions of what constitutes ‘good’ progress complicate matters further, creating a woolly picture of where the industry is at and what steps are required for it to clean up its act,” the report said.

Kering and Nike performed best on transparency, while PVH Corp, Levi Strauss, and VF Corp ranked highest on their efforts to reduce emissions.

Under Armour scored lowest on all rankings except workers’ rights, where LVMH ranked one point lower.

Scores for Hermes, LVMH and Richemont averaged lower than high street fashion companies H&M, Inditex, Gap and Levi Strauss across the six categories - emissions, waste, workers’ rights, materials and transparency.

On average overall, the companies performed worst on waste and workers’ rights. Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing, Under Armour and Richemont reported the lowest average score across the six targets.

Kering sustainability chief Marie-Claire Daveu said the company was proud of the recognition given by Business of Fashion. Asked about the fact that the report highlighted all companies were falling short of targets, she recognized that sustainability was a “long, never-ending journey.”

Adidas said it was working closely with its partners to achieve climate neutrality in its operations by 2025 and throughout its supply chains by 2050.

Other companies cited did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A panel of twelve sustainability experts advised on the methodology for the Business of Fashion’s report.



Dior Sends Sporty Fashion Down Paris Catwalk

 A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)
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Dior Sends Sporty Fashion Down Paris Catwalk

 A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP)

Christian Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri showed playful, sport-themed fashion for the LVMH-owned label's spring-summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection on Tuesday to a front row of celebrities and France's first lady Brigitte Macron.

Models marched down a long, straight runway parading jersey dresses, asymmetric bodysuits and black trousers with white racing stripes running along the legs. Completing the looks were tall gladiator shoes -- including sneakers -- laced up to the top, while accessories included large pouches worn across the back.

Artist SAGG Napoli kicked off the show, entering a narrow corridor in the center of the catwalk, carrying an archery set. After stretching her arms and neck, she stroked her long braid then grabbed an arrow from her belt and fired it.

"May the building of a strong mind and a strong body be the greatest work I have ever made," was one of the quotes splashed on the set of the venue, a temporary tent in the Rodin Museum garden.

Paris Fashion Week, which features some of the biggest labels including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Kering-owned Saint Laurent, follows industry shows in New York, London and Milan earlier this month. It wraps up on Oct. 1.