Fashion Sector Climate Commitment: Between Greenwashing and Ambition
23 October 2023, Mumbai
The fashion sector is facing increasing scrutiny over its climate commitments. Some brands, such as LVMH, are taking ambitious steps to reduce their environmental impact, while others are accused of greenwashing.
LVMH's LIFE360 program sets out a range of climate and biodiversity targets, including no virgin plastics in packaging by 2026, a 50% cut in energy-related emissions by 2026, and zero deforestation from products in its supply chain by 2025.
Nuanced view
However, other brands, such as Moncler and Kering, have been less forthcoming about their climate plans. Moncler's chief of marketing and operations, Roberto Eggs, refused to divulge any committed goals, stating that the company would cater to weather upheavals with a portfolio of light and heavy puffer jackets.
This lack of transparency and ambition has led to accusations of greenwashing and raised questions about whether the fashion sector can ever be truly sustainable.
One expert, Jason Judd, Executive Director of Cornell University's Global Labour Institute, has warned that extreme heat and flooding are exacting a huge toll on workers and output in the fashion sector. He argues that these are "material risks" that the industry cannot ignore.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has also issued a stark warning about the climate crisis, stating that "the era of global boiling has arrived."
Mounting challenges & threats
In the face of these challenges, it is clear that the fashion sector needs to do more to reduce its environmental impact. Brands need to be more transparent about their climate plans and set ambitious targets that are aligned with the Paris Agreement.
They also need to invest in sustainable supply chains and develop new materials and technologies that reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Whether the fashion sector can ever be truly sustainable is a matter of debate. However, there is no doubt that the industry needs to take urgent action to reduce its environmental impact.
