Hey fashion, it’s time for a new look!
Stitching Sustainability into Every Step of Your Supply Chain
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) has a long name, but a simple goal: holding brands accountable for their entire supply chain. This means a brand can't just be sustainable in its own factories – it needs to make sure its suppliers are too. So, fair labour practices, responsible use of resources, and respect for human rights will be key throughout the fashion cycle.
The details are still being ironed out, but fashion giants will get a heads-up in early 2025 with specific rules for each industry. This gives them time to clean up their act and embrace a more sustainable future.
This applies to any big brand with a major presence in the EU, no matter where their HQ is. So, if you’re a big player in Europe, you’ll need to get on board!
How compliance with the CSDDD Empowers Fashion Brands
The CSDDD offers a roadmap for fashion brands to embrace a brighter future! Here's how proactive compliance can empower businesses:
1. Financial Security: Aligning with the CSDDD reduces risks of hefty fines and potential legal action, ensuring financial stability.
2. Competitive Advantage: Consumers are drawn to sustainable brands. Compliance demonstrates a commitment to responsible practices, boosting brand image and attracting eco-conscious customers.
3. Public Recognition: Meeting CSDDD standards could lead to opportunities for public contracts, opening doors to new markets and partnerships.
4. Future-Proofing: Building a sustainable supply chain lays the groundwork for long-term success in a world increasingly focused on environmental and social responsibility.
The CSDDD isn't just about avoiding penalties, it's a chance for fashion brands to lead the way in creating a more responsible and thriving industry which operates in a way that benefits and protects people and the planet.
How to Comply with the CSDDD:
The CSDDD is here to shake up fashion for good! Here's what you, as a brand, need to do to be on top of things:
✓ Map it Out: Figure out who you work with, from raw materials to finished products. Think of it like a fashion family tree!
✓ Check for Risks: Look for potential environmental and human rights problems with each supplier. Think fair working conditions, water usage, using safe chemicals, etc.
✓ Make a Sustainability Plan: Create clear guidelines that show your commitment to eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing. This plan should explain how you'll find and fix any issues in your supply chain.
✓ Keep An Eye On Things: Set up ways to check if your suppliers are following your plan and the law. This could involve visiting them or asking them questions. You’ll need to continuously monitor and improve your systems.
✓ Open Communication: Make it easy for anyone concerned (workers, communities, stakeholders, etc.) to report problems.
✓ Be Transparent: Put together a public report explaining what you're doing to be responsible and how you're tackling any challenges. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect brand, so humility is valued and honesty is key!
By following these steps, fashion brands can demonstrate a proactive approach to supply chain sustainability and human rights compliance under the CSDDD.
Leveraging CircKit for green claims compliance
CircKit can be a valuable ally in substantiating your green claims. By offering true visibility into the impact of your products, CircKit can automatically generate and compare Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for your products, demonstrating your environmental impact improvements season-to-season.
What’s more, with CircKit Publish, you can shout about your sustainability stats with full confidence across your sales channels using Green Claims-compliant widgets and plugins to show consumers all the positive changes you’ve made as a brand! It’s all about progress over perfection.
The EU’s Green Claims Directive is a game-changer for the fashion industry, pushing for transparency and genuine sustainability. By understanding and complying with this directive, fashion marketers can not only do their part in staying ahead of legislation but can also contribute to building a stronger, more trusted brand in an increasingly eco-conscious market. Embracing these changes not just as a regulatory necessity but as an opportunity to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future in fashion, is the key.
Want to start making green claims that matter? Create your CircKit account to get started!
Don’t know where to get started or wish compliance reporting could be simplified?
With CircKit's powerful AI-technology, you can automate and manage Compliance for all your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting obligations with ready-made templates in just a few clicks. Perform a top-down bottom-up analysis across social, environmental, and economic factors. In turn, also freeing you up from these lengthy admin tasks to focus more on the creative side of your business.
Create your CircKit account to get started.
