Dive Brief:
- Levi Strauss and Marks & Spencer launched an initiative in collaboration with Schneider Electric’s consulting practice that aims to help suppliers across fashion supply chains adopt renewable electricity at scale, the three companies announced last week.
- The “Fashion Renewable Collaborative” will provide fashion suppliers — ranging from garment manufacturers to fabric mills and dye houses — with a comprehensive framework that allows them to understand the benefits of implementing clean energy, the companies said.
- The initiative was unveiled on Sept. 22 during New York City’s annual climate week with an open invite for other fashion brands and companies to join the effort.
Dive Insight:
The launch of FRC comes as “fashion brands seek new ways to translate their individual climate commitments into measurable, durable emissions reductions across complex global supply chains,” the apparel giants and energy company said.
A 2021 World Economic Forum report found that the fashion industry and its supply chain were the world’s third-largest polluter. A separate analysis states that the sector emitted almost 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions annually, more than those generated by international flights and maritime shipping combined.
If the fashion industry continues its current trajectory, it is estimated it will use up more than 26% of the world’s carbon budget in efforts to limit global warming to an additional 2°C by 2050, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
A separate Apparel Impact Institute study — which Levi’s, M&S and Schneider Electric quoted in the press release — found that fashion suppliers account for over half of the industry’s carbon footprint. However, the study also states that having suppliers adopt renewable electricity is “one of the fastest and most scalable paths to progress” when it comes to decarbonization.
According to the companies, the FRC is built around a structured implementation model that helps suppliers learn and apply concepts through online educational modules. This framework allows brands to benefit from a common strategy while giving suppliers tailored support to simplify the process.
The program is also designed to expand supplier access to renewable energy solutions, like power purchase agreements, energy attribute certificates, local energy storage and on-site or distributed renewable power generation. The program will give suppliers access to SE Advisory Services’ tools, market guidance and digital education as part of its structure.
“It’s become abundantly clear that the most effective way forward on emissions reduction is working in partnership with suppliers,” Levi’s Senior Director of Sustainability Jennifer DuBuisson said in a separate release. “The FRC enables greater support for suppliers that want to access or would like to increase use of renewable electricity but haven’t been able to so far.”
