Copenhagen Fashion Week releases annual sustainability report 2021

Copenhagen Fashion Week has released its annual sustainability report, which includes an update on the second year of its 2020-2022 Sustainability Action Plan, which intends to bring far-reaching and long-term change within the fashion industry. The action plan will do it by decreasing negative consequences, changing its business model, and speed up industry development.

According to CPHFW, the report highlights its “major milestones” in its second year, which included the establishment of a series of new collaborations centered on the 2023 sustainability objectives.

Another significant milestone was the government-funded initiative (Grøn Genstart) Fremtidens Tekstiler’s selection of the requirements as the basis for training 50 SMEs in the Danish sector to lead to targeted action. Brands and consultants collaborated closely with the Lifestyle & Design Cluster to advance their environmental objectives. A group of international experts, including Orsola de Castro of Fashion Revolution and Professor Dilys Williams of the Center for Sustainable Fashion, then examined the standards.

In 2021, Copenhagen Fashion Week partnered with the trade show Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF), the Norwegian Fashion Hub, Oslo Runway, and the Icelandic Fashion Council, all of whom will adhere to the sustainability requirements.

Copenhagen Fashion Week also ensured to deliver on most targets, with 19 of the 21 goals reached. Two targets are in the works, one has been postponed, and one has been missed.

CPHFW plans to present new targets and develop its strategy for the years 2023-2025. Another important focus for the organization will be to continue to pursue worldwide alliances in order to amplify the impact of the 2023 sustainability criteria and create global transformation in the sector.

Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO at Copenhagen Fashion Week, said that the success accomplished during the second year of their Sustainability Action Plan illustrates the potential of their strategy and three-year targets to encourage and push fashion companies to embrace more responsible business methods. They feel the new Nordic alliances they established around the 2023 sustainability objectives set a big milestone that supports deeper industry alignment, and they’re really excited to seek out new international partnerships this year.