Norway’s fashion sector adopts CPHFW’s sustainability requirements

Copenhagen Fashion Week has announced that the Norwegian fashion industry is aligning with its 2023 Sustainability Requirements, through cooperation with industry organization Norwegian Fashion Hub and the Norwegian fashion event Oslo Fushion Festival.

Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, said that the CPHFW’s 2023 Sustainability Requirements would be implemented by 60 Norwegian companies that are members of the Norwegian Fashion Hub, as well as approximately 30 brands that participate in the Oslo Fashion Festival, at an event held before the opening show at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

According to Copenhagen Fashion Week, the move means increased “alignment and connectivity” between the two Nordic nations and their businesses. As a result, Norwegian fashion firms will be adopting its sustainability framework, which was developed in conjunction with the Norwegian Fashion Council.

The 2023 Sustainability Requirements stipulate that, from January 2023, all brands must adhere to 17 minimal criteria established by an expert council. This includes a commitment to not destroy unsold clothes, to use at least 50% certified, organic, upcycled, or recycled textiles in all collections, to use only sustainable packaging, and to create zero-waste set designs for their shows.

In a statement, Thorsmark said that one of their biggest objectives, when they announced the 2023 Sustainability Requirements at the beginning of 2020 was to explore collaborations with other organizations and fashion weeks owing to the immense potential of the framework, is being pushed out more broadly.

Thorsmark added that they’re thrilled to see this goal realized and to announce their first international partners outside Denmark to create better industry alignment. It’s a significant achievement for them to see the requirements gaining recognition, and they’re looking forward to building on this progress in the future.

Elin Kathrine Saunes, CEO of the Norwegian Fashion Hub, said that it is critical that the Norwegian sector contributes to a more sustainable future for fashion. They believe that a worldwide framework that is helpful and instructional for companies of all sizes is required to be traceable and transparent in the process. As a result, they are delighted to collaborate with Copenhagen Fashion Week and the Oslo Fushion Festival.