Some of the biggest names in fashion have come together to publish a new guide designed to help industry leaders on their journey towards environmental and social sustainability.

The CEO Agenda 2020 has been released by the Global Fashion Agenda and co-authored with its strategic partners – Asos, Bestseller, H&M, Kering, Li & Fung, Nike, PVH Corp, Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Target.

Launched during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, it urges industry leaders to investigate new business models and disrupt the current fashion system to drive change, implement innovation and tap into new business opportunities.

Eva Kruse, CEO of the Global Fashion Agenda, said: “We are living in a time of unprecedented overproduction and overconsumption, and we are simply pushing our planet beyond its limits.

"I urge fashion leaders to re-evaluate the current growth logic. This is not only essential to future-proof their business, but it’s also crucial for humanity to operate within planetary boundaries.

"I appreciate that this is not an easy task, which is why we have created the CEO Agenda as a tangible tool to help CEOs navigate sustainability, find solutions and protect generations to come.”

The 2020 edition of the CEO Agenda challenges the traditional concept of growth and prosperity. It warns that, if the industry continues on its current trajectory, fashion production is expected to rise by 81 per cent by 2030.

The report also includes a spotlight on fashion’s impact on biodiversity. It says the industry’s increasing demand and utilisation of energy, land, water and natural resources results in a loss of ecosystems and species as well as microfibre pollution.

The CEO Agenda 2020 suggests four core priorities for immediate implementation: supply chain traceability; reversing climate change; the efficient use of water, energy and chemicals; and the provision of respectful and secure work environments.

It also lists four transformational priorities for fundamental change: sustainable material mix; a circular fashion system; the promotion of better wage systems; and a 'fourth industrial revolution'.

Courtesy: Eco Textile News