The Fashion Producer Collective is a collection of producer-led projects representing a range of perspectives from individuals within apparel supply chains. The Collective meets regularly in closed-door sessions to discuss specific challenges and offer insight and support. 

The following is a summary of the key points raised in a session on decarbonisation from the inaugural Supplier Meet-up in May 2022. The points below are based on the insights written by Fashion Producer Collective co-founder, Kim van der Weerd.

Key challenges:

Global targets, context-specific action:

• Climate targets are set globally, but the actions required to meet them depend heavily on local context—including geography, infrastructure, and economic conditions.

Misalignment of growth and climate goals:

• Suppliers questioned whether growth targets are compatible with climate goals, as the industry often lacks context-specific roadmaps to address this tension.

“We’re not dolphins at Sea World, this is about more than dangling a fish and training us to jump.”

Inequitable target structures:

• Early adopters of decarbonisation measures now face the same targets as latecomers, despite having already made significant investments.

Ambiguity around "equal effort":

• The principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," as articulated by the UNFCCC, raises the question of how to fairly define and distribute decarbonisation efforts.

Language and mindset barriers:

• The concept of "targets" may inadvertently promote competition rather than collective action, leaving some stakeholders behind in the decarbonisation race.

Lack of incentives and access to finance:

• Manufacturers expressed frustration over the absence of meaningful incentives and accessible finance options to support their decarbonisation efforts.

Industry recommendations:

1. Develop context-specific roadmaps:

• Collaborate with suppliers to create tailored decarbonisation plans that consider local conditions and operational realities.

2. Align growth and climate goals:

• Reassess growth targets to ensure they are compatible with climate commitments, incorporating supplier feedback into the process.

3. Implement differentiated targets:

• Design climate targets based on the relative effort required, recognising and rewarding early movers in the decarbonisation journey.

4. Foster collective action over competition:

• Shift the narrative from individual achievement to industry-wide collaboration, ensuring no suppliers are left behind.

5. Enhance financial support mechanisms:

• Offer accessible financing and performance-based incentives to help suppliers invest in cleaner technologies.

6. Promote open dialogue and learning:

• Establish ongoing forums for manufacturers to share challenges, successes, and insights in their decarbonisation efforts.

By taking these steps, brands can better support suppliers and contribute to a more unified, effective approach to decarbonising fashion supply chains.