The Brazilian Sustainable Fashion League
The Brazilian Sustainable Fashion League – BSFL project brings together companies committed to revisiting their production and management practices in order to reduce their environmental impacts. With this, they meet urgent global guidelines based on the Sustainable Development Goals (ODS/UN), such as reducing the use of natural resources and protecting the environment and climate.
Created in 2020 by Texbrasil (Program for the Internationalization of the Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry) — the result of a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), the BSFL also aims to work on the group work mindset so that the League becomes a benchmark for other companies. Thus, in addition to encouraging sustainability practices, it also positions the Brazilian textile sector internationally with a collective and solid narrative regarding its performance in this agenda.
“The Sustainability League contributes to the individual and collective maturation of companies, so that Brazilian fashion becomes more sustainable and become a global reference in sustainable practices”, explains Lilian Kaddissi, executive superintendent of strategic projects at Abit.
The first two training groups for the project took place between 2020 and 2022 and, in addition to sharing content on the sustainability agenda in group meetings, each company also received 16 hours of individual assistance, conducted by the contracted consultancy. Some of the topics addressed were: ESG, Circular Economy, Climate Change, Communication, More sustainable production chains and Collaboration. In all, 15 companies went through the formation of the BSFL and are currently part of the league: Capricórnio, Cedro, Santista Têxtil, Vicunha, ITM Têxtil, Textilfio, Contextura, Marie Mercié, Dellas Thork, Grupo Gatomia, Grupo Kyly, Timirim, Digitale Têxtil, Sling and Lunelli. As a continuation of the work started in these companies, this year the Sustainability League will meet in periodic meetings, with the aim of preserving the culture of exchanging knowledge and experiences.
In 2023, two relevant themes of the sustainability agenda will be worked on in greater depth: the decarbonisation of the fashion value chain and communication on sustainability practices and attributes in textile and clothing products. In June, Texbrasil will also organize the trip of a group of companies to Copenhagen to participate in the Global Fashion Summit, in addition to meetings with possible partners and suppliers of solutions in more sustainable practices.
A League meeting is planned for the month of April, with a date to be confirmed. If your company is in Texbrasil and wants to be part of the League, contact the Sustainability area via email: luiza@abit.org.br.