The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has received approval by the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) to create a sustainability reporting standard for the apparel and textile sector. This will help to enhance reporting by brands and manufacturers.
“Widespread concerns exist about the impacts of this sector, particularly when it comes to human rights issues within industry supply chains, as well as those related to waste and recycling,” the GRI said.
“While there are a number of existing corporate or civil society-led initiatives to encourage sustainable practices, coherent and consistent disclosure is lacking. The development of a new GRI Textiles and Apparel Standard will enhance sustainability reporting by clothing, footwear, fabrics and other textile manufacturers and retailers, on a global scale” it further added.
A global call for applicants has been announced by the GSSB, which is an independent body responsible for setting the GRI Standards. The applicants, which will include representatives from investors, labour bodies, civil society, business enterprises and mediating institutions, will join the Textiles and Apparel Working Group.
“Production of textiles and apparel has numerous impacts, including on working conditions, health and safety, water consumption and pollution, waste, greenhouse gas emissions and the use of hazardous materials,” explained Mia d’Adhemar, head of sector program.
She further added that significant progress is needed to improve how textiles and apparel companies identify, manage and disclose their impacts on the economy, environment and people.
The Textiles and Apparel Sector Standard will be intended to apply to any organisation with a primary focus in textile and apparel production, including manufacturing activities, brands, retailers and wholesalers.
Any organisation with a primary focus on textile and apparel production will come under the Textiles and Apparel Sector Standard. This includes manufacturers, retailers, brands and wholesalers.
By setting a global disclosure framework for the sector, the GRI aims to promote complete transparency and allow comparability of sustainability information.