MILAN — September 22, 2014 — Today at a press conference to mark the end of Milan Fashion Week, six of Italy’s biggest textile suppliers made landmark Detox commitments to eliminate hazardous chemicals.1
The suppliers Miroglio, Berbrand, Attilio Imperiali, Italdenim, Besani e Zip produce textile materials and accessories for a number of global brands from the luxury and fashion sectors.
Chiara Campione, #TheFashionDuel project leader for Greenpeace Italy said: “These ground-breaking commitments are proof that beautiful, toxic-free fashion is becoming the industry norm. With these textile suppliers now leading the sector, brands can no longer argue that Detox is not possible. The door is now open for other brands to follow suit,”
Greenpeace Italy estimates that in 2013 alone these six companies produced around 40 million linear meters of printed textile material, enough to stretch around the Earth’s circumference. Meanwhile, it is estimated that these commitments could, directly or indirectly, impact upon the production of around 70 million garments a year.
Representing the most ambitious Detox commitments yet, the six textile producers have publicly committed to eliminating all hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and products by 2020 but also revealed the progress they have already made. The companies have already phased out eight of the eleven priority groups of hazardous substances identified by Greenpeace.2 Furthermore, customers will be able to follow the steps each company takes towards its commitment via its website, making it easier for them to be held accountable for their actions.
Giuseppe Miroglio, President of the Miroglio Group said: “For some years the Miroglio Group has been investing in new, sustainable printing technologies with a low environmental impact and has remarkably reduced water consumption, energy use and CO2 emissions in the supply chain. Having already taken steps in this direction, we are willing to pursue this vision in the future with responsibility.”
Two years ago Greenpeace Italy laid down the Detox gauntlet to the luxury fashion sector. While some labels such as Burberry and Valentino have since committed to toxic-free fashion, other big names like Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana have yet to commit.
“Detox is becoming a must-have trend, supported by forward thinking brands, suppliers and millions of fashion lovers around the world. While the market moves towards a toxic-free future, the laggards are becoming increasingly unfashionable. If suppliers can do it, what are Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dolce&Gabbana waiting for?” added Campione.
Notes
1The full commitments can be found here: http://www.greenpeace.org/italy/impegno-detox-industria-tessile/
2For more information see: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/toxics/water/detox/intro/Eleven-flagship-hazardous-chemicals/
Posted September 23, 2014
Source: Greenpeace
