Following the footsteps of Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHIFW), British Fashion Council (BFC) is introducing mandatory sustainability criteria for brands aiming to participate in the upcoming London Fashion Week. Developed by CPHFW, these new requirements will begin this year with the BFC's Newgen program, and will be fully implemented by January 2026.
Caroline Rush, Outgoing CEO, BFC, states, the partnership between London and Copenhagen ‘builds on the Council’s existing minimum standards and reaffirms its commitment to driving positive change across the global fashion industry.’ Describing the collaboration as a significant step in making sustainability integral to the future of fashion, Rush emphasizes, the initiative aims to empower emerging designer businesses to take the lead in creating a more sustainable and responsible industry.
Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO, Copenhagen Fashion Week, highlights, the agreement not only promotes much-needed industry alignment but also underscores the significant potential of fashion weeks and councils to drive positive change. Thorsmark had previously introduced the CPHFW Sustainability Action Plan in early 2020, setting 19 minimum standards that brands must meet to be part of the Copenhagen calendar. These standards require companies to take responsibility for their environmental impact, including measuring and offsetting carbon emissions and eliminating the use of single-use plastic hangers and garment bags, among other measures.
