The Nordic fashion industry joined global fashion leaders at a summit in New York on the future of sustainable fashion and to collaborate with the American fashion industry recently. Despite being geographically small, Nordic countries represent some of fashion’s largest and most crucial global players. Focusing on sustainability and responsible innovation, Nordic fashion companies shared pioneering solutions.
The Nordic Fashion Association presented Nordic innovations around fashion tech and initiatives, focusing on moving towards a circular production system. Among the presented solutions were climate positive fibres, carbon farming, near-market manufacturing, tax systems for rental services, baby clothes on rent prescription, jeans connected to dating apps, zero cotton denim, and more.
Fashion and textiles are the world’s 4th largest value creator. The Nordic fashion scene is growing exponentially to become one of the fastest growing export industries and is expanding three times faster than total exports, however, the impact that the industry has on the climate is huge as fashion ranks among the highest polluting industries globally. This initiative recognises producers of pollution-intensive goods must change drastically. Nordic countries seek to systematically change the global fashion system through the use of innovative technology, a respect for nature, Nordic heritage and sustainable practices.
As Gisle Mariani Mardal, Chairman, Nordic Fashion Association pointed out they need to make sure that their companies can deliver products based on sustainable practices for a better future of fashion. Elin Frendberg, CEO, Swedish Fashion Council presented “Powered by Technology.” She discussed how innovative technology, sustainability and sociology can combine to refresh and rethink the fashion industry. Johan Arnø Kryger, Chief Learning Officer at the Danish Fashion Association, presented “Powered by Sustainability.” He discussed the efficacy of programs such as Youth Fashion Summit and the Educators Summit to instruct designers, buyers and industry leaders on sustainable practices.