CLIMATE ACTION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

FORLIANCE Supports The Fashion Industry in Achieving Climate Targets Through Data-Driven Strategies and Nature-Based Climate Solutions

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HOW FORLIANCE CAN HELP THE FASHION SECTOR TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE

 

In today’s fashion industry, the environmental footprint is significant—from resource-intensive production processes to the growing problem of fashion waste. Consumers and regulators alike demand more transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility. Brands that fail to act risk not only reputational damage but also serious regulatory consequences. 

Meanwhile, pioneers in sustainable fashion have already begun to integrate ethical fashion principles and sustainable production cycles into their core strategies. FORLIANCE partners with fashion sector leaders to turn these challenges into measurable opportunities. Our expertise empowers companies to rethink their supply chains, reduce emissions, and implement sustainability fashion solutions that are credible, scalable, and future-ready.

KEY CLIMATE CHALLENGES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

Fast Fashion and Overproduction

The current fashion system is built on speed and quantity, resulting in a surplus of unsold clothing and massive resource waste. Transitioning to circular models such as on-demand production or textile recycling can reduce fashion waste management issues while preserving profitability.

Supply Chain Complexity and Transparency

Global supply chains in the fashion sector often lack traceability, making it difficult to account for emissions or enforce ethical standards. Implementing carbon footprint tracking and supplier engagement programs can significantly enhance compliance and stakeholder trust.

High Emissions from Textile Manufacturing

Textile production is energy-intensive and often dependent on fossil fuels, contributing to fashion pollution. By investing in renewable energy solutions and decarbonizing production, fashion companies can significantly reduce their climate impact and align with Net Zero targets.

Water Consumption and Chemical Use

Sustainable fashion must address the overuse of water and harmful chemicals in dyeing and finishing processes. Nature-based water conservation strategies and material innovation offer scalable solutions that improve environmental and social outcomes.

Lack of Industry-Wide Standards

The absence of unified sustainability standards in the fashion industry hinders collective progress. Aligning with global frameworks like CSRD and GHG Protocol supports comparable, credible reporting and helps stakeholders make informed decisions.

Consumer Expectations Vs. Corporate Action

Consumers demand ethical fashion practices, yet many brands still rely on marketing rather than measurable action. Embedding climate goals into brand identity and strategy can close the gap between promise and performance—and foster long-term brand loyalty.

OUR SOLUTION

 

Emissions Analysis & Reporting

FORLIANCE supports fashion companies in building robust GHG inventories, enabling them to measure, manage, and transparently communicate their carbon impact across the value chain.

Carbon Footprinting

We calculate detailed carbon footprints for individual products, materials, or business units—offering the fashion industry insights that support data-driven climate action and responsible sourcing.

Climate Project Development

Through high-quality nature-based solutions, such as afforestation or soil carbon projects, FORLIANCE helps companies offset residual emissions while contributing to biodiversity and social development. 

Stakeholder Communication Strategy

We empower fashion brands to communicate their sustainability efforts authentically and effectively—transforming technical climate data into compelling narratives for customers, investors, and regulators. 

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FAQs ON CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FOR THE FASHION INDUSTRY

 

What is the carbon footprint of a typical fashion product?

A single cotton t-shirt can emit up to 2.1 kg of CO₂ throughout its lifecycle—from cotton cultivation, dyeing, and production to global transportation and end-of-life disposal. When scaled across millions of garments, the climate impact becomes substantial. FORLIANCE enables fashion companies to perform detailed carbon footprint analyses, identifying high-emission hotspots across the entire supply chain. With this data, companies can reduce emissions by switching to low-impact materials, improving energy efficiency, or localizing production where feasible.

How can fashion companies reduce fashion waste effectively?

The fashion sector generates over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, much of it ending up in landfills or incinerators. To address this, FORLIANCE advises on circular fashion solutions such as closed-loop recycling, take-back schemes, and product lifecycle extensions through repair and resale. 

These strategies support a shift from a linear “make-use-dispose” model to a regenerative one—drastically improving fashion waste management and reducing environmental costs. Incorporating these systems also strengthens brand positioning as a sustainability fashion leader.

Why is ethical fashion important for corporate reputation and risk management?

The rise of conscious consumerism means that ethical fashion is no longer a niche—it’s an expectation. Brands associated with labor exploitation, unsafe working conditions, or environmental harm face backlash, lost trust, and falling revenues. Implementing fair labor policies, ensuring supply chain traceability, and investing in social and environmental responsibility can protect companies from reputational risk. FORLIANCE helps integrate ethical standards into climate strategies to align brand values with stakeholder expectations and regulatory frameworks like the EU Due Diligence Directive.

Can sustainability fashion models be profitable and scalable?

Absolutely. Companies adopting sustainability fashion practices often unlock long-term cost efficiencies through smarter resource use, energy savings, and reduced regulatory risk. Moreover, sustainability-driven innovation—such as digital design, biodegradable fabrics, or on-demand production—can open new revenue streams. At FORLIANCE, we support fashion businesses in scaling climate-conscious operations with measurable ROI, ensuring that environmental responsibility aligns with commercial performance.

How does FORLIANCE ensure measurable and credible climate impact for the fashion industry?

We develop customized climate strategies grounded in science and verified by international standards like the Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). Every carbon footprint, emission reduction, or offsetting project is tracked and reported with transparency.

In the context of the fashion industry, this includes mapping Scope 1–3 emissions, assessing the climate impact of materials, and implementing nature-based solutions that also benefit biodiversity and communities. Our rigorous approach helps brands meet their climate goals while building credibility with customers and regulators.

Is CSRD reporting relevant and necessary for fashion companies?

Yes, the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) significantly impacts the fashion industry—especially those with operations, production facilities, or sourcing in or from Europe. Under CSRD, companies must disclose detailed information on climate risks, environmental impacts, and sustainability performance. 

FORLIANCE supports fashion companies in translating complex climate data into clear, compliant reports. Our team ensures that sustainability disclosures not only meet regulatory requirements but also serve as strategic tools for investor communication and corporate transparency.

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FORLIANCE GmbH
+49 (0) 228-969 119 – 0
info@forliance.com

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53119 Bonn
Germany