Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has joined the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, an initiative convened by the UN Climate Change, said a press statement.
By joining the initiative, BGMEA pledges to support the ambitious goals enshrined in the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, in line with the goals established by the Paris Agreement of 2015.
This Charter has actually more ambitious goals than the previous industry-wide commitments as it includes a target of 30% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions by 2030 and a commitment to analyze and set a decarbonization pathway for the fashion industry.
Fashion industry is globally one of the largest polluters to environment. So, it’s a landmark commitment of the Bangladesh’s apex apparel manufacturing association which will contribute greatly to sustainability and to reduce global warming as well as climate change impacts.
“The ready-made garment industry of Bangladesh is steadily heading towards sustainability. By joining the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, BGMEA commits to working collaboratively with brands, suppliers and other organizations towards GHG emission reductions pathway that puts fashion industry towards a low carbon future,” commented Rubana Huq, President, BGMEA.
The Charter, which is open for other companies and organizations to join, recognizes the crucial role that fashion plays on both sides of the climate equation; as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and as a sector with multiple opportunities to reduce emissions while contributing to sustainable development.
Niclas Svenningsen, Head of Global Climate Action of the UN Climate Change, said, “We welcome BGMEA to the Fashion Industry Charter family and we look forward to their leadership and contribution in inspiring manufacturers in Bangladesh and beyond, to raise climate ambition in a united effort to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.”
Among the brands and companies that have already joined the Charter are Adidas, Burberry, Esprit, Gap, Guess, H&M, Hugo Boss, Lenzing, Kering Group, Levi Strauss, Peak Performance, Puma, Sympatex Technologies and Denim Expert.
Supporting organizations include, among others, China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), China Textile Information Center (CTIC), Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), Global Organic Textile Standard , (GOTS), Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), Textile Exchange, WWF International and Zero Discharge Of Hazardous Chemicals Foundation (ZDHC) Foundation.
