On January 13, the British Fashion Council (BFC) announced its partnership with Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW). Through this collaboration, the BFC will adopt the CPHFW sustainability Requirements, and the two organizations will work together to promote sustainable growth across the fashion industry.
This initiative will commence in 2025 with the BFC’s renowned designer support program, BFC NEWGEN, integrating the Sustainability Requirements into its existing entry criteria. Following a trial period, full implementation is set to take place by January 2026. BFC NEWGEN, a globally recognized designer program, supports emerging talents in the British fashion industry, giving them a vital platform to shape the future of fashion.
The partnership is part of the BFC’s broader efforts under the Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF). The IPF was established as a think tank to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry, promote sustainable practices, encourage climate action, and serve as a platform for research, collaboration, and education. The adoption of the Sustainability Requirements in NEWGEN and this collaboration with CPHFW highlight the BFC’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future.
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Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the BFC, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are thrilled to align with the Copenhagen Fashion Week Sustainability Requirements across BFC NEWGEN, this builds on our existing Minimum Standards and reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change across the global fashion industry. This partnership is a significant step in ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to the future of fashion. Together, we are creating a framework that empowers emerging designer fashion businesses to lead the way and contribute tangibly to a more sustainable and responsible industry.”
Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, also commented on the collaboration: “This partnership not only fosters much-needed industry alignment but also underscores the unique potential of fashion weeks and councils to drive positive change within the industry. With the British Fashion Council, as an influential player in the global fashion landscape, we see a lot of potential to further amplify the impact of our collective commitment to sustainability.”
Advancing Global Alignment on Sustainability Standards
The Sustainability Requirements developed by Copenhagen Fashion Week were first introduced in 2020 and updated in 2024 to reflect shifts in EU policies and industry trends. The framework aims to increase transparency in design and manufacturing processes while reducing environmental impact. It has also been adopted by the Norwegian Fashion Hub, Oslo Runway, and Berlin Fashion Week (managed by Fashion Council Germany).
The partnership between the British Fashion Council and Copenhagen Fashion Week enhances the consistency of sustainability standards in the fashion industry. At the same time, it establishes a new model for using globally influential events to raise awareness of environmental issues. By connecting the distinct markets of the UK and Scandinavia, this collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to expanding sustainability in the global fashion industry.
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