What does your organisation like about the content in the current 2024 disclosures report? Is there any particular data or conclusions you want to highlight or comment on?
The STICA report effectively highlights the ongoing efforts in the textile industry to reduce emissions while not glossing over the issues, such as the too-slow pace of change and the fact that some companies are not fully adhering to the climate transition plans they have themselves set.
We value the report’s attention to the distribution of emissions; it underscores that large companies are the primary contributors to the industry’s total emissions, while SMEs—though a significant part of the industry— contribute less.
Additionally, the report effectively captures the key challenges companies face in reducing emissions, which can guide stakeholders, such as policymakers, in designing incentives and reducing barriers to decarbonization.
Finally, the data on climate governance are particularly insightful. Disclosing data on, for example, the absence of executive pay linked to decarbonization brings attention to the priority (or lack thereof) given to climate action in member companies.
What could be improved in the report and/or what could SFA/STICA do to improve our work with the companies overall moving forward?
The reliance on self-reported data raises concerns about accuracy, particularly for Scope 3 emissions, which often lack third-party verification. Inconsistent reporting among companies, especially regarding scope definitions and optional categories, hinders comparability. Greater standardisation would make the data more actionable. Encouraging greater engagement with value chains would improve the accuracy and impact of emissions reporting.
To maintain credibility, STICA should enforce stricter requirements for member compliance, such as mandatory 1.5°C-aligned targets. Publicly disclosing non-compliance and allowing exceptions only in rare circumstances could enhance transparency and prevent greenwashing.
The report doesn’t adequately address overproduction—a root cause of humanity crossing planetary boundaries. A stronger focus on reducing textile production, particularly in fast fashion, would offer practical pathways to emissions reduction.
What implications do you think the report has for climate action in the apparel industry overall?
The report serves as a wake-up call: despite progress, the sector remains far from achieving its 1.5°C targets. Many companies have yet to move from measuring emissions to implementing climate action plans aligned with the Paris Agreement.
The insights on decarbonization barriers are invaluable for designing interventions across the value chain. Additionally, the report highlights the critical need for supplier engagement, demonstrating that coordinated efforts across buyers could drive more effective decarbonization.
Finally, the persistent gaps in carbon accounting reflect the urgency of standardized reporting frameworks like the CSRD and consistency between GHG accounting standards, which could drive the consistency needed to track industry progress meaningfully.
