The apparel and textile industries are responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Recent studies estimate that the apparel industry accounts for approximately 2 % of the share of global emissions, depending on what is included in the scope. There is general agreement that the majority of the apparel industry’s greenhouse gas emissions are generated in the value chain, especially during fiber and material production, yarn production, preparation of fabrics and dyeing, assembly and transportation within production. Given the anticipated growth of the industry in emerging markets and our need to half emissions by 2030, it is crucial that the textile industry does its part and more.

STICA activities involve two workstreams. Workstream one involves supporting commercial companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5°C warming pathway as specified by the Paris agreement and the Science-based Targets Initiative. Workstream two involves supporting the entire Scandinavian and European apparel and textiles industry to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5°C warming pathway while also stimulating these regions to be the global leaders in climate action.

STICA is coordinated by The Sustainability Fashion Academy, a non-profit independent organisation based in Sweden. SFA’s mission is to accelerate progress towards science-based sustainability targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by influencing the apparel industry and its stakeholders. SFA initiates research and analysis, empowers change agents with information, education and training, and mobilises key stakeholders around critical topics and goals, such as climate action. To learn more visit www.sustainablefashionacademy.org

To ensure credibility and comparability, STICA requires that company members:

Set targets, measure and report in accordance with STICA  guidelines, which are informed by the Science Based Targets methodology.  STICA provides guidelines for how to measure and report, as well as education and training. Company targets and methods do not need to be approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, although this is encouraged.

Report progress on an annual basis (Scopes 1, 2 and 3 according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).  Members need to report progress for all scopes. New members are permitted to wait one year before reporting.

Make public their targets and commitments.  Companies and organizations should present their impacts and progress in their annual reports. STICA also publishes members’ progress annually.

Develop and submit Climate Transition Plans, which include their longer term roadmaps for 2025 and 2030, as well as their more short term action plans.

Share knowledge and insights with other companies and engage in joint projects where possible and practical.  Company and organizational representatives are expected to participate in webinars and engage in working groups if and when relevant. This ensures the network is robust and that learning is shared most effectively.

Support action at the industry level. Without changes at the industry level, there are limits to what a company can do to reduce its emissions and transform its business. By engaging at the industry level and by supporting STICA, companies also support structural change.

The STICA guidelines are designed to ensure member companies follow the most up to date and credible standards in GHG reporting. By following our guidelines, members are aligned with the GHG Protocol. When it comes to the SBTi, our minimum guidelines and requirements are primarily but not exclusively based on the criteria and recommendations from the SBTi. That being said, we provide member companies guidance on which additional requirements they need to fulfill to be able to submit their targets for validation from the SBTi. Although it is not a requirement, some companies in STICA have chosen to also submit their targets for SBTi validation. However, since SBTi currently does not require smaller companies to report on and set targets for their Scope 3 impacts, and STICA does, the STICA guidelines and requirements are more demanding than the SBTi requirements for SMEs. When it comes to aligning with climate legislation, we are currently involved in influencing the development of this legislation. In the future, STICA guidelines will be aligned to ensure compliance with all relevant climate legislation.

No. We are now inviting companies from Europe to participate in the STICA Climate Action Program & Network. Please contact us to learn more!