The Scandinavian Textile Initiative For Climate Action (STICA)

Climate Action Week
for Fashion & Apparel

The Scandinavian Textile Initiative For Climate Action (STICA)

Climate Action Week for Fashion & Apparel

Fibre Production & GHG Emission Reductions: How Important Is What Is Made VS. How It Is Made? Are Natural Fibres and Synthetics Equally Problematic?

Fibre Production (raw material production, material processing and sorting, and fibre prepration) and yarn and fabric production of both natural fibres and fossil-based synthetic fibres contribute to emissions. Some studies estimate that 12% of the industry’s total emissions come from fibre production and around 22% from yarn and fabric production.
During this session we explored:
What can and should be done in these areas to reduce emissions at the pace and scale required?
What about the importance and impacts of fossil-based synthetics? A number of experts and NGOs are calling specifically for the phase out of these synthetic types. Is this what we should prioritise?

Contributors

Lars Fogh Mortensen, Expert, textiles and circular economy, European Environment Agency
Lars Fogh Mortensen is an economist and expert on textiles and circular economy in the European Environment Agency. He is behind many briefings and reports from the Agency addressing challenges and policy options for textiles sustainability and circularity. He has worked on sustainability in international organisations for over 25 years.
Beth Jensen, Director, Climate and Nature Impact, Textile Exchange
Beth Jensen is Director of Climate+ Impact at Textile Exchange. She oversees the evolution and implementation of Textile Exchange’s “Climate+” strategy, supporting the industry’s efforts to achieve beneficial outcomes in the areas of climate, biodiversity, soil health, and water. Prior to Textile Exchange, Beth held leadership roles overseeing and driving sustainable materials and products programs at VF Corporation, parent company for outdoor and active brands including Vans, The North Face, Timberland, and Smartwool; and at Outdoor Industry Association, the North American-based trade association for the outdoor apparel, footwear, and gear sector. She is based in Colorado, USA, and holds a B.A. from St. Olaf College and an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder Leeds School of Business.
Urška Trunk, Campaign Manager, Changing Markets Foundation
Urška Trunk is a Campaign Manager at the Changing Markets Foundation, a Dutch non-profit formed to accelerate solutions to sustainability challenges by leveraging the power of markets. Since joining in 2017, she has led Foundations’ fashion campaigns addressing the issues surrounding the use of viscose and synthetic fibres.

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