Kerry Bannigan, founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, believes the denim industry can be a key driver of social, economic and environmental change through its adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Covid-19 brought significant disruption to the fashion industry, and denim in particular, through its impact on manufacturers, retailers and supply chains. However, in light of this turmoil, the pandemic has also elevated the opportunity for progressive change as it has forced stakeholders to rethink their traditional ways of working. As the denim industry looks to rebuild, it is a critical time to realign ourselves with responsible practices that will sustain both our people and the planet for years to come.

In this process, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a guiding framework that should be used by the denim industry as they embark on their resilient recovery and beyond. Launched in 2015, these global calls to action represent 17 critical areas in need of change, including gender equality, climate action, responsible consumption and production, reduced inequalities, and life below water. Recognising the urgent need for change, the goals have an intended target of 2030.

In support of this global agenda, the Conscious Fashion Campaign was established. In collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, the campaign accelerates global fashion industry action in support of the SDGs. Through advocacy, education and engagement the campaign mobilises industry stakeholders to advance solutions for social, economic and environmental change.

In an effort to target the denim industry specifically, the Conscious Fashion Campaign has established an ongoing collaborative partnership with Kingpins Show, the information and innovation network and trade show organiser, which organises events in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and London. Through this relationship, the Conscious Fashion Campaign has brought SDG workshops, knowledge hubs and panel discussions to the regular forum, attracting participants from Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and G-Star Raw.

Along with this, we have also partnered with Transformers Foundation, which provides a thus-far missing platform to the jeans and denim supply chain and a central point of contact for consumers, brands, NGOs and media who want to learn more about ethics and sustainable innovation in the industry. Through this collaboration, the Conscious Fashion Campaign supported the integration of the SDGs into the programming for Transformers ED, which is an education series for those who wish to learn about the denim supply chain.

Throughout these partnerships, we have connected with industry stakeholders who are truly leading positive change within the denim industry. These initiatives, such as those led by Lenzing, are listed on the newly launched Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, an online platform for industry stakeholders, governments and NGOs to showcase actions, report progress and share solutions accelerating sectors’ contributions to deliver the SDGs by 2030. As the network continues to expand, it welcomes registrations from all relevant industry initiatives which are supporting the advancement of the SDGs within the fashion and lifestyle sectors.

It is important to note that while significant progress continues to be made, we still have far to go. For example, data from the United Nations Environment Programme shows that after taking cotton production, manufacturer, transport and washing into account, it takes 3,781 litres of water to make one pair of jeans. This process equates to around 33.4 kilogrammes of carbon emitted, which is like driving for 111 kilometres. All for just one pair of jeans.

There are further challenges existing in the denim industry. These include common instances of water pollution and contamination, promotion of fast fashion products, energy intensive manufacturing methods and unethical labour practices. Left unaddressed, these risk the advancement of the SDGs, including SDG #6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG #12 Responsible Consumption and Production.

Despite these challenges, we know that if engaged properly, the denim industry is well positioned to accelerate the SDGs given its scale and global connectivity. In support of this potential, it is critical that we seize the opportunity that the pandemic has provided to rebuild and realign our future towards one that is sustainable and resilient for all.

Kerry Bannigan is the founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, founding member and executive producer of the SDG Media Zone and president at the PVBLIC Foundation. Her portfolio spans over 14 years of programming, event production and high-level partnerships with brands, governments and United Nations agencies. 

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