Both Inditex and the IAF intend to use the agreement to develop projects that will improve working conditions, sustainability and traceability throughout the fashion supply chain.
The framework agreement has several key areas of focus, including:
- Advancement of industrial development in producing countries
- Transitioning towards a circular economy that transforms waste into new raw materials
- Pursuit of net-zero emissions
- Adoption of renewable energy sources and processes that have a lower impact on ecosystems
- Embracing transparency-enhancing practices, including digital labelling
- Improving working conditions and issues related to occupational health and safety, social protection, and diversity and inclusion.
Inditex's CEO Óscar García Maceiras, highlighted the importance of collaborating with apparel federations to drive change that encompasses social and environmental challenges.
He said: "This agreement will allow us to continue developing and integrating best practices, foster innovation, and invest in the most efficient technologies, contributing to raising industry standards and competitiveness."
The agreement aims to go beyond industry-specific concerns and measure and verify the impact of the textile industry and encourage resilience and the adoption of transparency-enhancing practices.
Moreover, the Inditex and IAF partnership will explore the interoperability of information systems and promote the digitalisation and efficiency improvement of global supply chains, among other issues.
IAF's President, Cem Altan added: “Linking the forces of Inditex with the global apparel manufacturing community will allow us to focus on real change on the ground, beneficial to all parties involved and with positive effects for the existing global industry initiatives in which Inditex and IAF participate.”
