Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS

In early June 2024 the BFW and CPHFW announced their partnership to introduce the Sustainability Requirements for Berlin Fashion Week. With the adoption of the Sustainability Requirements developed by CPHFW, the Fashion Council Germany, which is responsible for the coordination of the BFW schedule, commits to introduce these minimum standards as a binding criterion for the shows of Berlin Fashion Week. By joining forces, both locations aim to promote sustainability measures in the fashion industry in the Nordic and German markets. Supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and realised by the Fashion Council Germany in cooperation with Studio MM04, this is a further step for BFW on its way to becoming a transparent and responsible fashion platform. 

About the Sustainability Requirements

The minimum sustainability requirements serve as a framework for the application process of the BFW Schedule and are not a certification or similar. The  Sustainability Requirements from CPHFW, were developed using existing guidelines, tools, codes of conduct, standards, certifications and agendas, ensuring a shared focus in the fashion industry.

They contain the Minimum Standards that need to be fulfilled to be listed in the Schedule and Additional Actions, which serve as inspiration for further sustainable development of the company. Additionally, a location-specific requirement regarding transparency and traceability in the value chain has been included for BFW, reflecting Germany‘s supply chain law. Furthermore, BFW will implement its own code of conduct, emphasizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) topics in the fashion sector.

Brands wishing to participate in BFW must fill out a survey with approximately 100 questions, regarding the sustainability requirements. The survey will be filled out by each brand - self- assessment is the process of evaluating one‘s own performance, abilities, or qualities. Surveys completed by each individual brand will be audited by the agency STUDIO MM04 – not by Fashion Council Germany. This involves a precise examination of the survey submissions from each brand. During this process, the Audit agency might contact some brands asking for a more detailed answer regarding a question if they feel the explanation is not sufficient. After the agency carefully reviewed the survey, each brand will be assigned a score based on their sustainability efforts.

This score will determine whether the brands are eligible to participate and showcase their collections at BFW. During the pilot phase*,this scoring system will only serve as information and provide brands with an understanding of their sustainability standing.