An initiative by the Finance for Biodiversity (FfB) Foundation has engaged 16 leading textiles and apparel companies on their nature-related impacts and dependencies. The collaborative engagement, known as Fostering Action on Biodiversity through Responsible Investment in Clothing (FABRIC), has opened dialogue with luxury, fast fashion, sportswear, footwear, and apparel giants including Adidas, H&M, Hugo Boss, LVMH and Nike. These companies contribute to biodiversity loss through supply chain impacts, unsustainable production methods, and waste generation. Approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and 35% of primary microplastic pollution, while around 20% of global water pollution is driven by dyeing and finishing processes. “We believe that the sustainable transformation of companies in the textiles and apparel industry is critical to achieving global biodiversity goals,” said Anita de Horde, Executive Founder of the FfB Foundation. “This requires embedding biodiversity into business strategies, alongside a deeper understanding of supply chain impacts and dependencies on nature. Through FABRIC, we are supporting the finance sector to play a leading role in steering the clothing industry towards more sustainable practices, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.” Launched in autumn 2024, FABRIC comprises 16 investor members representing a combined €5.9 billion (US$6.4 billion) in AUM. Participating investor organisations include Achmea Investment Management, EOS at Federated Hermes, Pictet Group and Robeco. Going forward, FABRIC will encourage the selected companies to adopt and implement the expectations outlined by the initiative through “structured dialogue” with the firms.
