Global brands team up to eliminate ‘toxic’ supply chains by 2020

As part of the plan, the group – which also includes C&A, H&M and Li Ning – will conduct pilot projects at major, vertically integrated and materials suppliers between 2011 and 2013 to better understand scope of use and discharge of hazardous chemicals.

The roadmap also sets out a number of specific commitments and timelines to reach the 2020 goal. These include initiating an inventory of all chemicals used in apparel manufacturing by the end of 2012, disclosing the results of all pilots and studies undertaken, and reporting publicly on progress achieved.

A statement released by Nike acknowledges that “achieving the goal of zero discharge is a complex challenge – one that our brand collaboration cannot solve alone”.

It states: “Our vision is that the roadmap serves as a benchmark and that many more brands join us in our efforts. Ultimately, we want and need a broad array of participants to partner with us in this endeavor – chemical suppliers, academics, NGOs, textile experts, entrepreneurs, policy makers and others.”

Maxine Perella