Benetton shows ‘true colours’ by committing to supply chain detox

The move comes in response to Greenpeace’s Detox campaign, launched in 2011, which aims to increase environmental transparency in the fashion industry.

Benetton has followed in the footsteps of 12 fellow fashion brands to commit to the campaign including Uniqlo this year and M&S last year.

As part of its commitment Benetton Group plans to disclose discharge data from 30 of their global suppliers (including all of their own facilities) by the end of 2013.

This disclosure will empower people living near manufacturing facilities providing information on what is being discharged into their environment.

It will also become the ninth company to provide an end date of 2015 by which it will have eliminated all perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) which, commonly used to make textile and leather products water and stain-proof, are extremely hazardous.

The commitment will apply to all of Benetton’s 6,500 stores and to all of the brands under the Benetton Group, including Sisley and Playlife.

Greenpeace Italy Campaigner Chiara Campione said:

“Benetton shows its true colours with this commitment to clean up their toxic footprint. The question now is when will the other big Italian fashion houses respond to the demand from their customers and affected communities to create fashion that doesn’t cost the earth?”

“Benetton’s commitment joins the ranks of other big brands such as Levi’s, and together they are throwing down the gauntlet to the fashion industry to develop and use non-hazardous chemical alternatives. This is a victory for local communities around the world affected daily by toxic water pollution.”

Conor McGlone