A Scandinavian country as a pioneer. The flipside of the fashion industry: growing vs. being “eco” friendly.

More than ever before, todays global threats are interlinked with environmental social governance. Corresponding to that we need more than ever forwarded-thinkers such as, Eva Kruse the CEO of Copenhagen Fashion summit. (world biggest event on sustainable fashion).

When I watched her TEDx Copenhagen she pointed out both edges of the fashion industry. I was surprised due to the fact that she talked about the dark sides even though she works under the umbrella of Danish Fashion Institute.

European Commission Eco-Innovation Action Plan

After continues research I was not that surprised anymore because the Danish government and especially the Fashion Institute is working not as others do. Firstly, the Danish textile and fashion industry is made up primarily of micro and small enterprises. Possibly because Denmark was the first country in the world who implemented an environmental law in 1973. In addition in 2008 the Danish parliament adopted an act that large businesses must declare if they undertake any corporate social responsibility activity.

I assumed that there should be similar activities going on in Austria. I searched if there are common institutes, associations or as a choice a possibility to study sustainable fashion business? Unfortunately the answer was not really satisfying. Maybe someone has a clue why?

Back to Denmark

According to the research of the Copenhagen Business School figures show that the one-man companies, which constitutes about 92% of the industry and only about 2% employs more than five employees. There is also an example of a larger Danish company called Jack and Jones which is part of the Bestseller Group. As reported by J&J one of their main focuses is supply chain transparency. Another remarkable activity was the GIVE-A-DAY.

Tut-tut! A serious transparent company today has to produce their products in the light of the sustainable way of living. Even though, we as consumers play a pivotal role that this change can happen.

Al Gore: was also fascinated with those who try to look over the horizon and see things that are coming to us.Dear lovely country, there is a lot of room of improvement. Plan A should not just include A, I hope you keep innovating and developing.