The Swiss textile and clothing sector has initiated a programme that seeks to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country. The programme, Sustainable Textiles Switzerland 2030 (STS 2030), was launched on 30 June.
The programme: STS 2030 pools the forces of the Swiss textile and clothing sector by uniting actors along the entire value chain. The committed companies, institutions and organisations have set themselves shared targets:
- a massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the textiles sector,
- the promotion of fair wages and decent work along the entire value chain,
- the promotion of innovative business models towards a circular economy, and
- transparency to ensure that sustainable purchasing decisions can be made.
- According to the roadmap, the companies, institutions, and organisations that commit to achieving the targets will implement and track specific measures year by year.
- One aspect of the programme is that the range of products and services offered by the companies and organisations will be aligned with the sustainability goals.
- On the other hand, a proactive information policy will promote more sustainable consumption, purchasing and use of textiles.
The targets: STS 2030 supports actors in the Swiss textile and clothing sector to act in a socially and environmentally responsible manner and to implement transparent sustainability measures in their organisations. With a large part of textile production taking place outside of Switzerland, the programme will at the same time be internationally coordinated and specifically tailored to the requirements of the Swiss context.
- Target 1: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from the Swiss textile and apparel industry will be reduced by 50% towards a net zero target by 2050.
- Target 2: Promotion of fair wages and humane working conditions for all. By 2030, 100% of the Swiss textile and clothing sector is implementing its due diligence obligations across the entire supply chain, with a focus on working hours, forced labour, child labour and sexual harassment.
- Target 3: Promotion of innovative business models toward a circular economy. By 2030, at least 30% of products in the Swiss textile and clothing sector are designed according to circular economy principles.
- Target 4: Transparency to ensure that sustainable purchasing decisions can be made.By 2025, 90% of the Swiss textile and clothing industry will disclose social and environmental sustainability information and help raise awareness among consumers and bulk buyers.
The actors: The STS 2030 program was initiated by the three associations Swiss Textiles, Swiss Fair Trade and Amfori. It has the backing of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), which are working hard to promote the programme as part of the steering group.
The following have committed to the programme:
- Retail sector: Transa Backpacking AG, Coop, PKZ Burger-Kehl & Co, Migros, Rrrevolve and Glore Schweiz GmbH;
- Textile production: E. Schellenberg Textildruck AG, Bächi Cord AG, Weseta Textil AG
- Brands: CALIDA, Mammut Sports Group AG, Balsiger Textil AG (with Lavie and Journey Living), the Holy Fashion Group (with JOOP!, Windsor and Strellson), Collectif mon Amour, the Blue Suit,
- Textile service providers: Testex.
The City of Zurich, as a buyer of textiles for public procurement, has also committed to achieving the STS 2030 targets.
