Sustainable fashion in China

The label 'Made in China' in clothing currently triggers consumer concerns over workers' conditions, formaldehyde resins and dodgy environmental practices, but this could be set to change with the establishment of the Sustainable Fashion Business Consortium in Hong Kong.

The SFBC has been set up in Hong Kong to promote sustainable practices in the textile and garment industry in China and to educate manufacturers on how to produce clothes with less environmental impact. There are 12 founding member companies all producing in mainland China and chairman Pat-Nie Woo has been upfront about the lack of progress so far saying "To be honest, nobody is sustainable at the moment." The Consortium aims to reduce the 20% average wastage in garment production and working with the World Wildlife Fund, is develop a standard labelling system to identify the carbon footprint of each garment.

As well as sharing information amongst members, the SFBC also plans to hold a conference in 2009 to so that non-members can benefit from its research and findings.

Words: Marian Buckley