The British Fashion Council (BFC) has joined forces with Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) to accelerate the industry’s sustainability actions across the Nordic and British fashion markets.
Under the new partnership, the BFC will roll out the ‘Sustainability Requirements’ framework developed by Copenhagen Fashion Week.
This will kick off with the BFC NEWGEN initiative in 2025, where the Minimum Standards will be embedded into the existing mandatory criteria for admission.
Following an onboarding and piloting period, the full implementation will come into effect fully by January 2026.
Caroline Rush, CEO at the British Fashion Council, said: “We are thrilled to align with the Copenhagen Fashion Week Sustainability Requirements across BFC NEWGEN, this builds on our existing Minimum Standards and reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change across the global fashion industry.
“This partnership is a significant step in ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to the future of fashion. Together, we are creating a framework that empowers emerging designer fashion businesses to lead the way and contribute tangibly to a more sustainable and responsible industry.”
Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, added: “We are delighted to join forces with the British Fashion Council to further expand the reach of our Sustainability Requirements. This partnership not only fosters much-needed industry alignment but also underscores the unique potential of fashion weeks and councils to drive positive change within the industry.
“With the British Fashion Council, as an influential player in the global fashion landscape, we see a lot of potential to further amplify the impact of our collective commitment to sustainability.”
The partnership reflects the British Fashion Council’s ongoing work through its Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF), which
The IPF was launched to address the industry’s environmental impact and aims to guide the industry toward sustainable practices, promoting climate action while serving as a platform for research, collaboration and education to accelerate positive change.
2025 marks five years of the IPF and this collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week underscores the BFC’s continued commitment to drive a more sustainable future.
This will also be championed under the new leadership of Laura Weir, who will become CEO of the British Fashion Council from 28 April 2025.
Described as a leader in the global fashion industry, Weir will bring a knowledge of British designers, executive board level experience in retail, and editorial industry leadership to the organisation.
