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Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel and Footwear initiative was launched in 2019 by the collaborative efforts of Cascale, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), and the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI).

About

It aims to unite diverse perspectives across the textile value chain to foster technical discussions on the transition to sustainability and textile circularity.

Leveraging its Members' diverse expertise and its Advisory Group's insights, the Policy Hub unravels the complexities of sustainability within the textile sector. It delves into technical aspects to build strong, informed positions on various elements of the EU legislative package, ensuring that the policies developed are robust and practical for the industry.

By fostering technical conversations and collaborative action, the Policy Hub aims to drive significant change and shape ambitious, implementable European policies that reflect the complexity of the textile sector's realities.

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FAQ

Does the Policy Hub only cover EU stakeholders?

No, the Policy Hub focuses on following EU policy discussions that impact textile sustainability and circularity. However, the membership of the Policy Hub has a global scope, gathering not only EU-based companies but also international players involved in the global textile value chain.

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On which files is the Policy Hub active?

The Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear is active on several key European policy files focusing on sustainability, circularity, and responsible practices in the apparel and footwear sector. These include:

  • EU Green Deal: Supporting policies that contribute to a climate-neutral and circular economy.
  • Circular Economy Action Plan: Advocating for measures promoting circularity across the apparel and footwear product lifecycle. 
  • Sustainable Products Initiatives: Focusing on providing the technical background to the discussions on Eco-design of apparel and footwear products and promoting sustainable design and production.
    The Policy Hub is a member of the Eco-Design Forum launched by the EuropeanCommission..
  • Transparent Communication with Consumers: Providing technical recommendations as part of the legislative work on empowering consumers for the green transition, substantiating green claims and the textiles labelling regulation to shape regulations that provide consumers with accurate, reliable, transparent, and accountable claims. 
  • Sustainable Waste Management: Active engagement in the discussions and implementation of the Waste Framework Directive and its linked tools impacting the textile industry.
  • Due Diligence and Responsible Business Models: Focusing on implementing value chain due diligence legislative instruments from a practical and holistic perspective, such as the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the Forced Labour Regulation, and the EU Deforestation Regulation.

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Who can make part of the Policy Hub?

We welcome a broad range of stakeholders from the apparel and footwear sector:

  • Brands and Retailers: Apparel and footwear companies looking to move forward with circular and sustainable practices.
  • Manufacturers: Suppliers and producers within the global supply chain. 
  • Service Providers: Organisations providing sustainability services or tools for circularity. 
  • NGOs and Advocacy Groups: Organisations focused on environmental and social responsibility.
  • Trade Associations: Groups representing various sectors of the apparel and footwear industries.
  • Multi-stakeholder initiatives: Stakeholder-driven initiatives aiming at advancing towards a sustainable and responsible sector. 

These stakeholders collaborate to develop and promote policies that accelerate circularity and sustainability in the sector​.

Who are the co-founders of the Policy Hub?

The Policy Hub was co-founded by four key organisations: Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI), Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), and Textile Exchange. These organisations collaborate to accelerate the adoption of circular and sustainable practices in the apparel and footwear industries. Together, they represent over 700 brands, retailers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders, making this initiative a powerful voice in pushing for sector-wide change towards circularity and sustainability.

Where is Policy Hub based?

The Policy Hub Secretariat is based in Brussels, in Rue du Commerce 72.

How does Policy Hub reach consensus on its positions?

The essence of the Policy Hub lies in maintaining regular conversations with its diverse members to reach consensus-based positions that reflect the sector's various realities. To achieve this, all Policy Hub positions undergo multiple rounds of feedback, where we gather a wide range of inputs. Once all feedback is on the table, group meetings are organised to present the technical data and context for each point. This process enables the development of a holistic, technically sound position that supports the sector's transition toward sustainability and circularity.

What is the mission and vision of the Policy Hub?

The Policy Hub – Circularity for Apparel & Footwear was created with the vision to encourage an ambitious policy framework that accelerates the transformation of the entire apparel and footwear industry towards circularity. 

Our mission is hence to:

  • Provide an ambitious policy direction for the apparel and footwear industry.
  • Educate the industry, policymakers, and stakeholders.
  • Facilitate discussions on transformational policies by providing a platform for exchange.
Policy Hub 2024
Rue du Commerce, 72 - 1040 Brussels, BelgiumEU Transparency Register: 560446038784-46
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