In 2021, Oslo Runway, Norwegian Fashion Hub and Copenhagen Fashion Week joined forces to implement minimum requirements into the Norwegian fashion and lifestyle industry.
Setting a minimum - to validate, not audit
The minimum requirements spans six focus areas and include a set of 18 action points.
We wish to underline that the minimum requirements is not a certification scheme or audit, but minimum standards used in the application process of Oslo Runway's official program. Hence, they are not a reporting system, but have been developed as an essential part of the application process for brands wishing to showcase on the official program.
By implementing the minimum requirements, we are not claiming ourselves nor the brands on our official program to be sustainable or to execute sustainability efforts perfectly.
Rather, this framework creates a basis and common language for Oslo Runway and our network, setting the expectations needing to be met when a brand wishes to be a part of our schedule.
The minimum standards was established in recognition of already existing guidelines, tools, codes of conduct, standards, certifications and/or agendas. Many of these have been taken into account in the development stage of the minimum standards to establish a shared focus. Brands who follow and support existing agendas should therefore be able to comply with the minimum standards.
The current minimum standards – Effective until 2024, new updates for the August edition will be released April 2025.
Strategic Directions:
*We work strategically with embedding sustainability and international standards on human right
*We include diversity and equality in our management approach and actively consider these aspects when hiring staff, especially for management positions
*We do not destroy unsold clothes from previous collections
Design:
*We design to increase the quality and value of our products economically and materially and inform our customers about the value of longevity
*We find a second life for our samples
Material choices:
*At least 50% of our collection is either certified, made of preferred materials or new generation materials, upcycled, recycled or made of deadstock
*We have a preferred materials list in place
*We have a list of restricted substances in place, following the requirements of the EU REACH Directive, and engage with our suppliers to ensure compliance
*Our collection is fur-free
Working conditions:
*We are committed to exercising due diligence in our supply chain according to international guidelines and standards and work with our suppliers to ensure e.g., freely chosen employment, secure employment or no child labour
*We are committed to operating a safe, healthy and respectful working environment for all our employees, free from harassment and discrimination and where everyone enjoys equal opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, political/religious/sexual orientation, physical appearance and ability
Consumer engagement:
*Our in-store and online customer service staff is well informed about our sustainability strategy
*We educate and inform our customers about our sustainability practices on multiple platforms
*We do not utilise single-use plastic packaging in store or for online orders but offer recyclable, recycled or repurposable alternatives
Showcase:
*Our set design and showcase production is zero waste
*We do not utilise single-use plastic packaging backstage during fashion week but offer recyclable, recycled or repurposable alternatives
*We offset or inset the carbon footprint of our showcase
*We are signatory of the Danish Fashion Ethical Charter and consider diversity and inclusivity when casting models
