In 2021, Oslo Runway, Norwegian Fashion Hub and Copenhagen Fashion Week joined forces to implement the In 2021, Oslo Runway, Norwegian Fashion Hub and Copenhagen Fashion Week joined forces to implement the CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements into the Norwegian fashion and lifestyle industry. CPHFW's Sustainability Requirements into the Norwegian fashion and lifestyle industry.
Here’s what’s up: In 2023, we introduced minimum sustainability criteria for all brands that wanted to participate at Oslo Runway. Starting 2024, the CPHFW Sustainability Requirements are a mandatory set of standards for all Oslo Runway show and presentation brands on the official schedule. As an exception, new brands to the official program will have one year to meet the minimum requirements, and Oslo Runway NEXT brands will have two years.
Setting a minimum - to validate, not audit
The CPHFW Sustainability Requirements framework spans six focus areas covering the entire value chain. The framework proposes a set of minimum standards, including 18 action points. In addition to these, brands are asked to voluntarily answer an additional set of questions providing insight into their current standing on sustainability efforts.
We wish to underline that the Sustainability Requirements are a framework used in the application process of Oslo Runway for show and presentation brands - not a certification scheme or audit. Hence, they are not an additional or new reporting system, but have been developed as an essential part of the application process for brands wishing to showcase their collections on the official Oslo Runway program.
With the CPHFW Sustainability Requirements framework being part of the Oslo Runway application process, brands are now being screened against their answers and documentation concerning the minimum requirements by a screening team - to validate, not audit, the responses.
By implementing this framework, Oslo Runway is not claiming ourselves nor the brands on our official show and presentation schedule to be inherently 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.
To establish a shared focus
The wording for the framework derives from sustainability as a concept within business operations today, referring to the actions and agendas of businesses working to reduce their environmental impact while promoting social justice.
The CPHFW Sustainability Requirements framework 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 framework to establish a shared focus. Brands who follow and support existing agendas should therefore be able to comply with our requirements.
The current Minimum Standards – Effective until 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
*Smart material choices
*At least 50% of our collection is either certified, made of preferred materials or new generation sustainable 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
Material choices:
*At least 50% of our collection is eithercertified, made of preferred materials or new generation sustainable 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 oursuppliers to ensure compliance
*Our collectionis 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
