SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS

In early June 2024, Berlin Fashion Week (BFW) and Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) announced their partnership to introduce sustainability requirements for BFW. With the adoption of these requirements, developed by CPHFW, the Fashion Council Germany, responsible for coordinating the BFW program, commits to implementing these minimum standards as a binding criterion for BFW shows. By pooling their resources, both venues aim to promote sustainability initiatives in the fashion industry in the Nordic and German markets. Supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and implemented by the Fashion Council Germany in collaboration with Studio MM04, this represents a further step for BFW towards becoming a transparent and responsible fashion platform.

About the Sustainability Requirements

The minimum sustainability requirements serve as a framework for the BFW Schedule application process and are not a certification or similar. The CPHFW Sustainability Requirements were developed using existing guidelines, tools, codes of conduct, standards, certifications, and agendas to ensure a common focus within the fashion industry.

They contain the minimum standards that must be met to be included in the list, as well as additional measures that serve as inspiration for the company's further sustainable development. In addition, a site-specific requirement regarding transparency and traceability in the value chain, reflecting the German Supply Chain Act, was included for BFW. Furthermore, BFW has introduced its own code of conduct, which emphasizes the topics of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the fashion industry.

Brands wishing to participate in the BFW must complete a questionnaire with approximately 100 questions regarding sustainability requirements. Each brand completes the questionnaire – self-assessment is the process of evaluating its own performance, capabilities, or qualities. The completed questionnaires are then reviewed by the agency STUDIO MM04. This involves a thorough examination of the questionnaires submitted by each brand. Only those who meet all 19 minimum requirements can participate in the BFW. During the pilot phase*, this evaluation serves solely as information, providing brands with an overview of their current sustainability status.

To successfully apply for the concept competition in the Berlin Contemporary category and be included in the Official BFW Schedule, brands must meet 19 minimum standards starting with the SS27 season. Therefore, to guarantee continued participation in BFW, the survey is mandatory from the SS27 season onwards.

Further information can be found in the Survey Guide HERE .