Fashion retailer FatFace has launched a new partnership agreement for suppliers, as part of its wider net zero transition strategy.
Partners who opt in to be involved in the new agreement will commit to establishing a methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, developing and implementing a net zero transition plan, and providing the retailer with updates on progress towards these milestones. It is part of FatFace’s efforts to drive decarbonisation across its scope three operations.
In return for supplier involvement, FatFace has agreed to grant any participating company status as a preferred partner for designated product categories and co-funding opportunities in decarbonisation projects, pilot programmes, or tooling upgrades that directly contribute to emissions reduction.
FatFace has also promised to share best practice in measuring and reducing emissions, and to share energy-saving ideas.
The new agreement came into effect two weeks ago, and two of FatFace’s biggest suppliers – Afflatus and Kautilya Industries, both of which are based in India – have already signed up. These companies are long established partners of FatFace – they have worked with the brand for 15 years and produce a tenth of its products.
Nick Stevenson, trading & sustainability director at FatFace, remarked: “Since launching our most recent ESG strategy in 2020, we have made huge strides as a business, including becoming B Corp-certified in April 2023.
“But we still have work to do, and a focus on the pathway to net zero emissions is a big part of that. While we have more control over our own operations, we need to simultaneously look at the carbon impact in our supply chain and bring our manufacturing partners on the journey with us.”
He added: “This new agreement is a landmark step, and it’s fantastic that two of our biggest suppliers have already committed to the partnership.”
Gokul Mahna at Afflatus remarked: “This agreement with FatFace will help us work even more closely together to ensure we continue producing high-quality products while respecting people, the planet and our values.”
Sidharth Chaudhary at Kautilya Industries added: “We firmly believe that prioritising sustainable and social practices enables us to deliver the best possible service to our customers.”
FatFace was acquired by Next in October 2023 and has aligned its supplier code of conduct with its new parent’s code of practice, which is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative base code.
In January this year, FatFace announced a new partnership with Reskinned, to support and grow its resale capabilities.
[image credit: FatFace]
