Uniqlo joins UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action

The operator of Uniqlo clothing stores has signed on to the United Nations-backed Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. This charter aims to limit global temperature gains to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It also aims to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030.

Fast Retailing Co., parent company of Uniqlo, announced on January 14, 2020, that it has joined the charter, which specifies areas in which the broader textile, clothing and fashion industry will commit to action to reduce its effect on the environment.

The charter was launched in December 2018 and upholds the goals of the Paris Agreement. It includes the bold goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Responding to the increasingly serious issue of climate change is an urgent issue of the highest importance for all corporations. By signing the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action in accordance with the Paris Agreement, Fast Retailing is accelerating coordination with companies and stakeholders around the globe, and contributing to the realization of a sustainable world across industries,” said Fast Retailing’s Group Senior Vice President responsible for sustainability, Yukihiro Nitta.

Fast Retailing describes itself as the world’s third-largest manufacturer and retailer of private-label apparel. It posted around ¥1.90 trillion in sales in 24 countries and regions in fiscal 2019. It is best known for its budget Uniqlo and GU casual-wear brands. Like the charter, its climate actions cover the span of its operations.

It has been implementing measures to determine and reduce the volume of GHG emissions in all its business activities, from procurement of raw materials to manufacturing processes, distribution, and store operations. In line with the charter, by February 2021, it plans to set science-based targets (SBTs) for its climate activities.

Fast Retailing’s main measures to respond to climate change

• Using recycled materials: In the Spring/Summer season of 2020,  it will release products under the Uniqlo brand using polyester fibers recycled from PET bottles. From the Fall/Winter season, it will sell down products made partially from recycled down recovered from pre-worn Uniqlo products collected from customers.
• Reducing energy consumption in material production: It aims to cut energy consumption at Uniqlo’s main material factories by 10% by 2020 compared with 2016 levels. Fast Retailing is eyeing SBTs for long-term reductions.
• Energy efficiency: Through measures such as the introduction of LED lighting and revision of store design, Uniqlo had reduced its GHG emissions by 19% by the end of fiscal 2018, outstripping its target of a 10% decrease per unit area from fiscal 2013 levels by 2020.

While many political leaders around the world continue to deny human contribution to climate change, more corporations are beginning to take action. As global climate phenomena grow more and more alarming, it is clear that we need large-scale action. Big companies like Fast Retailing acting on an industry scale can realize that. In places where governments are turning a deaf ear to the public’s pleas on climate, it is time for us to ban together with corporations to make the changes we need. Perhaps then, governments will listen.