The Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), an environmental accelerator for the apparel and footwear industries, has partnered with Italian non-profit Legambiente to implement its programme to accelerate and realise positive environmental impacts in Italy’s supply chain.
Aii launched what has informally become known as the ‘Italy Project’ at the end of 2020, creating a partnership with international fashion brands Burberry, Kering and Stella McCartney, and incorporating a prioritised group of Italian manufacturers.
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Once the commitment was made to establish a platform for Italian manufacturers through which to coordinate funding and scaling programmes with measurable impact, Aii sought a partner in Italy with the ability to provide local expertise and advocacy while overseeing implementation of the programme at local manufacturing sites. Legambiente has agreed to take on this role and aims for a long-term partnership.
“This project presents an interesting challenge from an environmental point of view for a historically complex sector,” says Giorgio Zampetti, general manager of Legambiente. “We strongly believe that the realisation of this project can bring concrete environmental benefits, and we hope it will arouse interest, given the various positive experiences that have been increasing in recent years that put the environmental and social sustainability of fashion supply chains at the centre of the challenge.”
Aii and Legambiente’s approach in Italy will leverage the decade-long success of Clean by Design, a proven approach for identifying opportunities in production facilities to improve operational and environmental efficiency, to provide a comprehensive system that lowers energy, water and chemical use in textile mills.
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Initially, Legambiente’s role will focus on project management and execution against an established timing and action. They will also coordinate and grow the programme via in-country programme activities, such as in-person events, on-site visits and training.
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By GlobalDataMeanwhile, Aii will provide quality assurance during the pilot phase of programme deployment and closely support Legambiente to prepare for its management role. Additionally, outside consultants will carry out on-site visits to identify improvement opportunities, provide ongoing technical support and prepare reports demonstrating facility progress.
“The last year has been particularly challenging for many players in the apparel and footwear industry,” says Kurt Kipka, Aii’s vice president of programmes. “Our partnership with Legambiente and leading fashion brands positions environmental stewardship at the centre of the industry’s recovery in Italy.”
