Inditex and the International Apparel Federation join forces to drive industry transformation

Inditex and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have signed a framework agreement on Monday to drive “significant transformation” in the industry and supply chains, establishing concrete actions to support the adoption of more sustainable practices and technologies.

This agreement lays the foundation for the implementation of projects aimed at improving working conditions, protecting the environment, advancing circularity, and promoting transparency and traceability in the supply chain.

Inditex CEO, Óscar García Maceiras, stated that collaboration with the international federation of apparel companies “is key to driving change throughout the textile industry, addressing both social and environmental challenges.”

This agreement will contribute “to raising standards and competitiveness across the entire industry,” added the executive of the Spanish multinational.

IAF President, Cem Altan, expressed that they are “delighted to share with Inditex their vision of the importance of joining forces throughout the supply chain and driving transformative and sustainable change in the fashion industry.”

Under the agreement, IAF and Inditex have identified priority areas of work such as the industrial development of producing countries and the transition to an industry that turns waste into new raw materials and moves towards emissions neutrality, promoting the use of renewable energy and processes with a lower impact on ecosystems.

Improving working conditions is also a fundamental pillar of the agreement, with joint actions focused on issues such as health and safety at work, social protection, and diversity and inclusion.

The agreement also covers cross-cutting aspects such as creating a common framework for measuring and verifying the impacts of the textile industry, developing practices that enhance transparency, exploring the interoperability of information systems, and promoting digitalization and efficiency in global supply chains, among other matters.