- BFC aligns with CPHFW’s sustainability standards for London Fashion Week’s Newgen program.
- Designers must meet environmental and ethical criteria, including material sourcing and waste management.
- Full adoption of the framework will take place by January 2026.
The British Fashion Council (BFC) is partnering with Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) to bring sustainability to the forefront of London Fashion Week. This collaboration will incorporate CPHFW’s Sustainability Requirements framework, which outlines strict environmental and social guidelines.
The BFC’s Newgen program will serve as the starting point for this initiative, where emerging designers will need to meet these new sustainability standards to be eligible for participation.
BFC Adopts Stricter Sustainability Standards from Copenhagen Fashion Week
The CPHFW framework, which was first introduced in 2020, requires designers to use at least 60% certified or preferred materials and ensure ethical production practices. Additionally, it aims to eliminate the use of virgin fur, wild animal skins, and feathers. The BFC’s Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) will continue to support this transition, guiding the fashion industry toward more responsible practices and fostering long-term positive change.
Copenhagen Fashion Week initially launched its Sustainability Requirements framework in 2020, with annual updates to refine its approach. The new standards require designers to prioritize sustainable materials, ensure fair labor practices, and reduce environmental impacts across their collections. Brands will need to incorporate at least 60% of certified, preferred, or deadstock materials, alongside using responsible production methods.
The partnership between the BFC and CPHFW reflects a broader trend within the fashion industry, with other global fashion events, including Oslo Runway and Berlin Fashion Week, adopting similar frameworks. The goal is to create a unified approach to sustainability that can have a far-reaching impact, helping designers make tangible contributions to a more responsible industry.
With the full implementation set for 2026, this collaboration signifies a long-term commitment to sustainability. It highlights the role of fashion weeks and councils as catalysts for positive change, demonstrating their potential to reshape the future of fashion by prioritizing ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
The collaboration between the BFC and CPHFW sets the stage for a more sustainable and responsible future for the fashion industry, encouraging emerging designers to lead the way.
“We are thrilled to align with the Copenhagen Fashion Week Sustainability Requirements across BFC NewGen, this builds on our existing minimum standards and reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change across the global fashion industry.” — Caroline Rush, BFC CEO.