{ "title": "atelierYVF sustainability practice praised in Hong Kong governement-funded study" , "date": 1688554888 , "content": [ [ "p", "Earlier this year we got contacted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) on behalf of the Institute of International Sustainable Development (ISD). Together they had started a study, funded by Hong Kong government, on sustainable practices in the Hong Kong fashion and textile industry. We were of course honoured to be considered and interviewed." ] , [ "p", "The study covers a large range of topics: carbon targets, energy management, sustainability of materials, waste reduction, water management and pollution control. Over 110 companies (both brands and manufacturers) along with exporters, industry and academic associations were interviewed." ] , [ "p", "The Hong Kong fashion and textile industry has for decades mostly focused on being an import/export hub, that organises trading between mainland China manufacturers and the rest of the world. The growth of online sourcing and the disintermediation/cost cuttings that it brings have been major threats to this role, further accelerated by the COVID crisis. The ability to measure and ensure the sustainability of suppliers and products has become a key component of the added value of Hong Kong traders, most of which are small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). Acknowledging this situation and strategic challenge, the study was clearly designed to serve as a guide and inspiration for Hong Kong entreprises willing to improve their sustainability practices and reset their role and value in the supply chain." ] , [ "p", "Beyond stating the obvious ("91% of respondents are sensitive to sustainability"), the study dives deep into operational and practical measures: the Hong Kong fashion industry is not only focused on adopting more sustainable fabrics/dyes (step 1) and better energy and waste management practices (step 2), it also has clear action plans for transition to even more sustainable practices, and articulates key requirements in terms of education and skills development. Even if current adoption/maturity levels are still low (only 28% of respondents have formulated an environmental policy), the breadth and depth of topics mentioned by industry members clearly demonstrate that sustainability is now a major focus and a key aspect of our business strategies." ] , [ "p", ""Embracing Sustainability in Every Phase of Operation" is how atelierYVF is introduced as #1 case study in the report. The HKPC praises our original approach to sustainability, how we systematically offer to upcycle our own products, and concludes that "atelierYVF demonstrates a viable case of a local SME to embrace sustainability as its business strategy and develop a unique position in the market.". Nine other SMBs testify of equally inspiring sustainable practices, contributing to a more circular economy." ] , [ "p", "As a conclusion, we would like to thank the HKPC for giving us the opportunity to share our approach and convictions for sustainability, and we do hope that our way of putting the topic at the heart of our business can inspire others." ] , [ "hr" ] , [ "p", "The full report is freely available here" ] ] , "links": [ ] }