Bündnis für nachhaltige Textilien (Partnership for Sustainable Textiles)

The Bündnis für nachhaltige Textilien is a pioneering multi-stakeholder initiative founded in 2014 in response to tragic accidents in textile factories in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Initiated by the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller, the alliance unites around 140 members from business, politics, and civil society. Together, they advocate for the improvement of social and ecological conditions in global textile production – from raw material extraction to the disposal of textiles.

The alliance provides a platform for exchange and collaboration among various actors in the textile industry. It develops standards and guidelines that support companies in implementing due diligence and improving working conditions. Additionally, it promotes projects for circular economy, payment of living wages, and strengthening resilience in supply chains.

The mission of the alliance is to create a socially just, environmentally friendly, and corruption-free textile and clothing industry. It advocates for the respect of the rights of all workers, the protection of the climate and the environment, as well as integrity and action within planetary boundaries. The work of the alliance is guided by international agreements and guidelines, such as the ILO conventions and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The alliance pursues ambitious sustainability goals, including the promotion of circular economy and climate protection. It supports the development of standards for sustainable natural fiber production and advocates for transparency in supply chains. A central concern is the fight against corruption, which often accompanies other violations such as child labor and discrimination. The alliance demands a clear commitment from its members to zero tolerance towards corruption and offers guidelines for corruption prevention.

The alliance works closely with European and international initiatives to disseminate best practices and set common requirements for members and companies. It covers about half of the German textile market and has significantly contributed to the emergence of supply chain laws in Germany and Europe. Through its projects and initiatives, the alliance helps to make the textile industry more sustainable and fairer.

The Bündnis für nachhaltige Textilien is a significant player in the global effort to transform the textile industry and promote sustainable practices. It provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration to achieve significant progress in the industry together.

1. https://www.textilbuendnis.com/en/
2. https://www.textilbuendnis.com/en/mitglieder/
3. https://www.textilbuendnis.com/en/portrait-textilbuendnis/
4. https://www.textilbuendnis.com/en/uebersicht/
5. https://www.textilbuendnis.com/en/dtv/