CEOs from several Belgian fashion companies have travelled to Ghana to gain a deeper understanding of the textile waste crisis. During the visit, they signed a charter committing to a more responsible fashion industry, according to Flanders DC, the Flemish Design and Fashion Centre.
The delegation included a mix of both small and large companies, such as Bel&Bo, Claes Retail Group, e5 Fashion, Atelier Noterman, PLUTO, Torfs, and Xandres. Flanders DC noted that this marks the first large-scale commitment from the Belgian fashion sector to address such issues.
In Ghana, the companies signed the Charter for Responsible Supply Chain Management in Belgian Fashion, pledging to improve transparency and traceability in their supply chains. The discussions also focused on enhancing working conditions and reducing environmental impact.
Ann Claes, CEO of Claes Retail Group, reflected on the urgency of the issue: “What we saw in Ghana is unacceptable, and action is essential. It feels overwhelming, especially for smaller players like us. But if everyone does their part, together we can make a significant difference.”
Ghana is a major destination for the world’s discarded clothing, with 15 million garments arriving each week. While some are resold in the second-hand market at Kantamanto, infamous waste mountains still remain, with nearly half of the clothing ending up in landfills, the ocean, or being burned.
Under the charter, signatories must report annually on their progress, and the initiative aims to attract more Belgian fashion brands in the coming months.
This initiative represents a crucial step towards addressing the global textile waste crisis and promoting a more sustainable fashion industry. By taking collective responsibility, these Belgian fashion companies are setting a precedent for others to follow. The hope is that their commitment will inspire broader industry participation and foster meaningful change, reducing the environmental and social impacts of fashion production and waste, both in Belgium and globally. (1)
