No-one left behind: An open access approach to estimating the carbon footprint of a Danish clothing company

Abstract

The textile and garment industry has faced ongoing scrutiny for its environmental impacts, prompting pledges like the UN's Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action (FICCA) targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Building on FICCA's report on sector limitations, this study introduces an action-oriented case study using a GHG Protocol compliant open-access emissions inventory of MASCOT, a Danish clothing company. We identify most emissions are found in scope 3 (85%), specifically purchased goods and services (76%). Yet, supplier-specific data is limited across global supply chains and often displays methodological inconsistencies. Establishing a common data language between buyer and seller must be achieved for decarbonisation and decision support. Open access databases supplement supplier gaps but often lack the resolution or consistency required for sector specific investigations and decision support. A need for open access standardized data emerges as a crucial first step toward net-zero, filling the sector's data gaps. This study has resulted in greater carbon literacy and data awareness within MASCOT and established a language for supplier-firm dialogue, however, the limitations ultimately prevent these findings from commercial use, as clear and structured methods are still lacking in the sector. For tangible progress, a collaborative sector-specific database is required, alongside structured and verified data exchanges between stakeholders. The CSRD and proposals such as the Digital Product Passport are expected to bring attention to these gaps and expedite progress, however, dedicated sector-specific working groups like FICCA will continue to be essential in driving the necessary focus and informed decarbonisation efforts.