Roadmap to Net Zero: Delivering Science-Based Targets in the Apparel Sector

Abstract

The apparel industry has seen a proliferation of companies setting and committing to science-based targets (SBTs) in recent years. Currently, over 100 companies have approved SBTs or commitments to set them – up from a dozen just three years ago. Given this momentum, identifying how companies and the sector will deliver on these ambitious targets is imperative. Determining the “how” is the central objective of the Roadmap. Using data from the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Textile Exchange, this report estimated apparel sector emissions to be 1.025 gigatons CO2e in 2019. Unchecked, emissions will grow to 1.588 gigatons by 2030 – off pace to deliver the 45% absolute reduction required to limit warming to 1.5°C. This report identifies six interventions to deliver roughly three quarters of reductions to align with a 1.5°C scenario: maximizing material efficiency, scaling sustainable materials and practices, accelerating the development of innovative materials, proliferating energy efficiency, eliminating coal in manufacturing, and shifting to 100% renewable electricity. To close the gap, the industry will need to transition to circular business models and practices. While data on GHG benefits of circularity are sparse, there is a significant opportunity to reduce impact by moving away from today’s linear model (take, make, waste).