Fashion Revolution was established in response to the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013, aiming to improve transparency and justice in the fashion industry. The launch of the Global Fashion Transparency Index (FTI) in 2017 marked a significant step, pushing brands to disclose their human rights and environmental practices. Although 86% of analyzed brands have increased their transparency, the overall average score remains low at 26%.
The Bangladesh Accord on Health and Safety, now known as the International Accord, is the only legally binding agreement in the industry and has made notable strides in improving worker safety. While consumer demand for ethical fashion has risen, greenwashing has also become prevalent, with brands making misleading environmental claims.
Fashion Revolution emphasizes several key issues that still need addressing. Unfair purchasing practices, such as late payments, continue to exploit workers. A mere 1% of brands disclose information about living wages, and workers' rights to organize are often suppressed. The industry also struggles with decarbonization, with few brands setting clear, measurable targets or disclosing their investments in these efforts. Additionally, overproduction and waste remain significant problems, with inadequate transparency about annual production volumes. Effective legislation is crucial, as current voluntary schemes have proven insufficient. Fashion Revolution calls for the industry to go beyond business as usual and take responsibility for building a more just and sustainable future.