The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) applauded the launch of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an industry driven network of apparel and footwear brands, manufacturers, retailers, non-governmental agencies, government stakeholders, and academics working in a collaborative effort to reduce the environmental and social impact of apparel and footwear products sold around the world.
“Over the past few years, the U.S. apparel and footwear industry has embraced sustainability as a key component to the way we do business,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “The industry understands that collaboration and transparency are the best ways to reduce our industry's impact on the environment. Industry initiatives like the SAC and related tools like the AAFA-endorsed Eco Index developed by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) embrace this collaboration.
“AAFA looks forward to continue providing the U.S. apparel and footwear industry with a robust forum to discuss best practices and identify successful tactics,” Burke continued. “One tool that has aided in this discussion is AAFA’s Restricted Substances List (RSL), a go-to industry resource that provides clear information to help keep our industry compliant and competitive around the world.”
Sustainability will be featured at three upcoming AAFA events, including the AAFA Environmental Committee’s meeting on March 15, 2011, in Washington, D.C., AAFA’s International Product Safety & Sustainability Conference on April 29 2011, in Dongguan, China, and AAFA’s 2011 International Sourcing, Customs, and Logistics Integration Conference on May 11 13, 2011 in Miami, Florida. To learn about these events, please visit the AAFA Web site.
