The case for collective action: Balancing competitive innovation with collaborative progress for transformation

Commercial advantage undoubtedly plays a critical role in driving action and enabling innovation. However, the apparel and textiles industry’s fragmentation—spanning over 300,000 brands and a disjointed value chain—limits its ability to scale impact with the urgency the planet demands. Meaningful transformation depends on multi-stakeholder initiatives that balance collaboration with competition, enabling shared progress and driving action.

 

In this closing session, we’ll explore how the industry can unite to drive lasting change: by open-sourcing insights, collaborating with suppliers for systemic success, celebrating progress to sustain momentum, and leveraging healthy competition to accelerate climate action. By working alongside one another, both individually and collectively, we can drive lasting change.