Levi Strauss and Marks & Spencer, in partnership with global energy technology company Schneider Electric’s consulting practice SE Advisory Services, announced the launch of the Fashion Renewable Collaborative (FRC), a new initiative designed to accelerate renewable electricity adoption across global fashion supply chains, and inviting other fashion brands to join the effort.

The companies said that by establishing a shared approach to supplier engagement, the partnership aims to support renewable electricity adoption and help manufacturers understand, access and implement renewable electricity solutions at scale.

According to the companies, the launch comes as fashion brands seek new ways to translate their climate commitments into measurable emissions reductions across complex global supply chains, noting that supplier adoption of renewable electricity remains a significant challenge due to market barriers, limited resources, fragmented engagement efforts, and differing requests from multiple customers.

Textile processing, including fabric mills and dye houses, accounts for more than half of apparel industry emissions, according to the Apparel Impact Institute, making supplier adoption of renewable electricity one of the fastest and most scalable paths to progress.

Jennifer DuBuisson, Senior Director, Sustainability, Levi Strauss & Co., said:

“It’s become abundantly clear that the most effective way forward on emissions reduction is working in partnership with suppliers. Initiatives like this create better working relationships and a more effective path forward. The Fashion Renewable Collaborative enables greater support of suppliers that want to access or would like to increase use of renewable electricity but haven’t been able to so far, helping facilitate adoption while reducing unnecessary duplication.”

According to the companies, the FRC is designed to provide suppliers with tools, information and support for adopting renewable electricity, including digital education, market guidance and assistance in assessing and procuring renewable power. The initiative is built around a structured implementation model designed to help suppliers move from education to implementation through digital learning modules. Suppliers will also have access to support for renewable electricity procurement and deployment options, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), energy attribute certificates (EACs), on-site and distributed renewable generation and energy storage.

The FRC builds on existing supply chain renewable energy programs from Levi Strauss and Marks and Spencer, which have registered nearly 500 supplier facilities, the companies added.

Katharine Beacham, Head of Sustainability and Materials in Fashion, Home & Beauty at Marks & Spencer, said:

“Through our sustainability programme, Plan A, we’re committed to becoming a net zero business across our value chain by 2040, and that means working with others to make the transition to renewable electricity easier for our supply partners. Building on the work already underway through Re, our supply chain decarbonisation programme, the Fashion Renewable Collaborative will provide practical support, resources and greater access to renewable electricity, helping suppliers take action and facilitating change in the fashion supply chain.”

SE Advisory Services will serve as the program’s global implementation partner, and will provide its Resource Advisor+ for Supply Chain product to support supplier onboarding, engagement tracking, readiness assessments, and progress monitoring.

Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President, SE Advisory Services, said:

“Many fashion brands have made their individual commitments. Now the focus must be on helping suppliers deliver against them. The Fashion Renewable Collaborative is designed to provide suppliers with practical support and engagement that can help accelerate renewable electricity adoption at scale. We’re excited to support Levi Strauss & Co. and M&S, and future participating brands as they work together to drive meaningful supply chain decarbonization.”