Four family apparel companies, Levi’s, Nike, H&M and C&A, are joining forces to develop green practices!
The fashion and textile industry is subject to severe criticism of its manufacturing processes for clothing and footwear. For many years, several environmental groups have been putting pressure on this industry, recognized as one of the most polluting. At the end of 2018, faced with these growing pressures, major players in this industry have signed the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, an initiative of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In this drive for innovation, Levi’s, Nike, H&M and C&A, four family-owned apparel and footwear manufacturing companies, have recently decided to join forces to develop sustainable chemical processes and eliminate the use of hazardous products. This collaboration is part of the long-term strategy of the ZDHC program (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), which promotes better chemical management practices in the fashion industry.
Here is an overview of these four family businesses:
- The US company Levi’s, known worldwide for its blue jeans, including Levi’s 501, was created in 1853 by Levi Strauss, a German immigrant. Today, the company is owned by members of the Haas family, descendants of the founder.
- The US company Nike, founded in 1971 by Phil Knight, is specialized in the manufacture of sporting goods. Since 2015, Travis Knight, son of the founder, now serves on the company’s board of directors.
- H&M is a Swedish ready-to-wear company and chain of stores founded in 1947 by Erling Persson. It is now run by Stefan Persson, son of the founder, and Karl Johan Persson, a member of the 3rd generation.
- C&A is an international chain of Dutch clothing stores established in 1841 by the brothers Clemens and August Brenninkmeyer. Today the company is still owned by the Brenninkmeyer family and is run by the 6th generation.
