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In the unparalleled response to the Covid-19 pandemic, trillions of dollars in economic stimulus have been made available around the world while the calls for a recovery that is in alignment with other global challenges, have never been louder. Many see beyond the pandemic a rare opportunity to build a resilient and low-carbon economic recovery. Achieving this goal requires governments to take critical actions that not only focus on safeguarding national economies during crises, but that also pave the way toward a wider economic transformation that is more resilient against future global risks.

The circular economy, as an instrument to decouple economic growth from resource use and environmental impact, opens up the way for a resilient recovery. It not only addresses the negative impacts of the linear economy, but more importantly it represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates business and economic opportunities, and provides environmental and societal benefits.

Chapter 7 and 8 gives ideas and solutions for the fashion industry especially for rental business models and recycling infrastructure.

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A circular economy tackles the root causes of global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while creating opportunities for better growth. It is underpinned by three principles, all led by design: eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.

For fashion, it means ensuring that products (apparel, footwear, accessories) are used more, are made to be made again, and are made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs. A circular economy for fashion creates better products and services for customers, contributes to a resilient and thriving fashion industry, and regenerates the environment. In delivering the vision, the rights and equity of all people involved in the fashion industry are prioritised.

The report provides common definitions and explanations to underpin the vision, aiming to support transparency and consistency. The section builds on ISO and BSI definitions where applicable.

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Die bisherigen Erfahrungen mit Selbstverpflichtungen von Unternehmen und auch sogenannten Multi-Stakeholder-Initiativen deuten darauf hin, dass sie wenig zur Verbesserung von Arbeitsbedingungen beitragen. Letzteres liegt häufig an ihrer schwachen Governance-Struktur und fehlenden Sanktionsmöglichkeiten. Trotzdem befinden sich Branchenstandards und Multi-Stakeholder-Initiativen weiterhin auf dem Vormarsch.

Ein Beispiel für eine effektive Brancheninitiative, die tatsächlich die Arbeitsrealität von Millionen von Arbeiter_ innen in Bangladesch verbessert hat, ist der sogenannte Bangladesh ACCORD on Fire and Building Saftey. Dieser wird in dem Dokument kurz dargestellt, um anschließend Mindestanforderungen für einen effektiven Branchen-Standard abzuleiten.

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The 2020 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assesses the human rights disclosures of 230 global companies across five sectors identified as presenting a high risk of negative human rights impacts. These sectors are agricultural products, apparel, extractives, ICT manufacturing and, for the first time, automotive manufacturing.

In addition detailed data for each company is published: https://www.worldbenchmarkingalliance.org/publication/chrb/companies/

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The coronavirus pandemic is one of the most severe health, humanitarian and economic crises of our time. Outbreaks are affecting all segments of the population in every corner of the globe, however the health and economic impacts of the virus are being borne disproportionately by the poorest and most vulnerable. The effects of COVID-19 and associated restrictions could be felt for decades.

Companies have a responsibility to respect the rights of workers and other stakeholders in their operations and across their supply chains at all times. Fulfilling this responsibility is more essential than ever in the present climate, especially where the most vulnerable workers and communities are concerned.

This is why WBA decided to supplement the 2020 CHRB assessment with a separate study, which considers how the same 229 companies have been impacted by, and have responded to, the increased human right risks and impacts associated with the COVID-19 crisis.

By carrying out this separate study, WBA wanted to explore the response of the private sector to COVID-19. The aim was to identify examples of best practice, where companies have demonstrably placed respect for human rights at the heart of their approach, as well as to highlight instances where companies may have been falling short and, therefore, where increased accountability is needed.

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