Renowned designer and conscious luxury pioneer Stella McCartney is set to participate in the upcoming COP28 event. Her involvement includes the presentation of a special exhibition titled “Innovating Tomorrow’s Solutions,” scheduled from November 30 to December 12. This exhibit is focused on showcasing sustainable advancements in the fashion sector. Representing the fashion industry, Stella McCartney and her team will also engage in talks throughout the COP28 UN Climate Conference.
Key initiatives and pledges from Stella McCartney include:
- Today’s release of its 2023 Impact Report (detailing a wide range of achievements made in the 2022 calendar year)
- Renewed commitments to innovation and fossil fuel reduction across materials and processes throughout the production, sale and end of life of all Stella McCartney products
- Strategic partnerships with Mango Materials and Air Carbon to develop new innovations and materials from GHG emissions
- Upcoming 2024 Circular Design Guide to openly share sustainable circular design and materials knowledge, principles and guidelines across industries
- Launching a new innovation campaign with PETA to emphasize alternative and innovative materials for leathers, furs, feathers and fills
McCartney’s delegation at COP28 has three primary objectives: advocating for policy and regulatory change to incentivise sustainable business and the decarbonisation of the industry; continuing a decades-long mission built around human and animal protection and welfare; and building a coalition of global government and business leaders to support and scale investment in a wide range of material and process innovations.
The fashion industry, accountable for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint while dealing with expected growth due to population and consumption increases. This situation calls for a collaborative effort from the industry and governmental bodies to accelerate the decarbonization process.
“Innovating Tomorrow’s Solutions” at COP28 is McCartney’s groundbreaking exhibit, displaying over 15 innovative materials and processes. This includes a grape-based leather alternative developed with Veuve Clicquot and the introduction of clothing made from Protein Evolution’s recycled polyester. This concept was initially launched during Paris Fashion Week and will continue evolving with various events, including speaker series and workshops.
McCartney remains committed to sustainability, aiming for a net-zero target by 2040. This includes a significant reduction in emissions across the supply chain by 2030 and supporting projects that aid in climate resilience. The brand’s investment in regenerative agriculture and partnerships for sustainable practices are ongoing, including a collaboration with the SOKTAS program in Turkey.
Additionally, McCartney co-founded the SOS Fund, a sustainable investment initiative with Collaborative Fund. This fund supports various startups focusing on innovative materials and processes, showcased at COP28:
- NFW and Mirum
- Mango Materials
- Keel Labs
- Protein Evolution
- Brimstone
The other innovators and partners exhibiting at Stella’s COP28 exhibit include:
- Stella McCartney x Veuve Clicquot
- LVMH Life 360 and Maison/0
- Radiant Matter Biomaterials
- Chargeurs Luxury Fibers/NATIVA™️ regenerative wool
- SÖKTAŞ regenerative cotton
- Savian plant-based fur alternative
- PURE.TECH carbon-negative applications