In eight countries, a global initiative to change the supply chains for fashion and construction aims to reduce emissions, cut pollution, and restore ecosystems.

The six-year, $45-million project was launched on December 9th by countries involved in the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded Integrated Programme on Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains. The goal of the project is to restructure the supply chains of their construction and fashion industries. Regenerative design, the substitution of non-renewable materials, resource-efficient manufacturing, conscientious consumption, and enhanced post-use collection will all be encouraged by this endeavor. To increase its impact, the project also makes use of an extra $295 million from other sources.

Among the industries with the highest chemical usage worldwide are fashion and construction. The greatest end market for chemicals is the building and construction industry; on average, 0.58 kg of different chemicals are needed to produce 1 kilogram of textiles. These industries link manufacturers, merchants, and customers worldwide and are distinguished by intricate, dispersed, worldwide supply chains that have a big influence on the whole world.

Although climate change and biodiversity have traditionally received a lot of attention in these sectors, the shift of supply chains in the fashion and construction industries calls for a more comprehensive strategy that addresses pollution, the third prong of the triple planetary problem.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), launched this ambitious six-year program yesterday in Cambodia. Throughout the supply chain, the initiative will promote advancements in innovation, policy, stakeholder involvement, and financing availability. By incorporating indigenous knowledge, reviving local economies, and finding sustainable materials and practices, it will empower women, youth, and local communities. 

Additionally, Air quality will be protected by reducing the amount of persistent organic pollutants released into the atmosphere, and natural habitats will be revitalized by restoring 825,000 hectares of land and ecosystems. It is anticipated that 2 million people worldwide would benefit from these initiatives by 2031.