C&A partners with National Geographic channel to explore sustainable fashion

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 9, 2016

Fashion retailer C&A Europe has collaborated with National Geographic Channel on a documentary exploring sustainable fashion.

The programme’s host, the globally recognized leader on water issues and sustainability Alexandra Cousteau, travelled to India, the US and Germany to examine and reveal the need to shift to more sustainable productions methods.

"Approximately half of all clothes manufactured globally are created with cotton, but conventional cotton farming risks harming our planet irreparably," said Cousteau at the programme's premiere screening in Berlin.

"We are excited to support a documentary that provides a window into more sustainable cotton practices. Ultimately, we would like to inspire brands and consumers that more sustainable cotton has significant advantages for people and the planet," added Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer of C&A.

Only 2.4% of the world's crop land is planted with cotton and yet it accounts for 24% of the global sales of insecticide and 11% of the global sales of pesticides. The 60 minute documentary analyses the environmental and economic benefits of organic cotton, which represents less than 1% of the world’s total annual crop.

"European fashion consumers need to understand that their choice matters in order to support a sustainable development in cotton growing countries," said Hogue.

Organic cotton represents 40% of the retailer’s total cotton range, and the company plans to achieve 100% by 2020. 

“For the love of fashion” will premiere on National Geographic Channel in May in select markets.