In a pivotal move to combat the looming climate crisis, Recover™, a pioneering player in the textile recycling sector, has partnered with Watershed, a renowned climate platform. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the apparel and footwear industry.
The urgency of climate change cannot be overstated, as highlighted by the UN’s Emissions Gap Report, which underscores the inadequacy of current efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Instead, we face the prospect of a devastating 2.8°C temperature increase by the end of the century, with profound impacts on ecosystems worldwide.
The fashion industry, notorious for its substantial carbon footprint, is responsible for a significant portion of global emissions, ranging from 2% to 8%. Recover™ recognizes the industry’s role and is taking proactive measures to address this challenge.
One of Recover™’s key strategies is recycling cotton, with Recover™ LCA Spain verified by EcoReview (2022), revealing impressive results. According to the assessment, every kilogram of Recover™ recycled cotton saves up to 1.73 kilograms (3.81 pounds) of CO₂ equivalent emissions and 15.29 kWh of energy. This not only reduces environmental impact but also showcases the lower global warming potential of recycled cotton compared to virgin conventional cotton.
Moreover, Recover™’s recycling process diverts industrial textile waste and end-of-use garments from landfills and incineration. This innovative approach generates recycled fibers that can replace virgin cotton in apparel products. By doing so, Recover™ is not only reducing its own GHG footprint but also enabling brands and retailers to cut their Scope 3 GHG emissions.
Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions linked to activities beyond an organization’s immediate control or ownership, including those associated with the entire value chain, such as suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders. Major brands like C&A, Primark, and Revolve have already committed to carbon targets that encompass Scope 3 reductions, emphasizing the importance of tackling these often challenging-to-measure emissions.
In a significant move, Recover™ has joined forces with Watershed, a climate platform renowned for delivering audit-grade carbon measurements, streamlined disclosure and reporting, and real emission reductions. Watershed’s experts will meticulously analyze Recover™’s GHG emissions, formulate a detailed decarbonization plan, and establish carbon targets aligned with the rigorous standards of the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Recover™’s recent 2022 Sustainability report disclosed its Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions and their sources. Scope 1 encompasses emissions from company facilities and capital vehicles, while Scope 2 covers purchased electricity, steam heating, and cooling for internal use. However, Scope 3 emissions, the focus of this ambitious partnership, pose unique challenges due to their indirect nature.
As part of this initiative, Recover™ is committed to diligently tracking its global GHG footprint on Scope 1, 2, and 3. The company aims to implement concrete GHG reduction actions and is dedicated to establishing a climate target by 2025, subject to verification and monitoring by the Science-Based Targets Initiative. This commitment underscores Recover™’s determination to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future.
To maintain transparency and accountability, Recover™ will continue its reporting efforts, ensuring that it remains ready for essential disclosures and public reporting, exemplified by its annual Sustainability report.
In a world where climate action is imperative, Recover™ and Watershed’s partnership promises to be a catalyst for transformative change within the apparel industry. By leveraging innovation, data-driven insights, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, these two entities are set to rewrite the script for fashion’s role in the fight against climate change.
