Social enterprise that specialises in clothes reuse and recycling is recognised by fashion industry at annual awards
The Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCol) was awarded at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024 in the ‘Best Social Enterprise or Charity Initiative’ category. The announcement was made at the Hilton London Bankside on March 13, in conjunction with the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Conference.
The Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards, in their fifth iteration, serve to acknowledge efforts within the fashion sector towards sustainability. The event is part of a broader industry dialogue that takes place with the affiliated conference.
An independent panel of experts, adhering to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, judged the entries. These global goals aim to address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. Also shortlisted for the Best Circularity Initiative, SATCol was described by one judging panel member as 'phenomenal' and another remarking on its innovative use of resources.
Gabriele Dirvanauskas of Drapers provided a statement on the broader industry efforts: “Fashion businesses are embracing their responsibilities and innovating across all areas of their operations in order to reduce the industry’s environmental and social impact. Drapers is proud to shine a spotlight on the positive progress that is being made among industry peers as we continue to collaborate for positive change.”
With categories that include Best Supply Chain Initiative and Sustainable Store Design, the awards encapsulate the wide spectrum of sustainable efforts in fashion. This year introduced the Best Social Enterprise or Charity Initiative and the One to Watch, which followed a live pitch at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Conference.
The Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards began in 2021 to spotlight industry progress in sustainability and ethical labour practices, inviting businesses to participate and demonstrate their contributions to these shared objectives.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which underpin the awards, offer a set of targets for global sustainability and equity, influencing the criteria for the awards' evaluation process.
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