24 April marks the anniversary of the collapse of Rana Plaza, a building in Bangladesh that collapsed in 2013 and killed more than 1,100 textile workers. Since then, it has been a date that continues to shape the global fashion industry to this day.
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In the face of weaker consumer spending and economic uncertainties, Hugo Boss has adapted its strategy. CEO Daniel Grieder emphasizes the focus on brand strengthening in 2026. On the other hand, workers in the supply chain are not strengthened. Hugo Boss leaves the important building protection agreement in Pakistan, trade unionists are dismissed at his own factory in Turkey. FEMNET, the umbrella association of critical shareholders and the campaign for clean clothing expect concrete answers at tomorrow's shareholders' meeting.
Youth houses regularly and in large quantities procure textiles such as bed linen, T-shirts, work clothes and more. However, conventional textiles are produced worldwide under problematic conditions, so it is worthwhile to take a look at the already wide selection of sustainably produced alternatives. The new FEMNET factsheet aims to encourage youth hostels to get started: Use your procurement as a lever for global justice and the protection of natural resources.
© FEMNET | Gisela Burckhardt
Bonn, Cologne, Berlin. A big profit of 591 million euros: No payment of living wages for employees in the supply chain, no publication of audit results, no sustainability requirements for third-party brands. FEMNET, the umbrella organisation of critical shareholders and the campaign for clean clothing (CCC Germany) will ask critical questions about these and other topics at the Zalando Annual General Meeting on 12 May.
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Toxic chemicals from the textile industry endanger the health of entire communities in Bangladesh. With wells, filter systems and community-based monitoring, we create access to clean drinking water together with local partners – and empower local people in their commitment to long-term change.
Together with 200+ allies we carry the Just Fashion Manifesto. We share the vision of a fair fashion system that puts people above profits.
Fashion can never be sustainable if the people who make our clothes are underpaid, overworked and unprotected. Fashion can never be fair when pollution and garbage are the norm. Social justice and climate justice are two sides of the same coin. The Just Fashion Manifesto formulates principles for a just fashion system. The manifesto was initiated by the global network "Clean Clothes Campaign". The final version was published worldwide on 1 May 2026 and takes into account hundreds of contributions, comments and points of view, including from industry representatives worldwide.
Social and ecological criteria in textile purchasing are a central lever for a sustainable transformation. The Fair Wear Works project has shown how actors from healthcare, sports and academia can put this claim into practice.
© Maartje Theuws
The Clean Clothes Campaign has published a recent statement on a key point paper for a draft law on extended producer responsibility, which should involve fast fashion manufacturers in the disposal and recycling costs. A textile law must stop exploitation and environmental destruction by the textile industry!
© Daily Star
Adiba Afros and Sifat E Nur Khanam from Bangladesh shed light on the protracted consequences of the Rana Plaza collapse and criticize the lack of legal processing and outstanding compensation after thirteen years. The authors describe the progress made in the structural safety of export factories, but criticise the lack of judgments in the few criminal proceedings against those responsible, more comprehensive labour law reforms and an appropriate commemorative culture.
Against the backdrop of the anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse, there will be a speaker tour with trade unionist Camelia Hasan from Bangladesh from 20 to 27 April 2026.
Under the impression of the factory collapse of Rana Plaza, the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles (Textile Alliance) was founded in 2014 as a multi-actor partnership between the federal government, business, trade unions and civil society. The aim was to improve the working conditions in the suppliers of German clothing companies and to reduce environmental damage. At the beginning of 2026, the Textile Alliance was transferred to the new format ‘Dialogue and Impact for Sustainable Textiles (DST)’. This is a good time to take stock and formulate expectations for the new initiative.
On 24.4.26 Politics meets Pop. We invite you to the Kleiderei Radio x IUMA concert.
