Berlin Fashion Week adopts Copenhagen’s sustainability requirements

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has long been a pioneer on the sustainability front and now it’s an influencer too with news that Berlin Fashion Week (BFW) is adopting its sustainability requirements.

The new partnership to roll out the requirements developed by CPHFW will see BFW committing to making the Minimum Standards a mandatory criterion for show brands at the event. 

They said the deal aligns their efforts to accelerate the industry’s sustainability actions across the Nordic and German fashion markets. 

Funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and executed by Fashion Council Germany in cooperation with Studio MM04, “this decision means a further step for BFW toward a responsible fashion platform”.

In addition to the existing guidelines of the sustainability requirements, we’re told Berlin “will implement specific adaptations aligning with BFW’s strategy” with more information to be shared at a later date.

Germany’s Michael Biel, State Secretary for Economic Affairs, said of the decision: “By implementing the sustainability requirements, Berlin will become one of the leading international locations for a responsible and innovative fashion industry. With the financial support of €180,000 until 2025, we are once again investing in Berlin’s future as a pioneer in sustainability. Through sustainable practices such as upcycling and the use of recycled materials, social and ecological responsibility go hand in hand with fashion Made in Berlin and Germany. With these standards, Berlin will set an example in comparison with other global fashion metropolises.”

And Scott Lipinski, CEO of Fashion Council Germany, added that the collaboration “presents a significant opportunity to leverage our combined expertise and resources, fostering innovation and encouraging brands to meet the evolving demands of society and the industry”.

CPHFW has had its mandatory admission criterion for three seasons now and its CEO Cecilie Thorsmark said the new development doesn’t only “trigger much needed alignment — it also emphasises fashion weeks’ and councils’ opportunities to be part of transitioning the industry for the better. It’s a big milestone for us to see the Sustainability Requirements gain global recognition and we hope it will inspire more actors to collaborations.”

The standards will come into effect fully for the roughly 35 labels showing at BFW by February 2026.