Amsterdam Fashion Week Adopts Copenhagen’s Sustainability Framework to Drive Fashion Industry Change

Amsterdam Fashion Week has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) to enhance sustainability across the Nordic and Benelux fashion markets. This collaboration follows the recent adoption of CPHFW’s sustainability guidelines by the British Fashion Council (BFC) for London Fashion Week, showcasing the growing influence of CPHFW’s sustainability framework within the fashion industry.

As part of this new alliance, AFW will incorporate CPHFW’s Sustainability Requirements into its official show schedule. The move aims to accelerate sustainability efforts within the fashion sector, ensuring a stronger, more unified approach to environmental responsibility.

The partnership will kick off with a one-year pilot phase, during which the Minimum Standards will be integrated into AFW’s admission criteria. Full implementation of the sustainability framework is scheduled for September 2026. Starting with Amsterdam Fashion Week this year, set to begin on August 30, approximately 30 brands participating in the official show schedule will be evaluated against the new Sustainability Framework Requirements.

Danie Bles, CEO of Amsterdam Fashion Week, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just an option—it’s the future of fashion, and we are shaping it today. By partnering with CPHFW and adopting these Sustainability Requirements, we are joining forces with global fashion weeks to support designers in making meaningful, measurable progress toward sustainability.”

Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, also shared her excitement, commenting, “We are thrilled to partner with Amsterdam Fashion Week, following our recent collaboration with the British Fashion Council. This partnership strengthens the European fashion landscape, aligning our efforts and fostering a shared vision for sustainability. Together, we aim to create a unified approach that drives positive change across the industry.”

In addition to AFW, the Sustainability Requirements framework has already been adopted by other major fashion events, including Oslo Runway and Berlin Fashion Week, signaling a wider industry shift toward sustainable practices.

By adopting this sustainability framework, Amsterdam Fashion Week joins a growing network of fashion weeks committed to fostering positive environmental impact and promoting a greener, more ethical fashion future.