Apparel Impact Institute Mobilizes Capital and Scalable Solutions to Accelerate Decarbonization in Global Fashion Supply Chains.
The Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) has released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, providing a powerful, data-driven update on the fashion industry’s decarbonization efforts. The report comes at a crucial time, with global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions projected to have risen by 2.5% in 2024, reaching 41.6 billion tons.
Despite these rising emissions, Aii reports a 49% increase in greenhouse gas emissions reductions over useful life by its supplier network in 2024 compared to 2023. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of Aii’s growing Climate Solutions Portfolio and its commitment to catalyzing tangible environmental progress within the apparel and footwear sector.
“We’re halfway through the decade of action toward the 2030 climate goals. While progress is being made, it’s not enough. We must scale solutions and financing faster,” said Lewis Perkins, President of Aii.
Key Highlights from the 2024 Report:
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2.65 million metric tons of CO₂e reduced over useful life in 2024 alone
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A total of 8.58 million metric tons saved since the program’s inception
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1,261 manufacturing facilities and 9,689 farms engaged worldwide
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$156 million mobilized toward supply chain decarbonization to date
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Continued expansion of the Climate Solutions Portfolio Registry
Aii’s strategic focus includes the deployment of scalable, low-carbon solutions, innovative technologies like AI and blockchain, and structured frameworks such as the Low-Carbon Thermal Energy Roadmap for the Textiles Industry, which guides suppliers in their transition to cleaner energy while mitigating financial risks.
Even as regulatory action around sustainability slows in key regions such as the U.S. and EU—with directives like CSDDD and CSRD facing delays—Aii’s supplier network is pressing forward. This momentum is supported by blended capital models and de-risking tools that make it easier for suppliers to invest in and adopt transformative technologies.
Looking Ahead
With its $250 million Fashion Climate Fund initiative, Aii continues to build a coalition of philanthropic and corporate partners, with a long-term goal of unlocking $2 billion in blended capital to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
If we fail to act now, the industry’s carbon footprint will grow unchecked, worsening global climate impacts. The good news? Scale-ready solutions already exist—and momentum is on our side,” added Perkins.
