British Fashion Council and Copenhagen Fashion Week set mandatory sustainability standards

From 2025, all brands participating in the BFC’s NewGen programme (showing at London Fashion Week) must meet mandatory environmental and social criteria, aligned with frameworks used by Copenhagen Fashion Week.

The initiative includes disclosure of sustainability strategy, design‑for‑longevity, materials with positive impact, and more. This regulatory‑style move shifts sustainability from optional branding to a gatekeeper credential for high‑profile events. For emerging designers, it’s a signal: you must embed sustainability from the start, not retrofit it later. The craft and heritage‑driven brands especially may face both opportunity (added value) and challenge (meeting thresholds) as they navigate these requirements.