Research and lessons

Mapped in Bangladesh, an initiative by BRAC UNIVERSITY, supported by C&A FOUNDATION, aims to map export-oriented readymade garment factories across Bangladesh. The map presents a new way of working in the apparel industry. It eliminates duplication and facilitates cooperation while creating accountability.

• View research (PDF - 5.93 mb)

At a time when sustainability is receiving increasing attention – both from the public as well as within the business and policy sphere, there is still much unclarity on the future perspectives of sustainability (not only) in the fashion sector. C&A Foundation commissioned this study to reflect on these future perspectives in the fashion industry with the aim to make the results available and usable for the sector.

• View research (PDF - 8.51 mb)

• Download the full evaluation (PDF - 4.70 mb)
• Read Lesson notes

This research demonstrates how pricing pollution and using the revenues for social impact could benefit low-income countries. According to the study it is possible to design policies that reduce resource use and harmful emissions, while at the same time stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

The 2019 Better Buying Index Report introduces for the first time, country-level analyses and examples of the purchasing practices of individual companies. These new findings illustrate the value of deeply analyzing business practices so that the relationships between retailers/brands, and their suppliers, can provide beneficial and sustainable outcomes for all. This publication had C&A Foundation support. 

Women represent more than 60% of the Mexican apparel industry workforce. This report, made by Hispanics in Philanthropy and the non-profit B Lab with the support of C&A Foundation, highlights both the circumstances that women workers face and the broader economic environment in which apparel companies operate, which significantly affects how these companies treat their employees. 

• View research (PDF - 2.21 mb)

• Download the full evaluation (PDF - 17.37 mb)
• Read Lesson notes

In order to broaden the understanding of environmental impacts, C&A Foundation commissioned a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Better Cotton, conventional cotton and organic cotton cultivation systems, according to the principles of the ISO 14040/44 and to document the results. LCA is a recognized tool to measure and quantify the environmental impacts of production systems or products, also aid to discover improvement potentials. 

• View research (PDF - 2.54 mb)

• Download the full evaluation (PDF - 1.87 mb)
• Read Lesson notes

• Download the full evaluation (PDF - 1.71 mb)
• Read Lesson notes

• Download the full evaluation (PDF - 600 kb)
• Read Lesson notes

C&A Foundation commissioned a consultant to develop a process document- key lessons on collective bargaining from Bangladesh’s apparel sector, that captures the effectiveness of CBAs as a tool for worker empowerment and a responsible supply chain resulting in a more sustainable fashion industry.

• View research (PDF - 3.36 mb)