Over 60 Greek SMEs were supported as part of the "EcoFashionEU - Promoting the sustainability of small and medium textile and fashion manufacturers" project, which was awarded an honorary mention certificate at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA).
Coordinated by ACSMI, a member of the Enterprise Europe Network Hellas consortium, the EcoFashionEU project was one of five pilot actions approved by EISMEA under the “Sustainability Partnerships of SMEs adopting more sustainable practices” call of the Single Market Programme (SMP COSME).
The EcoFashionEU project also included CSR HELLAS, a Greek network for corporate social responsibility, and four SMEs operating in the textile, apparel, and fashion sectors that adopt sustainable practices and circular business models.
Moving Away from Fast Fashion
The companies Christiana Vardakou, Pepper Vally, ATHINEA - M. KARAMICHALIS S.A., and A place to dress strangers - Margarita Gali were selected for focusing on sustainable practices at various stages of production, from raw material selection to business management and promotion. A key element of their operations is promoting recycling and moving away from fast fashion models. Additionally, they are active members of ACSMI and have benefited from the services of the Enterprise Europe Network Hellas consortium.
Documenting Challenges and Best Practices
With the support of all partners, many actions were carried out to enhance sustainability in the textile and fashion sectors. Initially, the conditions and challenges faced by fashion SMEs in adopting sustainable practices in Greece were documented, while best sustainability practices at the European level were also recorded.
Self-Assessment and Training
Subsequently, policy recommendations for sustainable development were shaped through consortium meetings with institutions and organizations. A key contribution of the project was the development of the Ethos Fashion Tool. Through this tool, SMEs can assess their maturity in adopting sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility principles.
Furthermore, 30 companies in the sector were trained in adopting sustainable practices, and a training guide for civil society organizations was developed to disseminate knowledge on sustainability in the fashion sector.
Networking and Sustainable Fashion Public Exhibition
Outreach activities were organized to foster collaborations, involving businesses and institutions from Greece and abroad. Five promotional actions between businesses, public, and private entities were held, focusing on sustainable fashion and the challenges of adopting sustainable practices.
The project also presented its results at a European level, including a meeting with the EU’s Worth Partnerships projects, and the highlight was the organization of a two-day sustainable fashion exhibition, featuring 30 sustainable companies. These events emphasized the need to move away from fast fashion and promote sustainable practices in the sector.
Additionally, an international meeting with Enterprise Europe Network experts from ten countries was held, where the project results were presented. The next step will take place at the Network's Annual Conference. Τhe workshop «Driving Sustainability in SMEs: the Tools of the EEN» will discuss, among other things, the results of EcoFashionEU and how these can be utilized by EEN advisors.
Overall, EcoFashionEU enhanced the knowledge and expertise of participating companies while creating a strong network for collaboration and experience exchange in the field of sustainability at both the national and European levels.
Watch Company Presentations
Check out the video presentations of the companies that participated in the project on our YouTube channel.
