Driving Water Stewardship Across Global Textiles & Leather Supply Chains
The Common Water Framework (CWF) unites brands and suppliers to achieve water resilience and sustainability across the textiles and leather industry.
The Common Water Framework is a collaborative initiative developed by leading apparel brands to:
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Align water management expectations globally
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Streamline fragmented reporting
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Promote sustainable water practices across the textiles and leather industry
The CWF provides a clear roadmap for improving water stewardship and resilience throughout supply chains.
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Key Features
Three core pillars to address water-related challenges holistically: Risk & Impact, Governance, and Action
Three levels of progress guiding suppliers towards continuous improvement: Foundational, Progressive, and Aspirational.
Comprehensive indicators cover major aspects of water management and stewardship, including water quantity and quality, stakeholder engagement, and governance development.
Basic Structure | Risk & Impact | Governance | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
All indicators apply across 3 levels: | RI1: Risk mapping | G1: Risk response | A1: Industry engagement |
Foundational | RI2: Measuring & understanding quantity | G2: Water Policy | A2: Process and procedure improvement |
Progressive | RI3: Measuring & understanding quality | G3: Targets & action plan | A3: Quality Management |
Aspirational | G4: Disclosure | A4: Stewardship |
Benefits
For Brands
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Consistent and industry-aligned expectations to communicate to suppliers
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Streamlined communication with built-in guidance
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Improved water management and stewardship throughout the supply chain
For Suppliers
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Aligned expectations across multiple brand clients
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Reduced duplication of reporting
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Practical steps for capacity building and progress
Resources
Access practical tools and guidance to support implementation:
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CWF Overview Document
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Supplier and brand implementation guides
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Supplementary materials
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Volumetric data collection tool
Impact & Collaboration
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Eight global brands are already collaborating to drive water resilience including Burberry, H&M Group, Nike, and Primark.
Have your say in shaping the future of water stewardship!
The Common Water Framework is now open for public consultation, and your insights can help set the standard for responsible water management in textiles and leather supply chains. This is your chance to influence practical solutions that drive real impact across the industry.
Join the conversation today—review the draft framework, share your feedback, and help us build a unified approach to water stewardship. Together, we can turn ambition into action.
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