The FRANK framework was created to measure, track the impact which is created by fashion production.

The goal is to minimise the negative impact and use this information to create a positive impact on the environment, people and communities where production takes place.

It is key to note that no production is perfect. We will continue to look deeper and improve any negative impacts we might find. Sustainability when it comes to fashion is always changing, new innovations, new green energy options means that what we think is perfect now, will change in a few weeks. This is brilliant and means every time we find a solution to a problem we can improve our framework.

THE FRANK METHODOLOGY.

The entire production is monitored using the FRANK framework to understand the impact caused and emissions created. This data can be used to inform the consumer on how their purchase is made and can be used internally to help focus the company’s goals to be as sustainable and efficient as possible.
 

The first step is to measure the current carbon footprint and understand the impact, from here we reduce, track and improve.

 

  • (MM) Main Materials

    (DW) Dying/Washing

    (MR) Mill/Recycling units

    (LT) Labels/trims/printing and thread

    (F) Factory

    (PL) packaging and logistics

  • (RY) Recycled.

    (LW) Less Water.

    (IN) Innovations and Tech.

    (CF) Carbon Footprint.

  • (I) Innovation

    R) Responsibility

    (T)Transparency

NB: These last sections are key, if these are not considered with positive results in the initial planning stage, the production cannot go ahead.

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

KPIs for each target are the objective measurements we will use to track progress/change. The evidence we gather by using the FRANK Checklist will guide strategic and operational decisions and help us measure and report on progress.

  • Our priority is people and the environmental. By prioritising people’s welfare – communities and the environment will prosper resulting in a sustainable business. We can start with pay, equal opportunities and quality of work.

  • Production is to be split the best we can between recycled and natural.

    No use of virgin polyester is ever to be used.

    All waste from productions is to be recycled, including packaging, fabric cuttings and dyes. This also includes wastewater and the products’ reuse options for end of life.

    KPI 2a: Reused Fabric Waste - Reusing fabric waste from another production.

    KPI 2b: Zero Fabric Waste - Collecting, monitoring, and reusing our fabric waste.

    KPI 2c: Zero Production Waste - Work closely with production for 2021 to ensure lifecycle of materials utilised are sustainably sourced, utilised and disposed to ensure future re-use, repurpose and/or recycling

  • Water is to be measured from farm to finishing. The information is to be backed up with supplier evidence such as farmers claims – this is needed to verify our data.

    Water usage is to be reduced as possible and is to be monitored differently depending on the scarcity of water.

  • Measure the reusability, recyclability, problem solving benefits and attainability and how everything is impacted.

    Fabric: Looking at new fabrics and fibres to use, such as cellulose fibre. At the same time understanding the ‘development’ stages at each step and not claiming ‘solutions’

    Finishing: Focusing on new ideas to reduce impacts such as dying, finishing and washing.

    Trims: Sourcing trims, lining etc sustainably, giving these areas the same focus as the main fabric.

  • Measuring and taking steps to improve the energy usage, emissions. This being the hardest area to track and improve we have partnered with a third party to calculate and verify our carbon footprint.

INNOVATION. TRANSPARENCY. RESPONSIBILITY.

Some terms such as ‘future impact’ or ‘problem solving’ are from the FRANK IMPACT workbook and are used to explain the results breakdown. Any separate documentation such as audits and test reports will be included in the Appendix. 

  • Innovation needs to be implemented across the whole supply chain. The importance of innovation receives will change depending on the technology used and the impact it has created.

    Impact Reduction KPI 4

  • AUDITS.

    All overseas factories/suppliers have an up-to-date Sedex audit. All suppliers and factories have agreed to our internal FRANK Code of Conduct and all have an active Workers Union or Committee.

    If our UK factories don’t have Sedex (due to being smaller) Our UK factory and studio-based are transparent with their documents and health and safety.

    FAIR PAY.

    We need to have visibility to the cost sheets and paychecks if requested. This is not to negotiate but to ensure fair wages are being paid.

    No Poverty KPI 1

  • It is important to see our journey to work out our impact, monitor its process, and then improve.

    Impact Reduction KPI 4

 

CARBON EMISSIONS.

We measure everything that contributes to our brands and retailers carbon footprint, from the factory floor to consumer care. Understanding the key points of where our high emission points are is key to reducing.

 

HOW THE EMISSIONS ARE SPLIT

 

OFFSETTING.

Any production pollutes the planet but we believe that all brands should be held accountable for their environmental impact. Offsetting is really not the solution but it’s a start to reduce fashions impact the best we can AFTER we have done all we can during the production process.

EXITPOINT.

The aftercare and end of life needs to be monitored for future development and improvement. 

The exit point mountain is ever rising. End of life emissions are reduced especially if the materials are natural. Natural fibres, like cotton, have high energy requirements for washing, drying, and ironing but when in landfill natural fibres decompose much quicker than 1-5 months compared to polyester which takes hundreds of years to biodegrade.

 

 

WHATS INCLUDED.

Materials. By using natural materials like cotton, hemp and even wood may actually increase the agriculture emissions, however will reduce emissions at the end of life stage.

Manufacturing. Making anything takes energy so it’s important to find ways to reduce throughout the process.

Transportation. Products move from factory to factory, from distribution centre to customers across the globe. Transportation is a huge emitter of emissions and due to badly organised supply chains these emissions can be huge.
Product Use. It’s important people know how to look after their products, Customer use is one of the biggest contrubors to carbon emissions.

End Of Life. Most products end up in a landfill, where they emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere while they decompose. It’s far from a perfect solution so its important to try and include circularity and focusing on natural products.

 

How far travelled

Most garments have travelled around the world by the time they are received by the consumer. This example is a shirt which travelled to 6 cities and 3 countries
 

IMPACT FRAMEWORK.

The framework goes in order of the supply chain and covers materials as well as environmental impact.

 
 

  • Looking at fabric composition, material tracking, certification, and waste management.

  • The dying process is commonly forgotten but highly impactful and a huge drain of water.

  • Looking at energy is key but it’s also important to focus on fiber waste and how this affects the local communities.

  • This area has many more supply chains and therefore has a large and forgotten impact.

  • Factories have a large impact but efficiency is an issue. It’s important to understand the community impact and how well workers are paid and treated.

  • Packaging and logistics are easy wins. We still have a long way to go when it comes to impactful change but emmissions can be reduced dramatically.

 
 

Taken by Frankie in Chennai India 2019. This is the landfill site for water waste.