Sustainability Report 2017

Engagement within associations and organizations In addition to its research partnerships TEXAID is a member of various associations and organizations and maintains frequent contact with policy makers, NGOs and other industry players. TEXAID works with these institutions to develop measures and con- ditions that address the ecological and social challenges of the global textile industry. TEXAID fights for improvements in legal and environmental standards applied to col- lection, sorting and re-use of used textiles in Switzerland and Germany, as well as on European level. It therefore engages in cooperative and transparent discussions with all relevant government officials, authorities, communities and politicians. As a founding member of Swiss Recycling , TEXAID also supports transparency in ma- terial and financial flows as well as the continued development of professional textile collection and premium textile recycling processes. Its work with the Future of Textiles Association (GftZ) aids in the development of uniform standards for collection, sorting and recycling of used textiles both in Germany and throughout entire Europe. TEXAID is a member of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) , a worldwide associa- tion representing around 800 companies and 35 affiliated national recycling associa- tions from 70 different countries. TEXAID is also a member of amfori and its Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) and Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI) . This organization, founded in Brussels in 1977 as the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) and is the leading business as- sociation of European and international commerce for the promotion of sustainable supply chains. It represents 1,800 retailers, importers and brands. 52