As part of an ambitious 2030 sustainability strategy, contemporary French fashion brand Ba&sh, which just received B Corp certification, has detailed intentions to strengthen its commitment to reducing its water use and pollution.

The Parisian womenswear brand is committing heavily to water management as part of a plan that is centred around five important pillars: climate and biodiversity, certified materials, traceability, circularity, and empowering women.

Pierre-Arnaud Grenade, chief executive of Ba&sh, said in a statement, “Our recent B Corp certification is one step, but not the destination. Managing water resources is one of our biggest challenges when it comes to Ba&sh processing methods. We are aware of the significant impact that the textile industry has on this precious, vital resource.

The Leather Working Group (LWG), which evaluates tanneries’ environmental performance and compliance with relation to their use of energy, water, and chemicals, certified 97 per cent of the leather used by Ba&sh in 2023. LWG tanneries are categorised as Gold, Silver, or Bronze based on how well they adhere to these standards.

Ba&sh wants all of the tanneries it works with to be certified by the end of 2025, with 80 per cent of them being LWG Gold and the remaining 20 per cent LWG Silver.

Ba&sh employed 97 per cent organic cotton for its SS24 collection and has already put reduction strategies into place for water usage. 79 per cent of the denim in the same collection had a low EIM (Environmental Impact Measuring) score, and 79 per cent had been cleaned in an environmentally friendly manner. The firm wants its average EIM score for all denim to be between 0 and 33 by 2025.

The company is also conducting environmental audits and mapping its denim-washing facilities. Ba&sh is using approved materials, which enable it to lower water pollution and consumption, in an effort to further minimise its impact on water. Additionally, Ba&sh has pledged to utilise more organic and recycled cotton, which require 20 per cent and 100 per cent less water than regular cotton, respectively.  The French clothing company is also examining its infrastructure, putting in place warehouses that catch rainwater to irrigate green areas and supply its restrooms.