Depop, the community-powered marketplace app to buy and sell unique fashion, announces its first set of commitments to reshape fashion consumption by developing and promoting a culture that’s based around creativity, circularity, equity and exchange: fashion for a better future.
"If the past year has taught us anything it’s that big changes are needed and the time for action is now," says Maria Raga, CEO of Depop. "We believe in a new fashion system that’s actively kind, respectful and responsible. Where nothing is new but everything is new and where creating a better future for fashion and ourselves is a shared goal, not just for Depop, but for everyone. Our plan is the first step towards that future, and Depop becoming the world’s most diverse and progressive home of fashion."
In line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Depop’s vision for the future outlines key strategic focuses across governance, planet, people and platform to establish their intention to drive significant impact and measurable positive change both at the company, amongst its Gen Z community, and beyond. These two-year commitments demonstrate a strong and comprehensive pledge to improve environmental impact, embed equity throughout the Depop experience, and making circular fashion the first choice for consumers.
Central commitments include:
Achieve climate neutrality by the end of 2021 by extending the scope of Depop’s carbon inventory beyond shipping, setting reduction targets and offsetting associated emissions
Systematic preference for circular and responsibly made fashion for all brand collaborations
Provide educational resources and mentorship opportunities to help entrepreneurs, creatives or small businesses from underrepresented groups grow their businesses sustainably
While Depop’s plan provides clarity on Depop’s actions for the immediate future, this initiative is intentionally designed to progress, iterate and serve as the starting foundation for the company’s continued sustainability journey.
"We know 9 out of 10 Gen Z consumers believe that environmental and social issues matter and they stand ready to take action through the companies they support," says Justine Porterie, Head of Sustainability at Depop. "As we compiled our commitments, we researched industry best practices and consulted our community to better understand their expectations from us. Our goal with these initial commitments is to define a baseline for what sustainability means for Depop beyond second hand, and inspire others within and outside our platform to adopt more circular practices. We believe that a more sustainable life can be a rewarding journey, and want to act as a gateway for it - that's the future of fashion."