From workshop to change: “Fair Wear Works” shows how sustainable textile purchasing can succeed
Bonn, 29.04.2026 – A T-shirt, whether sportswear or work wear, is rarely just a T-shirt. It stands for global textile supply chains, working conditions and environmental impact – and for the question of what responsibility is taken for this in purchasing. This is precisely where the “Fair Wear Works” project by FEMNET e. V. and the Global Nature Fund came in, with the aim of promoting sustainable textile procurement in sport, healthcare and universities.
An example from the healthcare sector shows that this can lead to real change: After participating in awareness-raising workshops in the project, the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) began to rethink its own procurement – with visible results: “One concrete result of this was the launch of a product line with GOTS-certified items in our store for the entire association, including T-shirts and fleece jackets. These products are already in high demand and show that sustainable alternatives are also meeting with great interest within our association,” says Eva-Maria Hansel, Sustainability Officer at ASB.
Such developments are not unique. In recent years, “Fair Wear Works” has supported numerous stakeholders in moving from knowledge to action:
In sport, clubs and professional clubs were supported in implementing the purchase of ecologically and socially sustainable sports and merchandise clothing: “Thanks to the cooperation with the GNF and the joint workshops, we were able to improve our processes with regard to more sustainable purchasing practices and deepen our knowledge on the subject. We would like to thank the GNF for their support as part of the project,” explains Luca Hocker, Head of Business Development, 1. FC Nürnberg e. V.
Universities have begun to systematically integrate sustainability criteria into procurement processes. In cooperation with Fairtrade Germany, the focus was not only on sustainable textiles, but also on the food product group and corresponding advisory services were implemented. “The ‘Fair Wair Works’ project gave us valuable tips and examples on the topic of sustainable procurement. A particular stroke of luck was the individual university support, which helped us to revise our procurement guidelines,” says Fabian Sennekamp, Sustainability Manager at Zeppelin University Friedrichshafen, reflecting on the collaboration.
The project also made important contributions to the orientation of the sustainable textiles market at a structural level. “For our study ‘The clubs in the ranking – how sustainable their stores are’, we carried out a seal assessment together with the project. The expertise helped us a lot in creating an overview of the textile standards for the associations to use as a guide,” says Lara Schröder, Sustainability Officer at cum ratione gGmbH.
The key to the success of “Fair Wear Works” did not lie in abstract concepts, but in the interplay of professional input, exchange at eye level and concrete practical approaches. Whether workshops, network meetings or individual consultations – the project showed that change occurs where people are empowered to use their own scope for action.
At the same time, it became clear that the eco-social transformation remains challenging. Rising costs, limited resources and complex decision-making structures are making implementation difficult in many places. This makes it all the more important to continue the processes that have been initiated.
With a view to the end of the project on April 30, 2026, FEMNET e. V. and the Global Nature Fund are calling for sustainable procurement to be consistently developed – as an integral part of responsible action in organizations, institutions and companies. After all, every procurement decision can help to strengthen decent working conditions and reduce environmental pollution.
The materials and experiences developed in the project are also available beyond the project – as an invitation to continue on the path we have taken together.
