Mango, a leading European fashion group, has entered into a collaboration agreement with the Centro Superior de Diseño de Moda de Madrid (CSDMM-UPM) to conduct a comprehensive training program in sustainability for over 250 company employees. The initiative, spanning the entire year of 2024, primarily targets individuals in the Product area, focusing on circular design, sustainable fibers, and processes.
The training sessions will feature renowned experts such as Luis Barros Presedo, who specializes in sustainable development and supply chains. Gemma Gómez, a consultant in the social and environmental impact of the fashion sector, and Mercedes Rodríguez, Assistant Director and Professor at CSDMM-UPM. Mango’s commitment to fostering relationships with academic institutions aligns with its dedication to people and sustainability.
Mango joins forces with the Centro Superior de Diseño de Moda of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (CSDMM-UPM) to train more than 250 employees in sustainability (Credits: Ecotextile News)
The program aims to enhance the skills of designers, buyers, and Quality team members across all Mango lines. Key areas of training include recycling processes, advancements in sustainable materials, certifications, and labeling, and the integration of circularity criteria in collection design. The sessions, incorporating speeches, informal talks, and round tables, will encourage participant engagement and debate.
Formalized on January 12, the agreement underscores Mango’s strategy to attract and retain talent, build relationships with academia, and advance its sustainability roadmap. According to Andrés Fernández, Mango’s Director of Sustainability and Sourcing, the alliance with CSDMM-UPM represents an opportunity to progress toward more sustainable collections and reduce the company’s environmental impact.
Leila Rettali, Mango’s Global Director of Talent and Organisational Development, emphasizes the significance of training teams as part of the talent attraction and retention strategy. The collaboration with CSDMM-UPM aligns with three primary goals: establishing relationships with academic institutions, strengthening the value proposition for employees, and advancing sustainability efforts.
Mango’s commitment to sustainability is outlined in its Sustainable Vision 2030 strategy, focusing on Product, Planet, and People. The company aims to prioritize materials with lower environmental impact, incorporate circular design criteria, and ensure transparency and traceability in the supply chain. The collaboration with CSDMM-UPM adds momentum to Mango’s dedication to sustainability, aligning with the company’s broader initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions globally.
The CSDMM-UPM, recipient of the Spanish National Fashion Award, has been at the forefront of fashion education since 1986. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, the institution collaborates with major industry groups and consistently adapts its courses to meet evolving needs. The ongoing commitment to research, knowledge transfer, and engagement with leading national and international fashion designers underscores the CSDMM-UPM’s position as a premier institution in fashion education.
