I am writing to invite [insert brand name] to join The Or Foundation’s #SpeakVolumes campaign!

All you have to do is disclose [Insert Brand Name]’s 2023 production volumes (by units, not weight) before Black Friday 2024.

Why take this step? It is really very simple. We do not have accurate data on the size of our industry – the available statistics suggest that between 80bn and 150bn new garments are made every year, which is an embarrassing data gap. It is also an extremely counterproductive secret to keep. How will our industry successfully transition to a circular economy if we do not know how many garments must be kept in circulation via reuse, repair, re-manufacturing or recycling?

What we do know is that our oversupplied linear economy has become visible, wreaking havoc on communities across the Global South. I am sure that you have seen videos of Accra’s beaches, Chile’s Atacama desert and the Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi and I am also sure that, like me, these visuals inspire in you a sense of urgency and a desire to be part of the solution.

We are inviting brands of all sizes to participate. Given that your company is one of top brands found on Accra’s beaches, we are asking you to demonstrate real leadership. We know that your company may be incorporating more sustainable materials or taking steps to educate consumers about circular practices. Now we invite [Insert Brand] to come clean on the one data point that matters most, creating industry wide accountability by sharing your production volumes, encouraging other brands to do the same and moving us one step closer to a truly fair and honest fashion system.

As someone working alongside you in this industry, it is important that we can be honest with one another. I am thus reaching out first with a private invitation. If you decide to participate, we would love to celebrate your commitment to true sustainability. If you decide not to endorse, we will apply public pressure from September onwards.

We refuse to accept that publishing production volumes is difficult and we hope you will make transparency a top priority for your company. To participate, please fill out this form or write an email to speakvolumes@theor.org

Thank you!

______ (your name and title)