MOU signed to facilitate opportunities for sustainable finance

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the trillion-dollar fashion industry accounts for up to 8% of global carbon emissions[1]. Of this, upstream activities within the supply chain including materials production, preparation and processing, account for an estimated 80% of emissions[2]. While apparel brands have made strides to reduce emissions[3] in their own operations to be in line with their commitments, decarbonising supply chains continues to be a hurdle.

To enable and accelerate sustainable growth in the AFT sector, DBS and RESET aim to work with both buyers and suppliers, including small and medium enterprises, in Asia's manufacturing supply chain. AFT brands can access RESET's advisory services and technical support to drive carbon reductions in their supply chains, set science-based carbon targets, as well as strengthen in-house capabilities. DBS will provide financing solutions to suppliers to invest in cost-effective technologies that enable meaningful reductions in their factory emissions, water use and waste.

In addition, companies can participate in the Carbon Leadership Program (CLP) developed by RESET and the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). The three-year-old program is designed to help apparel brands and their suppliers set science-based carbon reduction targets. Action plans are then developed through benchmarking and assessments, using a set of standardised tools and collaborative processes.

To date, over 20 of some of the world's largest apparel brands have participated in the program – representing up to three million tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year, if the action plans are fully implemented.

Yulanda Chung, Managing Director, Head of Sustainability, Institutional Banking Group at DBS, said, "Joining forces with an experienced industry practitioner like RESET is a signal that we mean to effect changes in the real economy rather than offering soundbites. The apparel sector is looking for solutions, in both finance and resource efficiency advisory, to mitigate the harmful impacts of fast-changing fashion. This partnership brings together DBS' extensive Asia network, expertise in sustainable finance with RESET's successful Carbon Leadership Program."

Liam Salter, CEO of RESET said, "RESET's mission is to drive significant carbon reductions in our customers' value chains. With financing increasingly seen as an integral part of the solution, we are excited to partner with DBS who we view as the most innovative bank in the region to develop new solutions for our collective customers."

Named World's Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility[4], DBS offers support to corporate and institutional clients through a range of sustainable finance solutions, from renewable energy financing, green loans, sustainability-linked loans, ESG bonds, green and sustainable trade financing.

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About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named "World's Best Bank" by Global Finance, "World's Best Bank" by Euromoney and "Global Bank of the Year" by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named "World's Best Digital Bank" by Euromoney and the world's "Most Innovative in Digital Banking" by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the "Safest Bank in Asia" award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region's most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About RESET Carbon

For over 14 years, RESET Carbon has been working with companies and institutions across Asia to resolve the environmental crisis by making meaningful reductions in their carbon, water and waste footprint.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Chennai, and Munich, RESET delivers end-to-end carbon management and corporate renewable energy services for customers in the real estate, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Their services include strategy development, target setting, roadmap and carbon inventory development, renewable energy procurement, decarbonization programs and more. For more information please visit: www.resetcarbon.com