An innovative sustainable certification system for the fashion industry
Report on Participation in the Media Launch Event for “Re-Creation,” a Sustainable Certification System for the Fashion Industry
Re-Creation General Incorporated Association (Headquarters: Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takaaki Komatani) held a media launch event for its “Re-Creation” certification system on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the WORLD Co., Ltd. Kita-Aoyama Headquarters Building. This system visualizes initiatives in the fashion industry regarding the environment, human rights, and transparency through third-party evaluation.
Re-Creation Concept movieURBAN RESEARCH, EDWIN, and others also participated.
On the day, guests from apparel companies, material manufacturers, and retailers were joined by representatives from Mizuho Bank and the Ministry of the Environment. Announcements were made regarding the expansion of companies applying for certification and a new certification system targeting the raw material and material stages. Survey results targeting the younger generation were also presented, leading to multifaceted discussions on evaluation criteria impacting the entire supply chain.
Opening Remarks by Mr.Takaaki Komatani, Representative Director of Re-Creation
“We will create a common language. And we want to deliver it to consumers.”
Part 1 featured an opening address by Representative Director Takaaki Komatani, followed by a video message from Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and Professor Kenji Kanie of Keio University’s Graduate School of Media and Governance.
Mr. Komatani shared his vision: “We designed Re-Creation to create a common language and ensure that the certification of each product reaches consumers accurately and instantly.” Professor Kanie conveyed through his video message: “If this initiative takes root, I firmly believe the world will change, and we will achieve a more sustainable future where prosperity is shared.” Following this, Managing Director Tetsuya Yamashita outlined the future prospects for Re-Creation. We then received greetings from Director Ryusei Adachi of Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and Ayako Nagata of the Ministry of the Environment. This was followed by introductions of the Standards Evaluation Committee and the Communication Committee. Director Adachi stated in his speech, “I believe the spread of Re-Creation has the potential to change the mindset of producers and the stance of financial institutions.”
Re-Creation: “We want to make the efforts of creators visible and become the reason people choose sustainability.”
Executive Director Yamashita announced the business details and future vision of the Re-Creation certification system.
“We created the Re-Creation certification system driven by the desire to make the efforts of creators visible and to become the reason why sustainability is chosen. We want to value not just creating the certification, but ensuring it is continuously used. And we aim for a world where that choice is not a special choice.” It was also reported that the number of companies applying for certification has expanded. Since the service launch, the number of adopting companies has steadily increased, demonstrating the growing interest in sustainability within the apparel industry.
Furthermore, results from a survey on sustainable fashion awareness across all generations were shared.
The survey revealed that while many are interested in fashion, the biggest barrier to purchase is “not knowing what is sustainable,” indicating that companies’ efforts are not sufficiently communicated. It also highlighted a high willingness to accept price increases and a gap in perception between consumers and the industry regarding what constitutes sustainability. This underscores the importance of providing clear, generation-specific information and creating an environment that makes sustainable choices easier.
Furthermore, insights from brands that have actually obtained certification—URBAN RESEARCH and EDWIN—were presented. They shared how certification contributes not only to consumers but also to raising awareness about their own products and supply chains, as well as educating their employees.
A vision was discussed for future efforts aimed at achieving Japan’s first international certification and implementing it across various countries.
Taking the stage as the representative of the Standards Evaluation Committee
On behalf of the Standards Evaluation Committee, Ms.Kusuno of Control Union Japan took the stage as the designated reader, standing in for Jiro Omura, the Managing Director. He explained the process and background of how the Re-Creation certification standards were developed. The presentation emphasized that while maintaining consistency with international certification standards, unique evaluation criteria tailored to the realities of Japan’s fashion industry have been established. Finally, shared stated regarding the significance of participating in this certification: “We believe the importance of third-party verification of sustainability claims made by companies will continue to grow, and we find it deeply meaningful to have been involved in creating these standards.”
During the networking session after the event, diverse stakeholders including apparel companies, retailers, financial institutions, government agencies, and students engaged in lively discussions. At the booths of certified companies, questions poured in about the certification process and challenges encountered, leading to practical discussions on information disclosure using QR codes and how to communicate with consumers.
Participants shared feedback such as: “I realized this is an area where various industries should collaborate,” “I gained a renewed appreciation for the significance of certification systems,” and “I want to explore future possibilities with Re-Creation.”
In the closing remarks, the MC stated, “We hope today’s dialogue becomes the first step in paving the way for the future of sustainable fashion.” The approximately two-hour launch event concluded successfully.
【Reference: From the Re-Creation General Incorporated Association Press Release, February 17, 2026】