Have you ever wondered where your clothes come from?
The fashion industry is enormous and subsequently has a huge impact on the environment and society. Unfortunately, clothes are manufactured using unsustainable and damaging practices. From excessive water use to the exploitation of waters, the industry is burdened by multifaceted ethical and environmental issues.
With more consumers becoming aware of the pitfalls, there’s a growing demand for more sustainable fashion. Below, we’ve discussed the details.
Legal frameworks for sustainability
Governments and international regulatory bodies have implemented legal frameworks and standards in fashion. Many of these promote sustainable and ethical fashion practices, while others are pushed by the British Fashion Council to make the industry more relevant in governmental matters.
Key concerns fall amongst the following focus areas:
- Environmental: Addressing issues such as pollution, water usage, and sustainable technologies.
- Waste: Fashion brands face waste reduction targets, since up to 40% of new clothes are never sold.
- Labour standards: Protecting the rights of workers in the fashion supply chain, especially internationally.
- Chemicals: Limiting the use of harmful chemicals in textile production, processing and dyeing.
Standards and certifications
Standards and certification programs provide a framework for businesses to demonstrate their stance on sustainability. Some of the most widely recognised standards and certifications include:
- Fairtrade Certification
- Better Cotton Initiative
- B Corp Certification
- The Global Organic Textile Standard
- Carbon Neutral Certification
- Global Recycle Standard
- Fair Wear Foundation
Fortunately, fashion brands in the UK can access a wide array of initiatives and certifications to improve processes and reflect a sustainable brand mission.
Innovation driving sustainable fashion
Advancements in tech allow businesses to improve practices. To optimise operational sustainability, larger fashion corporations seek professional legal advice to audit company processes, including technological involvement, waste targets and product durability.
Meanwhile, other brands champion innovative approaches. Examples of these may include:
- Circular fashion: Designing products that can be recycled, reused, or repaired – and encouraging second ownership.
- Green materials: Using alternative materials with a lower environmental impact, such as recycled fabrics, plant-based fibres and organic materials.
- Digital fashion: Exploring virtual fashion through digital try-ons, thanks to augmented reality, helps to reduce product returns.
Success stories
Many businesses are leading the way in sustainable and ethical fashion. However, larger brands occasionally overexaggerate their commitments in their marketing campaigns, a tactic known as greenwashing.
Sustainability means different things to different people, but a few of the most genuinely dedicated brands include:
- Nobody’s Child: This brand focuses on responsible packaging, recycled yarns, and transparency. Aiming for zero-waste through limited capsule collections, this womenswear brand implements strict research and development to ensure circular principles.
- OMNES: With every piece designed in one London studio, this Living Wage employer and B Corp certified brand focuses on ‘fashion that doesn’t cost the earth’.
- People Tree: As the first fashion brand to be awarded the World Fair Trade Organisation’s label, this company is a leader in sustainable styles created through artisan techniques.
By implementing sustainable and ethical practices, the fashion industry can contribute to a healthier planet and a fairer society. As consumers become more discerning, the demand for genuinely sustainable and environmentally-friendly fashion will grow.
