The fashion industry is starting to pay attention to the threat posed by climate change and is making major attempts to embrace sustainable practices. Eco-fashion, often referred to as sustainable fashion, is a developing movement in the textile and garment business that strives to lessen the sector’s impact on the environment. According to the Sustainability and Fashion Report 2020, 61.2 per cent of businesses were engaged in sustainability-related activities or planned to do so, mostly out of competitiveness and personal interest. This expansion is particularly a result of rising consumer demand. Out of the companies in the fashion sector that invest in sustainability, 59.8 per cent do so for competitive reasons, while 22.7 per cent specifically respond to customer demands.

The Environmental Footprint of the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry, from the production of raw materials to garment manufacturing, transportation, and waste disposal, leaves a significant ecological footprint. Notably, the entire lifecycle of fashion has detrimental effects on the environment. One particular environmental concern is the industry’s extensive water consumption. The growth of cotton, a vital fabric in fashion, demands vast amounts of water. Additionally, water is consumed during the dyeing and finishing processes. Furthermore, chemical usage in fashion contributes to water pollution, as harmful substances like dyes and finishing chemicals end up in rivers and oceans, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems.

Moreover, the fashion industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions arise from various stages, including textile manufacturing, transportation, and the energy-intensive nature of garment production. According to a report by Forest Valley, 38 per cent of emissions come from material production, 15 per cent from wet processes, 8 per cent from yarn preparation, 6 per cent from fabric preparation, and 4 per cent from cut make trim.

According to the McKinsey report on fashion and climate in 2030, the industry can maintain GHG emissions at their current level of 2.1 billion tonnes if abatement efforts continue to grow at their present rate. This would result in a potential abatement of approximately 636 million tonnes in net terms. However, at this rate, the sector will fall short of the overarching target of not exceeding a 50 per cent increase above the 1.5oC threshold objective established by the Paris Agreement.

Moreover, the negative impacts of the fast fashion industry are not evenly distributed. The majority of clothing manufacturing occurs in developing nations, where garments are swiftly circulated before eventually accumulating in landfills in other developing nations. In recent decades, fast fashion businesses have experienced remarkable growth. Despite younger generations being often associated with a high level of environmental awareness, fast fashion retailers are achieving great success due to the internet and their ability to attract younger, less wealthy consumers.

Challenges in the Fashion Industry’s Supply Chain

Raw material producers and wet process managers are often not direct suppliers to fashion firms, which results in incomplete information regarding the management of raw material procurement. Considering the environmental impacts of the raw material supply chain becomes quite challenging due to the diverse functions and uses of various materials along the supply chain, which can vary significantly across industries. This poses difficulty for fashion firms in accurately assessing the social and environmental sustainability of their products. Controlling the supply chain is crucial for effectively managing social and environmental responsibilities which involves ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and improving the lives of workers while reducing the risk of human rights violations. This commitment further extends to the use of sustainable materials and production methods that prioritise the health and safety of workers.

Relevance and Progress of Sustainable Fashion Practices

According to research conducted by Forest Valley, in terms of sustainability, 28 per cent of the organisations that were surveyed are now at the basic level, 41 per cent are at the intermediate level, and 31 per cent are at the advanced level. The sustainability levels of companies were determined based on the quantity and applicability of chosen sustainable practices. For example, improvements in packaging and communication have little effect on the environment and society if other actions are not taken. Recognising the increasing consumer demands for corporate assistance and protection, especially in the context of the COVID-19 situation, recent research highlights that enterprises addressing social issues have expanded by almost 150 per cent, indicating a growing concern among businesses. Despite these positive developments, the prioritisation of sustainability remains a partially addressed problem, with only 20 per cent of businesses claiming to prioritise these issues. Moreover, just 7 per cent of respondents identified funding leasing, second-hand sales, repairs, or circular design projects as priorities for sustainability. This suggests the need for further attention and action in these areas.

While quality loss was a legitimate concern in the past, advancements in technology and innovation have gradually enabled increased materials and production performance while reducing environmental impact. As a result, only 7 per cent of companies that replaced their materials with more environmentally friendly ones reported a drop in quality. Fashion firms that hire sustainability consultants and achieve the highest degree of sustainability account for an additional 56.7 per cent of the industry, compared to those without expert help. The number of companies meeting minimal sustainability standards is 64.1 per cent lower. Furthermore, businesses that hired sustainability specialists later found the cost issue to be 16 per cent less of a concern, compared to those managing sustainability internally. Therefore, sustainability should be considered an investment rather than a cost.

The Way Ahead

The effects of the fashion industry on the environment are intricate and dynamic. However, the sector may drastically lessen its ecological footprint by adopting sustainable practises and cutting-edge ideas. Brands must consider the full lifetime of their products, from the procurement of materials to disposal, while customers must make responsible decisions. The concept of sustainable fashion encompasses the development and manufacturing of socially conscious, ecologically friendly, and commercially viable apparel, footwear, and accessories. This involves adopting environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled textiles, conserving water, minimising waste, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring secure working conditions for all employees in the supply chain. Manufacturers can implement water-efficient technologies and explore alternative fabrics like hemp or linen that require less water during production.

One of the main advantages of sustainable fashion is that it lessens the industry’s environmental effect. After the oil and gas business, the fashion industry is the second biggest polluter in the world. However, the sector may drastically lessen its environmental effect by implementing more sustainable practices. For instance, switching to organic cotton from conventional cotton can cut back on pesticide and fertiliser consumption, as well as water use, by up to 91 per cent.

Sustainable fashion can also benefit the industry financially. According to a report by Business of Fashion and the McKinsey Global Fashion Index, the fashion industry could benefit from up to $192 billion per year by 2030 if it were to adopt sustainable practices. This includes savings from reduced energy and water usage, as well as increased sales of sustainable products.

Technological Advancement

3D printing is one trend in sustainable fashion that is gaining traction. Designers can now produce garments and accessories using 3D printing without wasting any resources, which lessens the industry’s environmental effect. Additionally, 3D printing allows for the creation of distinctive and adaptable items, which motivates customers to purchase eco-friendly clothing. Fashion 3D printers can support various components of a complete design, such as embellishments, accessories, and buttons, rather than printing entire articles of clothing. With the aid of 3D printing, small end-use accessories can be added quickly and easily. This approach helps reduce resource wastage during the creation of each garment, ensuring an environmentally responsible process. Component manufacturing through 3D printing generates little to no waste as it only uses the resources necessary to make the specific part itself, unlike other technologies that rely on vast quantities of non-recyclable materials. This method conserves resources while lowering the cost of necessary supplies.

Conclusion

The fashion industry is increasingly recognising the urgency of adopting sustainable practices to mitigate its environmental impact. By incorporating environmentally friendly materials, conserving resources, and reducing emissions, the industry can significantly reduce its ecological footprint. Sustainable fashion not only benefits the environment but also offers financial advantages, including potential savings from reduced energy and water usage and increased sales of sustainable products. Brands must consider the entire lifecycle of their products, while customers play a crucial role in making responsible choices. It is essential to control the supply chain, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the use of sustainable materials. Collaboration, policy advancements, and technological innovations like 3D printing further enhance sustainability efforts. By embracing these practices, the fashion industry can make a positive impact, improve its financial performance, and contribute to a more socially responsible future.