Few industries tout their sustainability credentials more forcefully than the fashion industry. Yet, the industry has failed to reduce its planetary impact in the past quarter century significantly. Brands can take steps to make their products more sustainable and accessible. These initiatives include recycled materials, second-hand merchandise, and other initiatives that reduce waste.
Biodegradable Materials
Biodegradable materials are more eco-friendly than non-biodegradable alternatives because they break down naturally. This means they cause less pollution and waste and can be easily recycled. Some fashion brands are taking this idea one step further with biodegradable fabrics. Bamboo, linen, and hemp are all biodegradable fabrics that require little or no chemical treatment and use less water and energy in their manufacture. They also have the added benefit of helping to reduce waste in landfills. This is because they decompose into organic matter that can be used as soil.
The process of making a fabric for these products requires 65% less energy than regular plastics, which is a huge environmental benefit. In addition, they don’t produce greenhouse gases during production, which is another big bonus. Currently, most biodegradable materials are made from plant-based raw materials. But scientists are also developing processes that transform methane gas from wastewater treatment plants and landfills into bioplastic. This is a great option for companies looking to reduce the waste they send to landfills. The bioplastics then decompose into methane, which marine microorganisms can naturally digest.
Recycled Materials
A growing number of companies are committing to sustainable materials and practices. They’re pledging to use recycled fabrics, plant-based alternatives, and a variety of other measures to reduce their environmental impact.
These efforts are a welcome response to the fashion industry’s planetary impact, which includes using 1.35% of global oil production and putting countless garment workers at risk of exploitation. Yet despite the industry’s best intentions, its tactics haven’t always been successful. Recycled polyester yarns are now woven into more and more apparel, but experts question whether these fabrics offer an environmental win. After all, they’re made from plastic, which continues to have a huge climate impact long after they’re removed from clothes.
Instead, brands should clarify that they focus on sustainability rather than just recycling the fibers. In addition, if they’re using recycled fabrics, it’s important to remember that these fibers continue to shed microplastics into the environment when they’re washed and worn.
Plant-Based Materials
Plant-based materials are growing in popularity and offer many benefits for fashion and the environment. They are less harmful than synthetic fabrics and require fewer resources to produce. They are also biodegradable, reducing the amount of waste created by the textile industry. Plant fibers like cotton, hemp, and Tencel are great choices for sustainable fashion. They are more breathable and moisture-absorbent than synthetic fabrics, and they are environmentally friendly because they use fewer chemicals during production.
Other eco-friendly plant fibers include bamboo and modal. Both are fast-growing and renewable resources that are easy to grow without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
Recycled wool is another popular option for sustainable fashion. It uses post-industrial and post-consumer wool scraps to create a durable, natural fiber better for the environment than virgin wool.
Second-Hand
The growing resale industry has been a boon to sustainable fashion. There are sites that allow users to buy and sell clothing, predicting that the resale market will double in the next five years, it’s clear that the industry is gaining momentum. Second-hand materials in a sustainable fashion are a critical aspect of the circular model. They can reduce waste and environmental impact by ensuring fewer new products are produced.
However, this also means that consumers have to be careful about how they purchase items that are certified as sustainable. It’s not uncommon for brands to claim a sustainable product, but the processes that go into their products aren’t always transparent and traceable. This is why it’s essential to choose ethical brands that practice transparency and sustainability. These will impact the environment more than those that don’t.
Fair Trade
Whether you’re shopping for your clothing or looking to support ethically-made items for others, fair trade materials are an important part of the sustainable fashion movement. These textiles are produced with better working conditions for the workers, reducing harmful chemicals used during manufacturing and protecting the environment.
The term “fair trade” means a trading arrangement that benefits all parties involved. Typically, this includes the farmers who grow the raw material for your clothes and the workers who produce them.
As the demand for fair trade has grown, more and more brands have sought to offer their own certifications or in-house schemes. This is often seen as a way for big multinationals to more easily meet their own ethical standards without paying extra fees to external organizations. While these well-intentioned labels and certifications can positively impact both the producers and consumers, they may also have major shortcomings.
