To shift from “intention to action,” companies are partnering up, ideating and innovating, but there’s still a long way to go to meet established goals for 2030 and beyond.
Denim is a good place to start. From trialing next-gen fibers and developing new performance weaves to partnering with suppliers to streamline processes, global denim mills are active participants in ensuring the industry’s more sustainable and responsible future. Meanwhile in synthetics, the race for circular polyester has brands shifting from bottle-to-textile to textile-to-textile recycling. Regarding fast fashion, some feel the way to “fix” it is to tax it. From France's “kill bill” to Australia's recycling levy, global leaders are exploring fast fashion taxes to hold brands (and consumers) accountable.
Despite progress on ambitious targets related to climate impact and emissions reduction over the past few years, as the industry inches closer to its deadlines, many companies seem to be stagnating—or worse, backsliding.
Scope 3 emissions, which comprise the bulk of overall GHG emissions, can be the hardest for industry players to address. Fashion operates on razor-thin margins, so it’s not surprising that without the security of sustained business from brands or a good-faith cash infusion, many suppliers are unable or unwilling to pony up the funds to revamp their operations. |
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How some members of Congress are advocating that the federal government take an active role in fostering the growth of sustainable fiber production in the United States.
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The key levers that brands must engage to have an impact on their emissions.
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Which UK brand has the highest B Corp score for a small-medium fashion company.
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How Inditex and H&M Group are snapping up “circular” polyester.
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Where Patagonia and Zalando placed million-dollar bets to separate the fibers in polyester-cotton-blended clothing and transmute them into new garments.
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Why AI might help solve sustainability problems but the technology itself is energy intensive to train and use.
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How climate change is (literally) heating up challenges for factory workers.
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