Once abundant, now scarce, the fashion ecosystem is instrumental in the exploitation of the planet’s finite resources. As universally relied on resources diminish, it is fundamental that the future of this resource intensive industry is approached in an opportunistic, responsible manner, that yearns for change and utilises pre-existing garments. With “predicted carbon emissions of approximately 2.7 billion metric tons a year by 2030 if no abatement actions are taken” (Mckinsey, 2020), this becomes demandingly more pertinent.
The adoption of a circular economy puts this into practice. Circularity removes the concept that there is an end to a garment’s lifecycle, but instead “prioritises clothes and textiles being kept at their highest value during use and re-entering the economy after use, never ending up as waste” (Alison Gwilt, 2014). Moreover, CE’s regard to amending prior consumption and production weaknesses as identified in the linear economy model of take-make-waste and instead establishing inputs as renewable, ensures and regulates the decline of environmental degradation.
Navigating the second most ecologically destructive industry, where fast-fashion, overproduction and consumption is omnipresent, supported by brands, and thus regularised by consumers, is challenging when attempting the imposition of sustainability. A sense of compromise needs to be necessary when delivering present needs, considering the longevity of ecological resources. Operating as a relatively sweeping and umbrella term, sustainability, can frequently lack significance and meaning to many. Ultimately, the sustainability matrix in relation to fashion most notably involves the sustained methods of creation and consumption, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of biodiversity and safe labour conditions.
Universal attention has been drawn to ecological and social protection through the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, established by the United Nations in 2015. Regarding the fashion eco-system, the twelfth goal, responsible consumption and production, is of most relevance. With 85% of non-degradable textiles being sent to landfills annually (Igini, 2023), production and design processes must innovatively prioritise the consideration of a products life cycle and renewable inputs to ensure circularity and sustainability. Moreover, Drapers Sustainability Report discusses the issues regarding supply, emphasising the shift to a demand-driven, made to order model and its positive implications on finance, sustainable and labour conditions (Moran, 2022). Adopting a made-to-order system is a method in which this sector can adhere to this SDG, preventing over-production and consumption. Ultimately, this SDG initiates the industries evident need for change regarding their unsustainable practices by 2030.
Bibliography
Mckinsey. (2020). Fashion on Climate Report.
Alison Gwilt. (2014). Page 10. A Practical Guide to Sustainable Fashion.
Martina Igini (2023). 10 Concerning Fast Fashion Waste Statistics.
Graeme Moran. (2022). Collaborating for Change: Sustainability Report 2022.