Many argue that fashion is incompatible with sustainability and that the term itself is an oxymoron, highlighting the tension between the industry's need for constant innovation and the goal of creating environmentally and socially responsible clothing.
Critics point to the resource-intensive processes involved in textile production, the carbon footprint of transportation that amounts to 10% of the industry’s emissions, and the complexities of recycling as factors that make achieving true sustainability in fashion an almost impossible task. Additionally, the pressure to constantly deliver new styles often leads to missing ethical labor practices.
While there is a growing movement towards eco-friendly materials and ethical production, the fashion industry faces the challenge of navigating this balance between style, profitability, and sustainability.
A recent study by the environmental advocacy group Stand.earth exposes the role of 47 of the largest fashion companies in intensifying climate change through the release of greenhouse gases across their supply chains. The findings indicate that none of these companies are on track to cut their emissions by 50% by 2030, the necessary target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7 degrees Fahrenheit) and prevent the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. This includes even famed eco-brands like Patagonia or Allbirds.
When brands claim to be climate-neutral or positive, they typically mean that their stores and offices operate on renewable energy and that they compensate for emissions related to the production of their materials. However, the crucial aspect often overlooked is the emissions originating from their manufacturing processes."80% of a fashion company's emissions come from their manufacturing plants" says Muhannad Malas, Stand.earth’s senior climate campaigner and author of this report. Since 99% of fashion brands do not own their factories, it’s easy for them to ignore their biggest emissions contributions as someone else’s problem often on another continent.
“Lately, we’ve been hearing innumerable PR announcements about fashion brands taking action towards sustainability,” says Malas, “but honestly, we’re hearing almost nothing about what the fashion sector is planning to significantly cut fossil fuels from its supply chain. Fossil fuels constitute a significant source of climate emissions, and this industry stands as one of the leading contributors to global climate emissions.”
However, the power to effect change isn't exclusive to large corporations. Smaller companies, like ours, can swiftly shift toward sustainability by choosing eco-friendly suppliers, adopting low-emission shipping and packaging, and relying on more sustainable materials, like leftovers.