Planet
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries, and discussing its effect on the planet is essential. Textiles are said to make up 85% of landfills, and the fashion industry contributes up to 20% of water pollution. With figures as high as these, it is essential for all stakeholders in fashion to assess how they can play their roles in protecting the planet.
The term ‘circular economy’ has been discussed by those pushing brands to employ new business models that allow for a more sustainable way of business. A circular economy refers to a system where nature is restored, and materials have a long life of being reused; in other words, no wastage. It is a business model that is restorative as well as regenerative. For example, a brand that utilises the circular economy model is Patagonia, which offers repairs and the option to trade in used Patagonia clothing for in-store credits. They also commit to making the production part of business more sustainable by using organic and sustainable materials, ensuring materials have a long life throughout the cycle.
As fashion massively pollutes the planet, it is vital for businesses to change their approaches. Fashion is an unsustainable industry due to the mass overconsumption of fast fashion. Fashion is unsustainable in every stage of business, from farming natural materials with heavy pesticides to clothes being disposed of at a landfill. The clothes people wear can hold so much meaning to them. However, as of recently, social media has been promoting a culture of overconsumption, meaning people have become increasingly interested in following short-lived trends. Additionally, it is estimated that nearly half of all online purchases are returned. Excess returns are burning more and more of the words finite resources. Although the majority of brands are trying to progress in their sustainability, consumer behaviour and business overproduction appear to be growing. This is something the United Nations has made a Sustainable Development Goal where they are aiming to make consumption and production more responsible by 2030. The UN has made a platform educating various groups of people on circularity and arguing that it is in the interest of all stakeholders, including those concerned about a potential loss of profit if they adopt circularity. They argue that circularity can also benefit many social problems, such as jobs, citizens’ health, and, of course, the environment.
References:
Filho, W. L., Perry, P., Heim, H., Dinis, M. A. P., Moda, H., Ebhuoma, E., & Paço, A. (2022). An overview of the contribution of the textiles sector to climate change. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.973102
Morlet, A., Opsomer, R., Herrmann, S., Balmond, L., Gillet, C., and Fuchs, L. (2017). A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future. Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Stöcker, B., Baier, D., & Brand, B. M. (2021). New insights in online fashion retail returns from a customers’ perspective and their dynamics. Journal of Business Economics, 91(Z) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-021-01032-1
Nasr, N. Z. (2018). Redefining Value The Manufacturing Revolution.