Sustainability Pulse #108
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — Feb 20, 2025
Sustainability in fashion has evolved from a mere buzzword to a transformative force revolutionizing the industry.
As consumers increasingly demand transparency, ethical sourcing, and circular design, sustainable startups are at the forefront, demonstrating that profitability and responsibility coexist seamlessly. From cutting-edge repair services to precision sizing and innovative materials like cactus leather, these trailblazers are redefining traditional production models while meeting the growing consumer appetite for fashion that reflects their values.
The conversation has shifted; it’s no longer about whether sustainability belongs in fashion but how brands can authentically embed it into their practices without succumbing to greenwashing.
This week’s roundup explores the dynamic landscape of sustainable fashion, from legislative efforts driving accountability to emerging markets opening doors for ethical production. Industry veterans are also reimagining their strategies as secondhand shopping goes mainstream and repair initiatives gain momentum.
One thing is sure: the future of fashion is being shaped by those who embrace adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to impact over excess.
Why Sustainable Startups Lead The Charge In The Fashion Industry
The fashion industry has long been associated with rapid production cycles, mass consumption, and environmental waste. However, a new wave of startups is proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Sustainable fashion presents promising niche market for textile manufacturers
The combination of sustainability and culture will open up more opportunities for Vietnamese textile enterprises to strengthen their position in the global market and capture the promising Nordic fashion market.
Sustainability is a lasting fashion statement
Marco Valverde, the apparel national practice leader at Moss Adams, writes that brands can build consumer trust and increase shareholder value by considering ESG impacts.
Can Brands Still Make the Case for Sustainable Fashion?
In a climate where consumers are wary of greenwashing and a backlash against “woke capitalism” takes shape, brands peddling sustainability messaging have to treat the topic with a degree of irreverence and put the product first.
Gore-Tex launches online repair portal
Outerwear specialist Gore-Tex is the latest brand to launch a repair service, with a new online portal powered by United Repair Centre.
‘People want clothes that match their values’: sustainability takes centre stage at Nairobi fashion week
As the dumping of textile waste continues in African countries, designers are making a feature of reusing and recycling – from flea markets, landfill or upcycled curtains
How sustainable fashion trends in 2025 are worth the weight
It’s no secret that second hand shopping trends have increased dramatically since 2024 – with platforms like Vinted and Ebay sponsoring mainstream television, the shift in attitude to thrifting is massive. But is this enough?
Investigation exposes disturbing truth behind some of the world's top clothing brands: 'Serious abuses'
This discovery highlights the questionable ethics of fast-fashion giants.
Precision Sizing and Sustainability: Innovations Shaping the Future of Leather Jackets
The perfect fit has been a long-standing concern in the fashion industry. Ill-fitting garments lead to dissatisfaction not only among customers but also increased return and exchange rates, causing increased carbon emissions due to additional transportation.
LCF pens sustainability partnership with new business platform
The London College of Fashion has teamed up with a new sustainable fashion platform to help link students with ethical suppliers, buyers and brands.
Wear the Future embarks on another Digital Cruise through sustainable fashion
Following its first digital runway show dedicated to sustainable fashion in October of last year, LA-based PR showroom agency Wear the Future is presenting Digital Cruise II “Earth Voyage”, a virtual show created in partnership with video game developer EA Games.
Gap to launch seasonal vintage drops throughout the year
The project, GapVintage, continues the apparel brand’s partnership with curator Sean Wotherspoon.
How to be more sustainable while being fashionable
Young people in Singapore say they want to shop more sustainably. Here are four tips from the experts – from finding cheap thrifting places to doing clothes swops.
Amy Powney Departs Mother of Pearl to Launch New Brand
The sustainable fashion pioneer and creative director will debut her new label, Akyn, in May.
US state legislatures take aim at fashion’s sustainability and safety concerns
The new regulations are designed to protect workers, consumers, and the environment, but there are still hurdles to face between passing the bills and implementing them.
Fashion supply chains: 2025’s risks and trends
A dynamic policy landscape and ongoing de minimis scrutiny are shaping an era of uncertainty for apparel brands and retailers.
Everlane’s Sustainable Fashion: Top Picks for Mature Women
Today, I’m sharing about Sustainable Fashion from Everlane, including my top picks for mature women. Are you familiar with Everlane? This fashion brand is making waves in the fashion industry with its commitment to sustainability, ethical labor practices, and eco-friendly materials.
How can brands utilise app commerce to improve business?
Poq, which was founded in 2011, coined the term "app commerce" and has since gone on to sign up some of fashion and retail's biggest names as clients, including E.l.f Beauty and Sosandar. Its technology allows retailers to make use of in-app and in-store data to gain "actionable insights" into customer behavior and to identify the best growth opportunities.
Detroit studio teaches sustainability with hands-on textile workshops
Meg Navoy, founder of Rosemarine Textiles, is leading workshops on sustainable textile practices, guiding participants on mending and natural dyeing to prolong the life of their clothing, and promoting a mindset of clothing care.
California’s Fashion Environmental Accountability Act: Proposed Regulations for Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
Starting in 2026, fashion brands would be required to publicly disclose, and annually thereafter, their scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, and their scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in 2027.
This designer is using cactus leather to craft sustainable and stylish accessories.
NEW YORK -- Santos by Mónica is a small business that crafts sustainable, beautiful accessories using cactus leather, an unexpected material.
Helmed by designer Mónica Santos, the brand first launched in 2020, with Santos hand-making each bag at her home studio.
Marks & Spencer boss says Government must 'act now' as Budget risks shrinking UK retail
The boss of Marks & Spencer has warned that the Government’s Budget policies could shrink the UK’s retail sector, squeeze jobs and slow wage growth.
The Fashion Industry Must Change
Fashion often reflects culture, but what does it say about us when it harms the environment and living beings?
The fast fashion industry prioritizes cheap production, resulting in around 100 billion garments made yearly, with 87% ending in landfills and only 1% being recycled. Toxic processing pollutes freshwater systems and threatens biodiversity, as 200 million trees are cut down annually for fibers. Additionally, 69% of clothes are made from crude oil, and washing them accounts for 35% of ocean microplastics. Microfibers contaminate the food chain, air, and soil, seriously threatening our health and existence.
Sustainable fashion takes center stage at Muncie clothingswap
In order to reduce fashion waste, Sustainable Fashion aims to give life to old clothes.
Who are the best and worst performers on carbon emissions in fashion?
Emission profiles vary significantly across the luxury, mass, premium and sportswear segments.
I really hope you're enjoying The Sustainability Pulse, my weekly newsletter looking at sustainability in the fashion industry. If you find the tips and insights useful, please share these articles to help spread the word.