Sustainability Pulse #125
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring - December 1, 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, the industry stands at a turning point: emissions are creeping up again, ultra-fast fashion is under heavier scrutiny than ever, and yet real innovation is accelerating faster than expected. From rival sneaker giants finally joining forces on recycling to groundbreaking EU rules that will soon score every garment’s actual environmental cost, collaboration and accountability are no longer nice-to-haves; they’re non-negotiable.
In this edition, we read about modular clothing that reassembles itself. These fading-proof dyes could slash water use by half, the quiet rise of authentic indie labels like Rita Row, and why leading CEOs are being told that individual brand pledges are not enough; we need collective systems change to hit net-zero.
The signals are clear: the brands (and consumers) who move from greenwashing to genuine impact in the next 12 months will shape the future of fashion.
Let’s dive in.
The answer to sneaker recycling? Getting rival brands to collaborate
A group of sustainability experts from brands like Brooks and New Balance are collaborating to build the shoe recyclingtechnology of the future.
Evri delivers millions more parcels this year as second-handeconomy booms
The company, which was at the bottom of Ofcom’s latest customer satisfaction survey, said it was “delivering more parcels than ever”.
Our Pacific neighbours are drowning in fast fashion. And we’re the ones to blame
Most of us don’t spare a thought for where our clothes go once we donate or bin them.
But a new short documentary, Good Neighbours, urges us to consider the impact of Australia’s fast fashion habit on our Pacific neighbours.
The Interview: Elizabeth Scarlett founder on 10 years of growth, strategic collaborations, and purpose-driven business
From garden centres to gift shops and department stores, Elizabeth Scarlett has become renowned for its embroidered bags and accessories for travel, beauty, and everything in between. And it’s not just a pretty brand - through meaningful charity partnerships, it’s a giving one, too.
Chat 10 with Elena Lisman | Starting a Luxury Plant-Based Handbag Brand
Sustainability Chats with Friends interviewd Elena and dived into the reality of creating a sustainably-minded luxury fashion brand, so you will hear perspectives on:
✦ Sourcing innovative materials, finding high-quality manufacturing partners, and overcoming production challenges
✦ Building a loyal customer base through social media
✦ The real challenges of running a startup
If you’re curious about plant-based products, artisanal supply chains, and social media conversion, you’ll enjoy this one.
The answer to sneaker recycling? Getting rival brands to collaborate
A group of sustainability experts from brands like Brooks and New Balance are collaborating to build the shoe recyclingtechnology of the future.
TheIndustry.fashion Scale-up Sessions: Finance and funding to power growth
Finance and logistics are key growth pillars of any business large or small. Whether you’re expanding your operations domestically or internationally, exploring new sectors, or branching into new channels, mastering these disciplines is essential for success.
New software designs eco-friendly clothing that can reassemble into new items
To reduce waste, the Refashion program helps users create outlines for adaptable clothing, such as pants that can be reconfigured into a dress. Each component of these pieces can be replaced, rearranged, or restyled.
Everlane maps the life of its new EverPuff jacket beyond the first owner
Everlane’s EverPuff jacket, priced at USD 298, emphasizes a sustainable lifecycle that includes purchase, potential repair, resale through the Re:Everlane platform, and recycling when the jacket can no longer be worn. Made from certified recycled materials, including its down insulation and water-resistant shell, the jacket is constructed from mono-materials for easy disassembly. A repair warranty highlights the idea that ownership involves maintenance rather than disposal.
Hip handbag maker Coach ‘linked to Brazilian deforestation’
The brand is alleged to have sourced leather from a tannery linked to deforestation in the part of the country hosting Cop30
‘Fashion has the power to create jobs, preserve culture and transform lives’: isLagos the world’s most exciting fashion week?
Since its inception 15 years ago, the Nigerian event has established itself on the international fashion calendar. Platforming sustainability and social issues, and showcasing local talent, it’s doing things a little differently
RESALE REPORT2025
The global secondhand apparel market is expected to reach$367 billion by 2029.
This year’s Resale Report reveals that as consumers are increasingly thinking secondhand first, the retail industry is adopting powerful new pathways for resale. From the integration of social commerce and innovative AI applications to the establishment of trade organizations and interfacing with government and policymakers – it’s clear why resale is seeing accelerated growth.
– James Reinhart, ThredUp CEO
TRAILBLAZER PROGRAMME
The PDS Limited and PDS Ventures Trailblazer Award in partnership with Global Fashion Agenda is back! The award offers investment and recognition to a startup whose solution tackles one or more of the three following areas: Working with Nature, Closed-loop Pathways, Tech-enabled Transformation.
Individuals and companies are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open until 5 December 2025
Eileen Fisher’s Business Case for Sustainability
The certified B Corporation has an almost cult-like following among its very eco-minded consumers, and sustainability factors prominently in sourcing, manufacturing, worker treatment, consumer marketing and more.
Recover unveils premium low-impact fabrics to boost sustainable fashion
Spanish materials science company Recover aims to make “premium, low-impact fabrics” accessible to brands of all sizes with the launch of its new product line, Recover Fabrics.
How 55 Leading Fashion CEOs are Accelerating Sustainability
Leaders from the likes of CHANEL, Kering, Moncler Group and Prada Group have launched an accelerator initiative to improve supplier sustainability
Ultra-Fast Fashion Blamed For Industry’s First Rise In Carbon Emissions In Four Years
The Apparel Impact Institute’s latest Roadmap to Net Zero report shows that fashion’s carbon emissions rose 7.5% in 2023, the first-time emissions have risen since it started collating the data in 2019. It has linked the rise to increased use of virgin polyester and production of clothing.
Solving Fashion’s Fade Problem
Color fade is a hidden sustainability crisis. When garments lose their vibrancy after just a few wears or washes, consumers discard them prematurely. This undermines the fashion industry’s sustainability goals and negates brand investments in sustainable materials and production.
Brand Radar: Rita Row: Sustainable Spanish Style Goes Global
The label was established by designers Imma Serra and Xènia Semis in mid-2013. What began as a small independent studio in Girona has grown steadily into an international brand.
10 sustainable fashion trends to watch in 2025
Here’s how experts at fashion brands and advocacy groups expect tariffs, policies and material innovations will shape the industry in the year ahead.
Vera
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.