Sustainability Pulse #133
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring - June 22nd, 2026
Sustainability is having an strage month! Shein’s acquisition of Everlane shows how “ethical fashion” has become a hot topic, and not always for the best reasons. Meanwhile, Ralph Lauren’s decision to pivot from its net-zero target invites us to think about the future of fashion as a whole. On a “brighter “note, brands are creatively reimagining sustainability as “wellness,” demonstrating flexibility in their approach. Plus, innovations in fabric - from mushrooms and milk to spider silk - are truly exciting! It’s a reminder that when sustainability is treated as a core value rather than just a trend, we can unlock incredible possibilities.
Let’s delve into it.
How much clothing is too much? The math behind having a sustainable wardrobe
Most people suspect they own too many clothes, but they aren’t sure exactly what the “right amount” is. Recent wardrobe studies, in which researchers literally peek inside people’s closets, show the scale of the problem is far greater than most of us imagine.
Hope and Hard Truths: What we learned at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen
This year’s theme was ‘Building Resilient Futures’, with an Innovation Forum showcasing sustainable startups, action-oriented networking, and a range of panel discussions focusing on strengthening the fashion industry’s agility and long-term viability.
It’s the End of an Era for Everlane
Shein’s recent acquisition of the sustainable apparel brand has left the industry fearful for the future of clean, ethical fashion.
Ralph Lauren Resets Sustainability Plan After Dropping Net-Zero Target
The company is shifting to shorter-term, measurable goals after dropping its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 last year.
How much clothing is too much? The maths behind having a sustainable wardrobe
Sixty years ago, the average person owned about 40 garments.
Today, that number has more than quadrupled.
Fast fashion may seem cheap, but it’s taking a costly toll on the planet − and on millions of young customers
Changes in consumer habits, new technologies and legislation can each help reduce demand for unsustainable fashion. The cost of cheap clothes worn a few times also adds up. Next time you buy clothing, think about the long-term value to you and the planet.
John Lewis invests £50m in five stores as £800m estate transformation continues
The £50m spend is the latest phase of an £800m multi-year programme covering stores, services, technology andhospitality. The retailer said every John Lewis shop would receive investment over time, designed to respond to changing customer expectations around inspiration, expert advice and cross-channel shopping.
Allbirds completes AI pivot, rebrands as Smartbird after $39m asset sale
The $39 million sale of the Allbirds footwear brands and related assets to the to American Exchange Group (AXNY) and WSG Brands was completed on the 17 June, with the company formerly known as Allbirds now speeding ahead with its AI-pivot.
Inside Source Fashion’s growing commitment to UK manufacturing
At the July 2026 edition, UK manufacturers are set to become the second-largest country presence at Source Fashion after China, with between 40–45 British manufacturers and businesses expected to exhibit across the show floor.
What to wear in the next heatwave (that’s actually breathable)
Avoid polyester and excessive consumption in favor of elegant linen and bamboo, and you’ll have a recipe for a wardrobe that lasts
Inside Rainbow’s AI clash with its fashion models
The retailer warned its fashion models that AI meant fewer jobs. Then their doppelgängers appeared.
Fashion Retail Adopts AI Across Shopping and Design
WWD reports that major fashion retailers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence across shopping, design andcustomer engagement. The article says companies vary in the depth of their adoption, with some offering rhetorical support for AI while others embed the technology into their operations.
Sustainable fashion isn’t a standalone category
We need scale to improve efficiencies, and small brands can work with large brands to innovate.
Consumers Say Sustainability Language Remains Confusing, Study Finds
Health and wellness have emerged as new clothing concerns for respondents to the latest Paris Good Fashion survey.
Paris Good Fashion’s second public consultation highlights a glaring lack of clear information on sustainable fashion
The Paris Good Fashion public consultation revealed a key question: should we focus on quality fashion instead of sustainable fashion? The findings were presented on June 10 at the Institut Français de la Mode, with support from several industry players, including Galeries Lafayette, Etam Group, and Lacoste.
AI-referred US shoppers browse longer, spend more per visit, data shows
U.S. shoppers who use large language models, including Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT, for purchase recommendations are lingering more on retailers’ websites and are more likely to spend, according to May data from Adobe Analytics.
H&M: Who are the winners of the 2026 Global Change Award?
On Monday, the H&M Foundation announced the 10 winning projects in its innovation competition, the Global Change Award 2026, which targets organisations driving the textile industry’s sustainable transition. The prize comes with tailored support to accelerate their growth.
This $1,000 handbag is made from orange peels, and fashionistas can’t get enough
It has already appeared at Fashion Week and in major fashion publications like Vogue and Elle.
A textile revolution underway: mushroom-based materials, milk, and spider silk reinvent sustainable fashion
The goal is clear: to decrease the use of natural resources, reduce emissions, and offer alternatives that combine innovation, design, and ecological awareness.
A fifth company ends its collaboration with Milan Fashion Week following protests against the use of fur
Lutech, a technology company based in Milan that provides technological support to the Milan Fashion Week, has officially ended its partnership with Milan Fashion Week due to the continued use of fur.
Sustainable Fashion’s New Marketing Angle Is All About Wellness
As sustainability loses its allure, brands are reframing their messaging around use of natural fibres or avoidance of chemicals to appeal to customers.
Read More (Under Paywall)
Welcome to the summer of ‘Butter Yellow,’ the shade of consumer anxiety
Why did America collectively decide this summer that it wanted to paints its nails, wear sun dresses and polo shirts, even stream old movies, featuring a queasy shade of yellow that looks like nothing more than a stick of butter on the top shelf of the fridge?
Psychology says women who return clothes often after ordering online aren’t indecisive or always making impulsive decisions:
What this shopping habit really means?
6 British Creative Directors on Sustainability’s Toughest Challenge
Four years ago, the British Fashion Council (BFC) secured government funding for an ambitious sustainability project: helping the small businesses that make up the bulk of the British fashion industry tackle decarbonization.
How brands’ low T-shirt pricing impacts supplier labor conditions: report
Keeping T-shirt prices at unsustainably low levels, despite inflation, spurs negative consequences for workers’ wages and safety, according to nonprofits Clean Clothes Campaign and Public Eye.
Textile Trends 2026: What’s Next for Sustainable Fabrics
Innovative textile machinery companies play a supporting role here. By enabling efficient cutting and minimizing waste, they help manufacturers align with circularity goals without compromising productivity.
Reformation Eyes Summer IPO as It Prepares for Wall Street Debut
The sustainable fashion company from the United States is planning a public sale this July to enter the stock market. With projections set at exceeding $500 million in revenue this year, the brand is poised for growth.
Fashion Outlook 2026: The Ten Largest Retail Groups
Inditex, H&M, and Fast Retailing continue to top the global fashion distribution podium, claiming gold, silver, and bronze respectively. However, the Japanese giant edges closer to its Swedish counterpart. Bestseller climbs a spot, while Italian newcomer Oniverse breaks into the ranks.
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.