Sustainability Pulse #56
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — October 30th, 2022
Has Fashion Found Circular Success?
Beyond bringing more sustainable products to market, fashion must find ways to extend the life of products, and to own their post-sale journeys.
How Banana Republic Became a Bright Spot in Gap Inc.’s Portfolio
The mall retailer saw sales rise after swapping generic office clothes for a stronger point-of-view inspired by its safari-themed origins. The new look wasn’t for everyone — and that was the point.
Madewell Doubles Down On Its Commitment To Sustainability
As part of its continued commitment to transparency, the brand recently released its third annual “Do Well” Report, which analyzes Madewell’s positive impact on environmental goals.
California governor signs bill phasing out PFAS “forever chemicals” in clothing and other textiles
New ban follows Washington state law and Toxic-Free Future study finding toxic PFAS in most products labeled stain- and water-resistant including apparel, bedding, tablecloths, and napkins.
REI members nationwide rally at REI stores this week, following company inaction
Spanning 12 cities in 11 states, REI customers will deliver a petition with more than 130,000 signatures demanding action on PFAS “forever chemicals”
Competitor Patagonia already committed to phase out all PFAS in products by 2024, yet REI has failed to set a timeline to ban PFAS
Social commerce: The future of how consumers interact with brands
Browsing and shopping directly on social media platforms is a core feature of e-commerce in China. Now, this dynamic new way of buying is poised for rapid growth in the United States.
One Of The Most Critical Environmental Stories To Have Escaped The Headlines
In late summer, Renewcell started making textiles from used clothes. The fashion industry, dependent on wood to make some fabrics, is driven to save ancient trees and endangered rainforests. The Swedish company will produce 60,000 tons of recycled clothing this year and double that next year. That's the equivalent of recycling 300 million T-shirts.
Adidas terminates partnership with Kanye West
On Tuesday, the sportswear maker said it "does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech" and said that his recent comments were "unacceptable, hateful and dangerous." Adidas said they violated the company's "values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness."
BLUE CAST: SORTILE CO-FOUNDER CONSTANZA GOMEZ ON SOLVING TEXTILE SORTING
Sortile is on a mission to simplify this process through technology. For the second episode of Blue Cast's four-part Circularity Solutionist series in partnership with the Fashion Impact Fund, Lenzing's Tricia Carey spoke with Constanza Gomez, Sortile's co-founder and CEO. The startup uses machine learning and algorithms to determine garments' material makeup, helping reduce errors and costs.
Zara to launch ‘pre-owned’ platform
Zara will launch a new “Zara Pre-Owned” repair, resale and donation platform in UK stores, online and via its app on 3 November.
Supporting the transition to sustainable fashion practices – the ReModelling Futures Method
The Remodelling Fashion project was led as a co-enquiry between academic researchers and industry. Discussion and workshops with small and large businesses, as well as with students produced a method to address sustainability from the very early stages of the design and business model development process.
The Best Non-Toxic and Sustainable Diapers
For all new parents out there. Companies are out to find the most cost-effective way to produce a product that everyone needs, and they don’t always center on our precious youth’s health. Welcome to the diaper industry.
Could the Uyghur Human Rights Crisis Finally Force Fashion to Reveal Its Supply Chain?
Blockchain technology has long promised to democratize information. New legislation might finally push the fashion industry into a new era of transparency.
Why Patagonia’s purpose-driven business model is unlikely to spread
In a letter posted to the company’s site, Yvon Chouinard noted that “instead of going public” by selling Patagonia shares to investors, “you could say we’re ‘going purpose.’” The family has permanently transferred its ownership to a trust and a nonprofit.
Fashion brands must embrace sustainable clothing production
It's time to persuade fashion high street brands to embrace a more sustainable approach to clothing production, writes Dr Alan Hudd, the founder of digital textile dyeing and finishing company, Alchemie Technology.
HBI Dominican Republic Launches Sustainable Fashion Project
HBI in the Dominican Republic has partnered with the Slow Fashion Foundation and a group of public and private entities to launch the Textile Recovery Project, helping to transform the fashion and apparel industry into a more environmentally friendly business.
61% People Choose Price Over Sustainability: What Does That Mean for Business?
Does it mean retailers may have to offer more accessibility to help consumers continue embracing it, given that inflation is worsening?
Top 9 Technology Trends Reshaping The Fashion Industry In 2022
As one of the biggest industries in the world, projected to rack up to $3.3 trillion by 2030, it’s surprising to learn that the way fashion operates today hasn't changed that much in the past twenty years.
How fast fashion uses human psychology to keep you buying more
Professor Mike Kyrios, a clinical psychologist from Flinders University, is interested in the ways that shopping shapes us.
Do Fashion Brands Need to ‘BeReal?’
The new social media app has skyrocketed in popularity over the past year, and brands are still working out whether they have a place on the platform.
Digital fashion and the Metaverse: a new way for people to experience fashion
Digital fashion – from tailoring your avatar to virtual red carpets – can satisfy the desire for consumption, but in a more sustainable way.
Vera
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