Sustainability Pulse #69
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — August 14th, 2023
Hey there, fashion enthusiast!
Here's your friendly update on the eco-side of things. Despite promising moves post the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy, many big fashion names still need to mum about fair wages. But let's celebrate the bright spots: 19 brands have taken the pledge with ACT on Living Wages!
For all the business leaders out there, remember you wield the power to turn fashion green and glamorous. And speaking of fashion, it's about more than just what's on the runway. Sustainability is becoming a lifestyle, reshaping wardrobes everywhere.
Been on the fence about fast fashion? Well, there's an exciting deep dive exploring its environmental impact. Meanwhile, Martin and Shell are all ears, sharing tips on breathing new life into old outfits.
The future of fabrics? Think biodegradable textiles and functional, fashionable smart fabrics. Oh, and a shoutout to Werewool for their glow-in-the-dark threads—yoga sessions just got a luminous upgrade.
Fashion and tech had a rendezvous in Amsterdam, and let's say it’s an exciting union. And if you've ever returned a dress or two, ever wonder about its journey post-return? It's more than just restocking.
Lastly, the UN has a fashion tip for us: it's all about promoting sustainability over endless shopping.
So, keep it chic and eco-conscious, and until next time, stay green and gorgeous! 🌱
Failure to lift 'exploitative' wages tests fashion firms’ commitment to human rights
Increased governance put in place in Bangladesh in wake of 2013 Rana Plaza disaster
99% of major fashion brands aren't disclosing number of supply chain workers on a living wage
Gap between minimum and living wages in 28 garment-producing countries estimated at 48.5%
Greater industry collaboration key to addressing human rights abuses in the textile supply chain
19 brands have signed up to ACT on Living Wages to drive higher wages across the sector
How Business Leaders Can Encourage More Sustainable Fashion Practices
By incorporating more sustainable fashion practices into your life, you can influence your team members to do the same.
From runway to conscious wardrobe: Embracing sustainable fashion trends
The journey from runway to consumers' wardrobe represents a fundamental shift in the fashion landscape. Sustainable fashion represents clothing and is also responsible for an ethical and responsible way of living. As the demand for eco-friendly grows, the fashion industry's future looks brighter and more ethical.
(Inputs by Arpita Shukla, Founder & CEO, Drywa Store)
Towards sustainable fashion apparel supply chains
As transparency and sustainability become defining factors in consumer choices, luxury brands have an opportunity to drive responsible practices within the industry.
Should we put fast fashion in the recycling bin?
Should we put fast fashion in the recycling bin? In this episode of The Road to Green we shop with sustainable fashionista Deimantė Bulbenkaitė, get insight from Vinted's Adam Jay, explain the EU's QR clothing passport, and witness ancient wool recycling.
Talking Textiles and the Trajectory of Sustainable Fashion
Though they come from different backgrounds, Martin and Shell bring enthusiasm for textiles and sustainability. Listen in to hear the tips and tricks of their trades, and hear some helpful heaps of advice on what to do with your clothing and household items that no longer serve you.
Exploring Upcoming Trends in Fabric
The textile industry’s future holds exciting possibilities with upcoming trends. Sustainable materials, smart fabrics, customization, and biodegradable textiles will shape the landscape. Fabrics are expected to be beautiful, functional, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible, empowering individuals to express themselves responsibly.
Can nature inspire sustainable fashion?
A string-like fiber glows pink under a black light on a lab bench in Brooklyn, New York. The strand loses its fluorescence in natural light but keeps its rosy hue. Researchers at Werewool, a startup, aim to one day spin these fibers into yarn for fabric. Think hot pink yoga pants, says the company’s co-founder and chief science officer, Theanne Schiros.
Exploring the intersection of fashion with technology
Global technology company Reaktor invited Just Style to attend its first-ever Tech For Fashion event on 15 June in Amsterdam filled with thought-provoking panel discussions centred around the benefits of using technology to reshape the fashion and lifestyle retail industry.
Miami's Fashom partners with local retailers, using AI tech to enhance fashion sustainability
In a world filled with fast-fashion, where, according to an analysis by Business Insider, fashion production comprises 10 percent of total global carbon emissions (equivalent to the European Union), retailers, companies, and designers are thinking of new ways to enhance sustainability within the industry.
The scandalous reality of fashion retail’s returns
Fashion businesses only resell some of the returned items they receive from customers, making a deep dent in profitability and the planet. Drapers examines what happens to this unwanted product, why retailers do not take it back, and what needs to change to reduce its environmental impact.
The United Nations to Fashion: Stop Pushing Overconsumption
The United Nations Environment Programme and UN-backed Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action want the sector’s marketing machine to push more sustainable lifestyles.
FIU and tech futurist Cathy Hackl announce the launch of Virtual Fashion Design Endowed Scholarship
The scholarship is among the first in the world focused on the future of fashion and luxury in the age of artificial intelligence, augmented reality and spatial computing.
[PV Talk] – Actual consumer behavior regarding sustainable fashion
The study is international in scope, so behaviors in France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the USA can be compared. In addition, comparisons are drawn with the pre-Covid period in 2019, making it possible to measure the evolution of eco-responsible fashion in recent years.
Changing Environmental Regulation and Crackdown on Greenwashing in the Fashion Industry
After years of little concrete action aside from international pacts like the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion and company-led voluntary initiatives, the EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles signals that the EU intends to pass laws to tackle the fashion industry’s overproduction crisis, and drastically reduce the waste, pollution and labor rights infringement it is responsible for.
Sustainable Fashion As Oxymoron: Interrogating Your Business Practices
Adam Taubenfligel is an author & co-founder, creative director and responsibility lead at denim brand Triarchy.
SAPPHIRE TEXTILE MILLS JOINS FORCES WITH SOURCERY
Pakistan-based Sapphire Textile Mills has joined the Direct-to-Grower program of Sourcery. This comprehensive global sourcing solution connects brands, manufacturers, and growers on a platform that facilitates transparency along the entire textile value chain.
How Epic Games became fashion’s unlikeliest bedfellow
Epic Games wants to grow beyond Fortnite and sees fashion as a way to do that. Its platform and tools have propelled fashion’s metaverse ambitions in the past year — but can it keep it up at scale?
Vera
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