Sustainability Pulse #73
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — November 14, 2023
Hey there, sustainability lovers!
Welcome to the latest issue of The Sustainability Pulse, a curated selection of headlines and news articles focusing on the world of sustainable fashion.
This edition highlights how Gen Z transforms luxury market values, emphasizing sustainability over traditional status symbols.
The featured stories include an insightful look into designer Mara Hoffman's journey towards sustainable fashion, a perspective on the fashion industry's focus on environmental impact over supply chain worker welfare, and the intriguing acquisition of LXR by Fashionphile, which marks a significant step in prolonging the lifespan of luxury accessories.
I also highlight Better Cotton's groundbreaking traceability solution in the cotton sector, the pressing need for funding in supply chain innovation, and Levi Strauss & Co.'s critical view on fashion resale programs.
Other articles cover the interplay of fashion and electronics, the fashion industry's energy consumption and AI usage, Shein's acquisition of Missguided, eBay's unique approach to authentic streetwear in New York, and the environmental toll of the luxury fashion sector.
Rounding off this issue, I present CETIA's innovative use of AI in textile recycling, a new Irish online marketplace that marries sustainability with affordability, and concerning research about the leakage of plastic additives into our oceans.
Each piece in this edition has been selected to inform, inspire, and engage you in the ongoing conversation about sustainability in fashion.
Remember to share these articles to help spread awareness and encourage positive change in the industry.
Happy reading!
Gen Zers are redefining the values of the luxury market. Status and prestige are out–sustainability and inclusivity are in
A mere five ago, these developments would have felt jarring for the luxury sector. Today, they seem entirely culturally relevant.
Mara Hoffman knows that there is no such thing as sustainable fashion.
In 2015, the designer had a moment of reckoning. Now, she's doing all she can to mitigate her brand's effect on climate change, including partnering with and championing technology companies developing cleaner ways to manufacture clothes.
FASHIONPHILE Acquires the LXR Brand: Here's What You Need to Know
Fashionphile acquired LXR after the latter closed its online doors. This acquisition was made to preserve the best aspects of LXR's brand. With the acquisition of LXR, Fashionphile has considerably expanded its commitment to extending the life of luxury handbags and accessories. They will continue to provide exceptional products from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, and more. They are confident in being the destination for 100% authentic ultra-luxury goods.
Why Does Fashion Prioritise Planet Over People?
Fashion has made some big swings and bold commitments towards reducing its environmental impact. But, supply chain workers should be regularly included in sustainability strategies. Why does the industry seem to care so much more about materials than the plight of garment workers?
Better Cotton Revolutionises Cotton Sector with Traceability Solution
Better Cotton represents more than one-fifth of global cotton production, enabling traceable Cotton to be delivered at scale
Traceability will provide retailers and brands with improved visibility of their supply chains.
Marks & Spencer and Walmart – in addition to more than 1,500 organisations – were consulted and informed the solution's development
Traceable Better Cotton will lead to the launch of an Impact Marketplace, allowing retailers and brands to offer cotton farmers financial rewards.
Supply chain innovation is sorely needed. Who's going to fund it?
Fashion brands and suppliers face more pressure and increased regulations on how products are made and dealt with at the end of life, all while dealing with rising costs. The funding required to innovate and upgrade still needs to be discovered.
WHAT THIS LEVI'S EXEC REALLY THINKS OF YOUR RESALE PROGRAM
Paul Dillinger, vice president and head of global production innovation at Levi Strauss & Co., thinks many fashion brands use resale as a communication platform to "virtue signal."
The Intersection of Fashion and Electronics: Lessons from the E-Waste Market – A Deep Dive
Redefining Innovation, is the Fashion, Electronics, and Ecological Balance Intersect possible?
Fashion Starts To Clean Up Its Energy Act, But Muddies The Waters Around AI
With the industry - and the world - moving inexorably in the right direction towards using cleaner, more renewable energy, fashion is simultaneously clouding the road to responsible use of AI.
Shein buys Frasers Group's Missguided
Chinese fast fashion giant Shein has acquired UK fashion brand Misguided from Frasers Group, just over a year after the group bought the business.
Shein bought the IP for the brand and is set to manage and license Missguided via Sumwon Studios, making Missguided's products available on both Missguided.com and its own website.
Frasers will keep Missguided's real estate and staff, which have been integrated to its fashion division.
EBay Brings Authentic Streetwear to the Epicenter of Fakes
The streetwear store on Canal Street in NYC will feature on-site authentication by eBay's streetwear experts.
How and why luxury fashion brands are focusing on sustainable alternatives
Luxury fashion needs to be fixed. According to McKinsey, the industry is responsible for over $2 billion in greenhouse gas emissions annually. That's roughly 4% of the world's total output.
For added context, luxury fashion puts out the same amount of greenhouse gasses as France, Germany, and the UK. Combined.
French Firm Revolutionizes Textile Recycling with AI Technology: Sustainable Fashion Goes Green
French company CETIA is pioneering using artificial intelligence and mechanical solutions to recycle clothes. Its research team has developed a machine that uses AI to scan garments and cut out hard elements like zippers and buttons using a laser. They have also created a machine that can remove shoe soles. These innovations are in response to new European regulations requiring clothing companies to use recycled fibers in their garments. CETIA's work is supported by major retailers like Decathlon and Zalando.
There is now a new Irish online marketplace that meets all of our fashion needs
Regarding fashion, there are two critical factors to keep in mind: sustainability and affordability.
Before we enter the Christmas season, which comes with more parties and weddings than any other time of the year, finding occasion wear that ticks both of these boxes can be difficult
One million tonnes of plastic additives leak into oceans each year – research
EA Earth Action said that the vast majority of additives are untested, unregulated, and linked to a range of health concerns.
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.