Sustainability Pulse #91
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — August 2 24, 2024
Hey there, fashion enthusiasts!
Welcome back to another edition of The Sustainability Pulse, your go-to source for all things sustainable in fashion.
This week, we're diving into some fascinating topics shaping the industry.
There's much to explore, from the challenges of the circular economy to innovative 3D weaving machines that might save us from the fast-fashion crisis. Plus, we've got a deep dive into material solutions just in time for fashion month in New York and an intriguing look at how thrifting could answer our fashion woes.
So please grab a cup of your favorite drink, settle in, and let's get into it!
Warmly, Vera
Circular economy not fulfilling promise
Wood Mackenzie report says strategy needs to adopt revolutionary business models that can provide the solid foundation to flourish
Is Fashion's Lack of Disclosure Hampering Climate Progress?
Even clothing touted as "sustainable" or "eco-friendly" is often the product of a manufacturing system fueled by coal, oil, and natural gas.
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Fabricating Change: A Deep Dive into Material Solutions
As fashion month kicks off in New York, Atmos presents a series of stories that examine the opportunities and challenges facing an industry that urgently needs to reduce its textile waste.
This on-demand 3D weaving machine could help solve the fast-fashion crisis
Unspun's machines help brands cut down on overproduction. Here's how it plans to scale its technology.
Fast fashion vs. thrifting: A solution to the industry's failings
After years of shopping at chain stores and online sites like Shein, I had finally found a better solution to a problem I didn't even know I had — how to obtain clothing that is both affordable and ethically sourced.
Labour's election triumph: How can the new UK government build a circular packaging economy?
For years, the UK has been subjected to a "distinct lack" of ambition and delay from the Conservatives, while the EU has pulled ahead, Sian Sutherland, co-founder of advocacy group A Plastic Planet, tells Packaging Insights.
Explainer: Why next-gen workforce is advising Macy's on sustainability
US department store Macy's is drawing on the expertise of fashion's future leaders at the University of Delaware to solve the apparel industry's biggest sustainability challenges.
Canadian Competition Bureau launches green claims guidance resource
Canada's competition watchdog has rolled out supporting documentation aimed at helping firms understand what green claims can and cannot be made under the government's new greenwashing law.
Explainer: How to build a profitable, ethical fashion sourcing strategy
Retail100 Consulting co-founders and directors Anna Berry and Sara Allbright emphasise the key to successful global fashion sourcing lies in thorough planning, clear communication and a willingness to adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each new sourcing relationship.
Fashion's Olympics invasion
The games are just one more part of our culture for brands to conquer
Is Tie-Dye and other DIY At-Home Dyes Safe?
If you find yourself wanting to dye natural fibers, like a cotton t-shirt, silk scarf, or Tencel top, you'll probably turn to dyes from Rit, Tulip Color, Pro Chemical and Dye, and Dharma Trading.
Why Mothballs Are Damaging Your Health – and Non-Toxic Alternatives
If you're shopping for non-toxic and sustainable products, your closet is likely filled with natural fibers like silk, wool, and leather. These natural fibers contain the protein keratin that moth larvae feed on. Anecdotal evidence suggests that clothing moth infestations are rising, making finding solutions more important.
Material Innovation Report 2024
Yet despite global venture capital funding dropping 42 percent and deal count falling 30 percent to a six-year low, the funding for next-gen material companies increased by 10 percent, according to the Material Innovation Initiative's (MII) State of the Industry Report.
Technology | Adversarial Fashion
AI Camouflage is a new form specifically designed for the AI era. This approach uses AI technologies to confuse AI algorithms, preventing them from accurately identifying or tracking individuals. This concept has been taken a step further with AI Camouflage, where designs created by AI are integrated into textiles.
How many clothes are too many?
Fast fashion is cheap and plentiful, and as a result, Americans are buying more clothes than ever.
'What Fuels Fashion?
'is a single-issue, special edition of Fashion Revolution annual Fashion Transparency Index. They have reviewed 250 of the world's largest fashion brands and retailers and ranked them according to their level of disclosure on climate and energy-related data in their own operations but primarily in their supply chains.
OVERALL SCORE
The average score of 250 of the world's largest fashion brands is just 18%.
The highest score this year is 75%.
However, 32/250 (13%) major brands scored a 0% rating.
What fashion can learn from other industries' supply chains
We look at the food, transport and beauty industries for some traceability strategies applicable to fashion brands.
Gmoney Talks 9dcc's Expansion and the Psychology of Fashion
"We know that there's demand in the market for the things that we're doing now; how do we start taking it to the next level?"
Biophilia: Emulating Nature's Artistry Through Fashion
Our ability to shapeshift is one we share with many of our nonhuman kin—a reminder that the chasm between humans and the natural world is smaller than we think.
5 Fast-Fashion Brands Called Out for Greenwashing
Greenwashing in marketing refers to companies presenting product or service information in a way that makes consumers believe it is environmentally friendly. Using false pretences to sell something is morally wrong and companies that do so should be held accountable. Here are the 5 top fast-fashion brands called our for greenwashing.
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.