Sustainability Pulse #94
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — September 9, 2024
Let’s dive into this week’s sustainability updates! Spoiler alert: the news isn’t all pretty but essential. First off, Shein (yes, the fashion giant we all love to criticize) has been wreaking havoc on the planet. Their emissions have tripled in three years—tripled! It’s alarming, and yet their CEO still talks about sustainability like it’s some distant goal.
On a more optimistic note, eBay is stepping up with Pre-Loved Fashion Week. I’m always a fan of anything that promotes second-hand shopping—let’s be honest, it’s the future of fashion. Meanwhile, California is shaking things up with a bill that could make fashion brands take back your old clothes for free. Finally!
There’s more to explore, from AI's shaky position in fashion to big moves toward sustainability in the wool industry.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on these stories, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Cheers,
Vera
Shein: Fashion’s Biggest Polluter in Four Charts
The ultra-fast-fashion giant’s planet-warming emissions have nearly tripled in the last three years as its growth far outpaced other major fashion companies. In Shein’s latest sustainability report, CEO Sky Xu says tackling emissions is“particularly critical.”
Is Generative AI the New Fashion-Tech Bubble?
The extraordinary expectations placed on the technology have set it up for the inevitable comedown. But that’s when the real work of seeing whether it can be truly transformative begins.
Solving Fashion’s $163 Billion Buying and Sizing Inaccuracy Problem
As competition for customers’ discretionary spending intensifies, smart assortment planning—from size predictions to demand forecasting—can help brands and retailers stay ahead. BoF sits down with Style Arcade CEO and co-founder Michaela Wessels to learn more.
Don’t know what to do with your old clothes? California may require the fashion industry to take them back from you — for free
First-in-the-nation rules head to Newsom, as millions of tons are dumped in developing countries or end up in landfills
New York’s fashion economy is ‘at a crossroads’: report
Ahead of New York Fashion Week, a coalition of local businesses is calling on industry and government leaders to invest in the region’s fashion future.
EBay launches Pre-Loved Fashion Week
The resale platform will host shoppable events in New York and London ahead of each city’s official fashion weeks, as well as daily drops of pre-owned designer items.
How to prepare for the EU’s Digital Product Passport Law
New legislation will require brands to attach digital supply chain records to almost every product in Europe, including apparel. Here’s how to get started.
ThredUp, Vestiaire Collective join petition to end taxation on secondhand apparel
A coalition led by American Circular Textiles says ending “double taxation” would encourage a circular economy.
What is driving apparel, footwear purchases in 2024?
A new report from Coresight Research dives into how demographics influence where consumers are shopping for apparel and footwear.
Explainer: Primark swap shop —marketing gimmick or sustainable stride?
Industry experts are intrigued by Primark’s new swap shop initiative with Verte, but are divided on whether the move is a genuine step to sustainability or a marketing trick designed to appease the masses.
AbTF reports ‘significant’ progress in sustainable cotton cultivation
The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF)'s annual report on the verification and implementation of Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) suggests positive progress has been made since 2022.
Global Fashion Agenda launches reverse logistics roadmap for circular fashion
The Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), with support from its Insight Partner, Maersk, has published a new report on how fashion brands, retailers, value chain partners, and logistics providers can use reverse logistics to foster a more sustainable, circular fashion system.
Woolmark to launch insetting programme in sustainable wool drive
The Woolmark Company has launched a new initiative, Woolmark+, to drive the wool industry toward a sustainable and nature-positive future. This work seeks to unite woolgrowers, supply chain partners, and global brands to promote low-impact production, enhance animal welfare, and support woolgrower livelihoods.
California legislature passes textile EPR, SB 1383 updates and much more
If the bill is signed, California could become the first state to adopt a textile extended producer responsibility program. Lawmakers also approved program updates for paint, carpet and marine flares.
California’s Recycling Bill, Nvidia’s Antitrust Investigation, And A New Wedge For Consumer Body Scanning
The state of California celebrates a sustainability win, while Nvidia faces more scrutiny from the US DOJ around its practices. Over in the UK, a healthtech startup’s latest development may influence some changes for consumer attitudes to body scanning on the high street.
What do new ESPR rules mean for fashion?
Is fashion ready for the EU’s ban on the destruction of unsold goods? DEBBIE SHAKESPEARE looks at the ramifications of the wide-reaching EU regulations
‘James Bond of recycling’ uses trackers to expose plastic crime
An environmental activist who added tracking devices to her bags discovered something fishy about an ‘advanced recycling’ scheme part-funded by ExxonMobil
Next-gen material startups are deprioritising fashion
Companies selling alternative materials are looking for partners in the furniture and automotive industries to make progress. Is fashion missing out?
The Vogue Business2024 100 Innovators: Sustainability Thought Leaders
Meet the people at the forefront of sustainability, hand-selected by Vogue Business editors.
Fashion And Gaming – Brand Value And Brand Safety
Why is the fashion industry levelling up its game in the virtual world, and why does it matter for real-world brand success?
Analysing AI with Begum Dogru Oztekin of Refabric
Refabric’s Co-founder & CEO on integrating AI into every stage of the product lifecycle.
Male Infertility Anxiety Is Driving the Latest Wellness Boom
Male wellness products have long been centred around muscle building, endurance and other athletic pursuits. Now, brands and consumers are switching their focus to virility, fertility, and sexual peak performance.
FROM WATER TO WEAR: How Project Nova is making waves in sustainable fashion
Project Nova was first introduced at the ArteFino Festival. ArteFino’s initiative aims to empower artisan entrepreneurs in local creative and handicraft communities by offering financial support and guidance on product innovation and marketing strategies.
Fashion is slowly embracing the needs of disabled people. It’s happening for some Paralympians, too
At the Paralympics opening ceremony in Paris, Levine and teammates wore bright red jackets with features like magnetic closures that make it easier for everyone, disabled or not.
The Strategic Role of Brands in 2024: A Luxury Perspective
With technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and emerging market trends, brands' significance has never been more pronounced.
Why is Fashion so Flat Right Now?
The fashion industry is now filled with sameness. The same trends, brands, and looks dominate, leading to a loss of individualism that made fashion compelling. Instead, there's a culture of safety and conformity, with designers playing it safe and consumers dressing for approval rather than authenticity. How did we get here?
Why future-facing luxury brands must favor excellence over perfection
Luxury brands are redefining themselves according to what excellence means in today’s business context. That was the main thrust of the latest 2024 C-Suite Talk at the IMD Luxury 2050 Forum, in which Roberto Eggs, Chief Strategy & Global Market Office at Moncler Group, unveiled how the company’s structure aligns with its journey towards excellence.
RESEARCH REPORT
Scaling sustainability solutions in fashion
The 2024 playbook reimagines sustainability integration across the fashion value chain.
British fashion is failing to act on the climate crisis.
Just 3.39% of British Fashion Council brands have any emissions reduction targets.
NYC Council report recommends fossil fuel and animal-derived material phase out, other sustainability changes
The Future Of Fashion Paradox: From Runway To AIAlgorithm
The fashion industry is caught in a paradox. On one hand, it embraces cutting-edge technology, from digital fabric printing to virtual try-on experiences. Generative AI is the latest entrant, with companies like Mango using it to design campaigns and potentially even clothing itself.
Consumer economic optimism reaches highest level in a year: report
Apparel was ranked the third most popular splurge category across generations and the top for Gen Z.
Birkenstock program members spend 25% more than other consumers
The footwear company is looking to expand its brick-and-mortar footprint and grow its online membership to create lifelong customers.
Vera
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