Sustainable fashion in textile is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years and is critical for the future textile industry. Sustainability in the textile industry is based on three pillars — environment, economy and society.

Reducing environmental impact

Environmental sustainability implies that natural resources within the earth’s environment are consumed by humans at a rate where they are able to replenish themselves. The environmental pillar often gets the most attention. Manufacturing industries and brands are constantly focusing on reducing their carbon footprints, packaging waste, water usage, and their overall effect on the environment. Corporations have discovered that these sustainable initiates also have a positive financial impact. For example, reducing the amount of material used in packaging usually reduces the overall expenditure on those materials.

Improving working conditions

Social sustainability takes into account that healthy communities have just leaders who treat everyone with equality and ensure labor, cultural and personal rights are respected. People are protected from discrimination. Universal human rights and basic necessities are attainable by all.

Supply chain ethics and sustainable product design

Ensure that economic systems are intact and activities such as secure sources of livelihood are available to everyone across the globe. Also, people are able to maintain their independence and have access to the resources that they require to meet their daily needs.

Utilise Sustainable Materials

• Recycled and upcycled materials — such as fabrics made from second-hand clothing.
• Bio-based materials — such as cotton grown without pesticides or chemicals.
• Conventional materials that are naturally biodegradable — such as wool or silk.

Textile brands and manufacturers are taking initiatives towards sustainability. Some recent efforts include:

• H&M — created transparency rules for suppliers and provided details of its sustainability strategy in its annual sustainability report.
• Nike — set sustainability targets that include minimizing its environmental footprint through analyzing the supply chain to “use less, use better and use again.”
• ASOS — initiated a “Green Room” on its website that displays only ethically conscious brands that fit within its “sustainability criteria.”
• Fat Face — developed a company-wide code of conduct for its factories and a responsible sourcing commitment.
• Patagonia — A market leader in responsible fashion, the company has launched an innovative clothing reuse and recycle program.