At the recent Global Sourcing Expo in Melbourne, I had the opportunity of attending a number of seminars focusing on the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Today, on my second blog post, I’d like to revisit the wealth of information gained during these sessions, providing you with a comprehensive summary of my key takeaways and highlighting the crucial role of conscious consumerism in shaping the future of the fashion industry.
In the dynamic world of sustainable fashion, various strategies and initiatives are emerging, reshaping the industry for the better. Here's a snapshot of key trends and developments shaping the fashion industry, as presented by experts, at the 2023 Global Sourcing Expo:
- Circularity is Key - Rentals, Resell, Repair, Refill: Circular strategies are gaining momentum. Brands are exploring rental services, encouraging reselling of products, promoting repair over disposal, and even venturing into refillable options, creating a more circular and sustainable fashion ecosystem.
- Fibre Choice - Moving Away from Synthetics: The fashion industry is witnessing an innovation in fibres to move away from synthetic materials. Embracing natural and sustainable fibres is a key step in reducing environmental impact.
- Counter Excess Production - Embrace Preorders: To counter the demand-driven excess production, brands are adopting innovative strategies such as offering preorders. This not only aligns with sustainable practices but also helps reduce waste by producing only what the market truly wants.
- Legislation Impacting Businesses: Legislation worldwide is increasingly impacting businesses, with a focus on transparency. Examples include the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act (UFLPA), Canadian legislation on forced and child labour, Australia's laws on modern slavery, and European regulations targeting deforestation.
- EU's Digital Production Passport (DPP): The European Union is set to implement the Digital Production Passport (DPP), a digital tool that brands must adopt to showcase the origins and impact of their products, promoting transparency in the supply chain.
- Product Labelling Regulations: Legislation is being developed to regulate product labelling, aiming to combat greenwashing and ensure that sustainable claims are substantiated.
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Australia's Seamless Stewardship Scheme: Seamless aims to create a circular clothing industry by 2030, where responsible stewardship and citizenship are embedded across the entire clothing lifecycle. Australian brands are adopting the scheme which has been supported by the Federal Government. Although currently voluntary for brands, the Australian government has emphasized that the scheme would be mandated if not taken up by enough businesses.
- Traceability through Digital Technology: Digital tracing technology is being employed to enhance traceability in the supply chain, allowing consumers to make more informed and ethical choices.
- Human Rights Due Diligence: Brands are focusing on human rights due diligence, documenting practices and using tools like the "Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices" in Europe and fair price apps to assess factory wages.
- ACCC's Greenwashing Focus: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is cracking down on greenwashing. It has issued a report outlining the findings of the ACCC’s 2022 internet sweep, including identifying misleading environmental and sustainability marketing claims by Australian businesses. The full report can be found here: Greenwashing by Businesses in Australia
- Future-Proofing Tools Brands are future-proofing through dedicated personnel, strategic roadmaps, sustainability strategies, data-informed targets, dedicated budgets, supplier awareness, industry partnerships, and transparent communication strategies.
The global fashion industry is undergoing a transformation, with sustainability becoming a central theme. Brands, legislation, and consumers alike are contributing to this positive change, recognizing the importance of ethical and eco-friendly practices.
As we navigate this transformative journey, the responsibility is on us, the consumers, to embrace Conscious Consumerism – to inquire where our clothes are coming from, to educate ourselves, and demand accountability from fashion brands. By making informed choices, we contribute to shaping a fashion landscape that prioritizes ethics, transparency, and a healthier planet.