Ethical fashion has gained significant traction in recent years, with consumers increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from fashion brands. While the concept often conjures images of locally made, artisan-crafted garments, the reality is that ethical and sustainable fashion can extend beyond geographical boundaries.
In this blog, we explore the notion that ethical and sustainable fashion can extend to manufacturing in overseas locations where the impact of production practices can support local communities, reduce waste locally, encourage fair labour conditions, and increase transparency and accountability for fashion brands.
Global Impact, Local Accountability
Ethical fashion doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to local production. Supporting small factories and women artisans in countries with robust labour laws and fair wages can have a significant positive impact. By choosing to work with overseas manufacturers that adhere to ethical standards, brands can uplift communities and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Choosing local can be a good choice, but what matters more, in the end, is how the brands you choose to support are managing their impacts across the supply chain, for example, ensuring that manufacturers you are working with are abiding by local and international labour and environmental laws.
Sustainable and Ethical Manufacturing Practices
An increasing number of factories around the world are starting to prioritize ethical manufacturing practices, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and environmental sustainability. By partnering with these factories, brands can ensure that their products are made with care and respect for both people and the planet. Certification programs like Fair Trade and B Corp provide assurance that ethical standards are being met, regardless of location.
At GoodName Collective in particular, we have partnered with fashion labels from Sri Lanka. According to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lanka is a standout choice for apparel sourcing due to its strong commitment to social responsibility and ethical manufacturing practices. The country has ratified all 27 International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, ensuring fair wages, no sweatshop practices or child labour in the apparel industry. Sri Lanka's "Garments Without Guilt" code sets a high standard for ethical business, surpassing industry compliances and promoting a discrimination-free and ethical manufacturing environment (Export Development Board Sri Lanka, 2024).
Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers were the first in the world to champion the cause of ethical labour practices and use of people and environment friendly factories in garment sector (Export Development Board Sri Lanka, 2024)
Encouraging Global Collaboration
While supporting local production remains important, it's equally crucial to embrace the possibilities of overseas sourcing, buying, manufacturing, or production when it adds value. Local limitations in raw materials, skill, knowledge, and capability may necessitate looking beyond geographical boundaries. Businesses should remain open to exploring these options, conducting thorough research, and ensuring ethical and sustainable practices throughout their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
Transparency and Accountability
Regardless of where garments are produced, transparency is key to ethical fashion. Brands should openly communicate their sourcing and manufacturing practices, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases. By holding themselves accountable and prioritising transparency, brands can build trust with their audience and drive positive change within the industry.
A Sustainable Path Forward: Repurposing Surplus Fabrics
It's a common strategy among small designers to repurpose surplus materials left over from larger productions. This is particularly prevalent in regions like Sri Lanka, where local designers often acquire their materials locally after they've been discarded by factories engaged in 'fast fashion' manufacturing. By reusing these surplus fabrics, smaller designers can effectively minimise waste and play their part in fostering a more sustainable and ethical approach to fashion.
In Short...
Ethical and sustainable fashion transcends geographic boundaries. While local production certainly has its merits, supporting small factories, women artisans, and ethical manufacturing practices overseas can also align with ethical principles. By prioritising transparency, accountability, and responsible production methods, brands can make a meaningful impact on both local and global communities, paving the way for a more sustainable, ethical and equitable fashion industry.