Week in review: Why decarbonisation has become fashion’s latest buzzword

The textile and apparel industry has built up a bit of a reputation when it comes to its environmental footprint. The industry’s entire supply chain, ranging from the production of raw materials to manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, is closely linked to processes that emits high levels of carbon. This has led to an alarming prediction that global emissions from the fashion industry will rise by 50% by 2030, according to earth.org data.

Long criticised for its unsustainable practices and carbon footprint, there is an urgent push for decarbonisation across the industry inorder to turn the tide.

At the 2023 SAC Annual Meeting, the non-profit Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) launched the Manufacturer Climate Action Programme (MCAP) in partnership with industry leaders, NIKE and Target Corp to tackle the pressing need for a reduction in CO2 emissions in the textile and apparel sectors, while also providing manufacturers with a path towards sustainability and decarbonisation.

Some retailers and companies are putting in efforts to curb textile waste with the Fashion Transparency Index 2023 explaining that mitigating fashion waste remains the elephant in the room with a 3% increase in fashion brands not disclosing their annual production volumes (88% in 2023 compared to 85% in 2022).

For example, a new report from resale platform provider Trove and software provider Worldly shared ways resale could decarbonise fashion. It also found that maximising control over resale programmes and used product revenue delivers the most greenhouse gas accounting benefits.

Prominent fashion brands like Prada and Burberry have committed to reforestation projects and other sustainability initiatives to offset the environmental impact caused by their production and transportation activities.

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By GlobalData

The need for decarbonisation in the textile and apparel industry is not a passing fad, but an essential requirement. It is a call to action to safeguard our planet, conserve resources and secure a sustainable future.

Brands that adopt this vital approach will diminish their environmental footprint and establish themselves as frontrunners in a world where sustainability is no longer a choice. It’s time for the industry to thread the needle of change and sew a greener, more sustainable future for us all.

The week’s top stories on Just Style

Signal: Sycamore Partners’ financial firepower will fuel Chico’s FAS growth

Last week, US private equity powerhouse Sycamore Partners announced it was acquiring US womenswear and accessories retailer Chico’s FAS Inc, a move that “made sense” to industry onlookers.

Biden urged to protect US apparel sector from China’s ‘illegal’ practices

US senators and the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) call on President Biden to tackle the impact of China’s so-called “predatory” trade practices” on the country’s domestic apparel manufacturing sector.

Fashion sourcing majors fail to grow domestic sustainable apparel markets

Global fashion brands had hoped to grow a customer base in leading fashion-sourcing countries such as China, India and Brazil, but 2023’s choppy economy has impeded domestic sales.

Leicester garment workers call out fashion brands again for unstable jobs, wages

Hundreds of garment workers, trade unions, and labour rights advocates from the UK’s city of Leicester protested on 1 October for more secure jobs and fairer wages with some calling the current situation a “repeat” of the maltreatment reported during the pandemic.

SAC, Nike, Target launch manufacturer programme in decarbonisation mission

During the 2023 SAC Annual Meeting, non-profit Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) unveiled the Manufacturer Climate Action Programme (MCAP), developed in collaboration with industry leaders Nike and Target Corp.

Three trends defining fashion sustainability compliance in 2024

There are three key trends that could impact fashion sustainability compliance over the next year, according to market independent business sustainability rating company EcoVadis.

Textile Exchange, Fashion Pact team to meaningfully address biodiversity impact

A new report by global non-profit Textile Exchange and global eco initiative the Fashion Pact is calling for fashion industry targets to protect biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future with access to fibres and raw materials.

Better Cotton accounts for almost quarter of global cotton production

As Better Cotton prepares to launch its new traceability solution next month, the non-profit reports that 22% of global cotton production was Better Cotton in the 2021-2022 season.