Planet and Fashion Industry
In the world of fashion, there are four essential pillars that guide the industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future: Planet, People, Profit, and Purpose. Each of these pillars is crucial in shaping the fashion business landscape. In this blog post, we will primarily focus on the “Planet” pillar and explore its connection to sustainability, the circular economy, and its impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Planet
Fashion and its supply chain is the third largest polluting industry, after food and construction. It produces 10% of annual carbon emissions into the atmosphere releasing 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, more than the shipping and the aviation industry combined (UNEP)，In addition, the microfiber that flows into the water during clothing washing also has a great impact on marine life and the food chain.The “Planet” pillar is aim to reduce this issues, redefining sustainability businesses by using “Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, Restore, Regenerate” that keep our finite resources in a closed loop.
Circular economy
Circularity is commonly defined as a system in which all materials can be recycled indefinitely or naturally decomposed. (Gwilt, A. 2014). It emphasizes a closed-loop system where products, materials, and resources are reused and recycled rather than being discarded as waste. In the realm of fashion, Circular thinking encompasses three key principles: Keep clothes in use, Use renewable and safe materials, Solutions based on upcycling, design plays a pivotal role in enabling this circular thinking.
Sustainability in Fashion
The production, utilization, and disposal phases of fashion product lifecycles exert multifaceted environmental, economic, and social impacts (Gwilt, A. 2014). Sustainability is unequivocally the future of the fashion industry. Governments, fashion companies, and consumers are all displaying an increasing awareness of the need for sustainable fashion products. For instance, the European Union has taken a significant step by agreeing to ban the incineration of unsold textile items (Council of the EU, 2023). Moreover, the introduction of “Second-hand style” within the H&M Group exemplifies a broader trend in the industry, demonstrating that people are paying greater attention to sustainability in the world of fashion. This growing emphasis on sustainable practices reflects a collective recognition of the importance of responsible fashion production and consumption.
Impact on UN SDG
One of the UN SDGs has a significant impact on the fashion industry is “Life Below Water.” The production and use of textile products generate significant waste, much of which has a detrimental effect on our water resources. Toxic chemical dyes and microplastic fibers released into water bodies pose a severe threat. These toxic substances lead to the loss of marine life, disrupt underwater ecosystems, and distort the food chain. Thus, addressing the concerns related to “Life Below Water” is imperative, and the fashion industry plays a substantial role in mitigating its adverse effects on our oceans and aquatic ecosystems.
In conclusion, the fashion industry’s path to sustainability is guided by the four pillars of Planet, People, Profit, and Purpose. By emphasizing the “Planet” pillar and embracing the principles of the circular economy, fashion brands can reduce their environmental impact and support UN SDGs such as “Life Below Water.” As the industry becomes more mindful of its choices and practices, it can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future.
Bibliography
Council of the EU (2023) Ecodesign Regulation: Council adopts position – consilium, European council. Available at: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/05/22/ecodesign-regulation-council-adopts-position/ (Accessed: 08 October 2023).
Grande, G. and Grande, G. (2022) Onesta, Future Fashion Factory. Available at: https://futurefashionfactory.org/partners/onesta/ (Accessed: 08 October 2023).
Gwilt, A. (2020) Practical guide to sustainable fashion. LONDON: BLOOMSBURY.
H&M Group (2023) Second-hand style rolling out across H&M Group, H&M Group. Available at: https://hmgroup.com/our-stories/second-hand-style-across-hm-group/ (Accessed: 08 October 2023).
World Bank Group (2022) How much do our wardrobes cost to the environment?, World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente (Accessed: 08 October 2023).