Assessing Sustainable Fashion Trends

Fashion Revolution’s annual Fashion Transparency Index tracks the climate and energy actions of 250 major fashion brands and retailers (basically everyone with a turnover of >$400m). This year’s report reveals that big fashion is failing to invest in necessary climate actions to meet the 2030 goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The best thing to do would be to stop reading this post and go and read their full report, which is fascinating and brilliant, if a bit bleak (link below). You can also make a donation towards the work they do on the website. If not, here ’s a quick summary: 1. Nearly a quarter of the biggest brands disclose nothing on decarbonisation. Among 117 brands with targets, 42 report increased scope 3 emissions, and only four have emissions reduction targets aligning with UN recommendations. 2. Zero-emission claims are misleading. Companies set targets without a baseline, relying on carbon offsets instead of absolute reductions. Most lack public targets for coal phase-out, renewable energy, and renewable electricity for their supply chains. 3. ‘Sustainable’ clothes may still be made using fossil fuels. While 58% disclose sustainable material targets, only 11% reveal their supply chain’s energy sources. 4. The industry evades accountability for excessive clothing production. 89% of big brands do not disclose annual production volumes, and 45% do not disclose production or raw material emissions footprints. Despite tougher EU environmental regulations and the 2030 deadline, the industry faces challenges. Most fashion companies do not allocate necessary budgets for renewable energy. Larger brands shift the costs of achieving climate targets onto suppliers, burdening workers and communities. Report authors Maeve Galvin and Ciara Barry highlight the need for $1tn to reach net zero by 2050, urging big brands to invest 2% of their annual revenue in transitioning away from fossil fuels. To quote them, “It’s ‘hard’ because brands refuse to take action. This isn’t about feasibility, it’s about willpower”. We have to know the baseline, and measure progress, if we are going to get anywhere as an industry. This is the most helpful report of this kind that I’ve seen.

90 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfills globally each year 🌎 The environmental cost of fast fashion is far greater than its price tag suggests. As highlighted by Scientific American, the industry is responsible for an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generates over 90 million tons of textile waste each year. Most garments are worn just a handful of times before being discarded. This linear model—produce, consume, discard—is reinforced by business strategies focused on speed and volume, rather than durability or reuse. With some brands adding thousands of new items daily, the system is structurally designed for obsolescence. Low-quality materials and accelerated trend cycles contribute directly to massive resource waste and unsustainable production levels. Compounding the environmental footprint is the material base: around 60% of fast-fashion items are made from synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels. These textiles shed microplastics during washing and release hazardous chemicals as they degrade, polluting water systems and ecosystems. Innovative solutions are emerging to break this cycle. One of the most promising is textile-to-textile recycling, which converts post-consumer clothing into new, high-quality fibers. This process can involve mechanical recycling (for cotton and wool) or chemical regeneration (for synthetics and blends), producing materials that are functionally equivalent to virgin fibers. The video shared here illustrates how used garments can be disassembled, treated, and spun into new yarn—closing the loop and reducing reliance on virgin inputs. These technologies are advancing rapidly and have the potential to shift the fashion sector toward a circular materials economy. However, for these solutions to scale, they must be paired with policy interventions, extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, and shifts in consumer behavior. Legislative moves in the EU and France—to ban the destruction of unsold goods and mandate product durability—are examples of systemic levers supporting the transition. As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny, aligning with circular design principles and investing in next-generation recycling is not just an environmental imperative—it is a strategic necessity for resilience, compliance, and long-term value creation. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #circulareconomy #circular

🚨The Hidden Cost to the Ocean in Your Fashion Choices Clothing is one of the most intimate forms of self expression. It tells the world who we are, what we value, and the stories we choose to carry. Yet there is another story woven into our wardrobes that we rarely talk about. Every outfit has an impact that reaches far beyond our closets and into our ocean. Most modern fabrics are synthetic. Each time they are washed, tiny microplastic fibers escape into waterways and eventually reach the sea. There, they accumulate in marine life and ultimately make their way back to us. Many dyes and textile chemicals used in production flow through rivers and pollute coastal ecosystems. These impacts are invisible to us as consumers, yet very real for the ocean. Fast fashion has accelerated a throwaway culture. Clothes designed for only a handful of wears end up in landfills or informal dumping grounds across the world, where they shed plastics and toxins that move through soil and water systems. And the global movement of garments before they ever reach our doorsteps drives emissions that warm our ocean, stress coral reefs, and destabilize the ecosystems that sustain life. This is not about perfection. It is about choice. It is about realizing that fashion can be both a celebration of creativity and a force for planetary healing. We do not lose style by choosing differently. We gain purpose. Your decisions can change systems. Choosing organic or recycled fibers,g arments made to last,brands that invest in regenerative materials and clean chemistry. Repairing, reselling, renting, and buying vintage are also options. These choices signal demand, and demand reshapes industries. When we dress with intention, we do more than express our identity. We model the future we want to live in. A future where beauty and responsibility are aligned and where what we wear reflects care for the ocean that sustains us. If there are brands, materials, or practices you believe are moving fashion toward a more sustainable future, add them here so others can discover and support them. And if this perspective spoke to you, share it. When information travels, behavior shifts, and culture follows. That is how meaningful change takes place💙

The fashion industry’s journey toward sustainability is encountering significant challenges due to a volatile market, incoming regulations, and shifting politics. What started as a gradual shift has now become more pronounced. Brands that once proudly showcased their sustainable initiatives are now scaling back or pausing these efforts. This shift is accompanied by job cuts in senior sustainability roles, with companies like Nike and Canada Goose restructuring their teams. Moncler even removed its chief sustainability officer earlier this year. While some companies continue to hire for sustainability roles, the industry is rethinking how to resource and manage these teams. Brands like ASOS.com and Crocs have delayed or abandoned their climate targets, citing unrealistic initial goals. Companies claim they are restructuring to align with changing standards and business realities, not lowering their sustainability ambitions. However, these changes threaten to derail the industry’s already lagging climate progress, especially as record-breaking temperatures highlight the urgency of action. In the aftermath of the 2015 Paris Agreement and a pandemic-fueled consumer awakening, big brands set ambitious sustainability targets. However, as business priorities shift, sustainability efforts, which often have intangible benefits, are becoming easy targets for cost-cutting. This trend extends beyond fashion, particularly in the US, where political backlash against “woke capitalism” has led some companies to abandon both diversity and climate targets. Nike and Canada Goose have significantly cut their sustainability teams, though they maintain their commitment to sustainability. McKinsey & Company reports that about two-thirds of fashion brands are behind on their decarbonization schedules. The changes also reflect tightening regulations and evolving standards, prompting companies to reevaluate their sustainability initiatives. Many are becoming more cautious in communicating achievements and setting targets amid a crackdown on #greenwashing. Recruiters note that the structure of sustainability teams is changing, with C-suite positions being slashed and key activities integrated into more operational roles. New hires are focused on change management rather than grand strategy. The challenges are not unique to the fashion industry; various sectors are adjusting their sustainability goals in response to external pressures and evolving market conditions. As we navigate these turbulent times, it is crucial to find a balance between business realities and the urgent need for sustainable practices. In the meantime, the world keeps getting hotter.  🌱 #Sustainability #BusinessStrategy #ClimateAction #CorporateResponsibility #EnvironmentalGoals #Leadership #Innovation #FutureOfWork The Business of Fashion https://lnkd.in/g3SJ7Dqx

What's been happening in sustainable fashion week this week? ⬇️ 1) Burberry launched its Childrenswear 'Remake' capsule collection, consisting of surplus fabrics and yarns from previous collections. The new range covers key product categories, and also includes a 'multiple owners label' to encourage pieces to be passed down. 2) BEEN London have partnered with Tate Modern in London to create a limited edition collection of accessories crafted from upcycled banners sourced directly from the gallery's iconic building. The collection focuses on repurposing materials from the banners to give them a second life, whilst also working with next-gen material AppleSkin, made from apple waste. 3) London Fashion Week (LFW) is following in the footsteps of Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) by banning exotic skins such as crocodile and snake from its show collections from 2025. LFW also announced a ban on fur at the end of 2023. 4) German brand ARMEDANGELS has partnered with The Sourcery to transform cotton sourcing through their 'direct to grower' scheme - enhancing transparency and fair trade in cotton farming. 5) SAITEX INTERNATIONAL DONG NAI (VN) Ltd., said to be the 'cleanest' denim factory in the world, have published their latest sustainability report, highlighting a 90% reduction in Co2 emissions, 70% reduction in energy consumption and 30% less water usage across all of its sites. Worth having a look if you work with denim and want to reduce your footprint. 6) The Circle Economy Foundation has released a new report (The Circularity Gap Report) which focuses on the textile sectors transition towards circularity - in partnership with H&M Foundation. The headline states that the sector is only 0.3% circular, below a global average of 7.2%. Link below for inspiration on how to move forward. 7) Looks like it could be a 'Merry Thrift-Mas', as UK consumers are set to spend over £2 billion on secondhand gifts this festive season from insights from a report by Vinted and Retail Economics. 84% of consumers are likely to spend a proportion of their shopping budget on pre-loved christmas gifts. 8) Global Fashion Agenda have launched the 'Upstream Circularity Playbook' aimed at scaling-up recycling operations in textile and garment supply chains. The report aims to help industry scale circular business models by valorising post-industry textile waste (in other words recognising the value in material waste) 9) Karen Millen has launched in-store rental services at Selfridges and John Lewis & Partners in London, in partnership with HURR 10) Looking to other industries - the LEGO Group are switching to paper-based bags in their Lego sets as part of their commitment to reduce single use plastics from their packaging. The new bags are verified as recyclable in the European Union, the United States, and Canada. 🔗 Links to articles in comments #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel Image: Burberry Childrenswear Remake Collection

London Fashion Week 2026: Is purpose the industry’s new look ? This week, London Fashion Week made history. I am not referring to designs, but its bold stance on sustainability. London is the first of the “Big Four” fashion capitals to adopt Copenhagen’s rigorous Sustainability Requirements. This is sending a powerful signal : 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥. Why does this matter? 𝟕𝟑% 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬,, while less than 1% of textiles are made from recycled fibers according to Ellen MacArthur Foundation. It’s time for the fashion elite to take a stance and recenter their creativity around purpose. Paving the way for change at scale. Here’s what’s changing for purposeful brands 👇 📃 A formal sustainability strategy 🧵 60% of collections made from certified, preferred, or deadstock materials 🦊 Zero single-use materials, zero fur, zero exotic skins 🔄️ Circular design principles 🙏 Diversity, inclusion, and fair labor practices 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.  A revolution that says: "If you want to have access to the platform, the audience, the influence, you must prove your creativity serves a better world.” As someone who believes in the need for every organization to align their action with solving our societal chalenges, I see this as a turning point. London is setting the bar for the future of the fashion industry, transforming purpose into a timeless trend. 💬 𝐈𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 ? #SustainableFashion #LFW2026 #PurposeDriven #CircularEconomy #BusinessAsAForceForGood

The Subtle Art of Greenwashing in Fashion: How to Recognize and Avoid it. In an era where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a consumer demand, the fashion industry has seen a significant shift. Brands are now eager to portray themselves as ethical and environmentally friendly. However, this shift has also given rise to plenty of greenwashing. Greenwashing involves misleading consumers about the environmental benefits of a product or company practice, creating a façade of sustainability while often continuing harmful practices. Understanding and identifying greenwashing is key for making ethical fashion choices. 🚀 Exaggerating Positivity. One of the most common greenwashing tactics is the exaggeration of positive contributions to ethical and sustainable fashion. Brands may highlight a single sustainable initiative, such as using recycled materials in a limited capsule collection, while glossing over the broader impact of their overall operations. To recognize this, look at the brand's claims and look for specific, measurable details. Are they providing concrete data on their sustainability efforts, or are they making vague, broad statements? For instance, a claim that a brand is "committed to sustainability" without specifics on how they reduce waste or carbon emissions is often a red flag. 🚀 Manipulative and Misleading Terminology and Imagery. Manipulative language and imagery play a significant role in greenwashing. Terms like "eco-friendly," "green," "natural," and "organic" are often used without clear definitions or certifications to back them up. To navigate this, look for certification from reputable third-party organizations. Labels such as Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and OEKO-TEX are more reliable indicators of genuine sustainability. 🚀 Distracting from the Ongoing Mass Production. Perhaps the most insidious aspect of greenwashing is how it distracts from the ongoing mass production of fast fashion garments. While a brand may promote a small, sustainable collection, it often continues to produce the majority of its clothing in ways that are environmentally and ethically damaging. The sustainable line serves as a smokescreen, drawing attention away from the larger, more harmful practices. To identify this, consider the proportion of the brand's offerings that are truly sustainable. If a company heavily markets a small eco-friendly collection but the rest of its product line is produced through conventional, exploitative means, it is likely engaging in greenwashing. As consumers, our power lies in our choices and the pressure we place on brands to be truly accountable. Remember, true sustainability is about more than just image, it’s about substantive, measurable action. #Greenwashing #SustainableFashion #EthicalFashion #SlowFashion #ConsciousConsumer #TrueSustainability

Fashion can be a force for good. Across the continent, sustainable fashion initiatives are bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern eco-conscious practices, creating opportunities for local artisans to thrive on a global stage. This is about more than just fashion- it’s about empowerment, equity, and innovation. By supporting brands that value sustainability and fair trade, we’re not just buying products; we’re investing in communities, preserving cultural heritage, and advocating for a more just and environmentally responsible industry. The artisans behind these creations are not just producing garments. They’re weaving stories, preserving traditions, and driving change. It’s up to us as consumers, professionals, and advocates to amplify their voices and champion their work. If we want a fashion industry that truly benefits people and the planet, this is where it begins. We must commit to making choices that support sustainability, celebrate craftsmanship, and create meaningful impact. Several African fashion brands are leading the way in sustainable and ethical practices, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Here are some notable examples: • Tongoro: Founded by Sarah DIOUF in Senegal, Tongoro emphasizes local craftsmanship and community involvement, aiming to foster economic and social development for artisanal workers in Western Africa. • lemlem: Established by supermodel Liya Kebede, Lemlem is an artisan-focused brand offering beautiful, responsibly made women’s resort wear crafted entirely in Africa, with a core mission to preserve Ethiopia’s traditional art of weaving. • Studio 189: Co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima E., this Ghana-based fashion and lifestyle brand produces African and African-inspired content and clothing, supporting local artisans and promoting ethical fashion. • NKWO: A Nigerian brand led by Nkwo Onwuka, is a pioneer in Nigeria’s sustainable fashion movement, emphasizing resource conservation and the creation of a “new African fabric” called DAKALA CLOTH, aiming to reduce textile waste. • MAXHOSA AFRICA: Founded by Laduma Ngxokolo, this South African brand is known for its modern knitwear inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork, patterns, symbolism, and colors, keeping heritage intact while protecting the environment. • Christie Brown: A Ghanaian luxury fashion brand founded by Aisha Ayensu, Christie Brown fuses modern and traditional elements, including tailored blazers and intricately designed dresses, with a commitment to ethical production. • DIARRABLU: Established by Senegalese designer Diarra Bousso, Diarrablu focuses on sustainability by crafting products only upon receiving orders, showcasing pieces made from recycled materials and bold prints inspired by Senegalese heritage. Quality, heritage, sustainability. The way it should be! #africa #fashion #sustainableapparel

I don’t think fashion weeks are just fashion weeks anymore. Fashion weeks are moving towards being governance strategies, I’m very here for it. London Fashion Week is kicking off later this week, and has updated its sustainability requirements - not just for the clothes, but also for the shows - which is v v interesting! Under British Fashion Council’s evolving sustainability framework, brands showing are expected to meet a range of requirements. So brands on the LFW schedule now need: ✷ a formally approved sustainability strategy covering environmental & social responsibilities   ✷ at least 60% of a collection must be produced using certified, preferred, or deadstock materials   ✷ bans on single-use show materials within show production   ✷ complete ban on the use of virgin fur, wild animal skins, and feathers (exotics  ✷ circular design principles including recyclability, repairability & reuse at product level   ✷ evidence of diversity, inclusion and workplace guidelines Fashion weeks were once pure spectacle - they’ve had many eras - but now they’re becoming gatekeepers and those participating need to lead with strong example. They are starting to say that if brands want access to platform, press, buyers and cultural capital, they increasingly have to demonstrate operational thinking through a sustainability lens. Across lots of movements, sustainability is in the early phases of becoming an access requirement - evolving from being brand choice. Looking forward to seeing how other global platforms will follow, and how consistent these standards become across markets and fashion weeks/events at a wider scale! Any insights? #sustainablefashion #fashionweek #londonfashionweek 

𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱 (Thread) ? Every day, more than 1.5 million plastic bottles are diverted from landfills and oceans to be transformed into polyester fabric, a process gaining momentum in the global textile industry. This innovative method of converting PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) into wearable textiles is being hailed as a beacon of sustainable fashion—but is it truly the answer to our plastic waste crisis? Polyester, favored for its durability and low cost, dominates the textile industry. However, its petroleum-based origin and non-biodegradable nature pose serious environmental threats, raising questions about whether recycled polyester is a long-term solution or merely a short-term trend. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗘𝗧 (𝗿𝗣𝗘𝗧) In response to growing environmental concerns, major brands like adidas, Nike, H&M, and SHEIN have begun incorporating recycled polyester (rPET) into their collections. This involves collecting post-consumer plastic bottles, cleaning them, shredding them into flakes, and melting them into fibers that are spun into yarn for textiles. A factory in Tamil Nadu, India, is one such facility leading the charge, processing over a million plastic bottles daily to create fabric for global fashion markets. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘰: • 𝘙𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 • 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺, 𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘺𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 • 59% 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 • 𝘓𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 • 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰? While the transformation of plastic into fabric may seem like a perfect solution, there are several important considerations: 1. 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Every time recycled polyester garments are washed, they release microplastics into waterways, which pose a serious threat to marine life and human health. 2. 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀: Polyester can only be recycled a limited number of times before it degrades in quality, unlike glass or metal, which are infinitely recyclable. 3. 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗮: The use of recycled materials by fast fashion brands doesn’t necessarily equate to sustainability. The overproduction and overconsumption of clothing continues to strain natural resources and waste management systems. 4. 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝘀. 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: Critics argue that turning bottles into textiles is downcycling, not upcycling. Bottles could instead be reused in food-grade packaging systems, extending their life in a closed-loop model.