January 4. 2024
The year 2023 witnessed a surge in sustainability discussions, driving consumer awareness and making sustainable fashion a paramount concern. Stepping into 2024, as the environment faces alarming challenges, the fashion industry might need to escalate actions significantly. What trends will shape the development of sustainable fashion in 2024?
The Power of Legislation: Regardless of advocacy campaigns or appeals, sustainable fashion’s future won’t progress far without robust legislation. Active advocates have long debated the practicality of laws, and now, it’s finally becoming a reality. Towards the end of 2023, the European Union passed new ecological design laws, anticipated to be officially implemented in early 2024. Though some details remain incomplete, the laws aim to prohibit the destruction of unsold textile and footwear products.
Transparency in Supply Chains: The push for transparency in fashion production is gaining traction. With a goal to expand sustainable fashion production to 75% by 2030, supporting laborers within the supply chain is a top priority. Transparency remains crucial, especially concerning workers’ income and conditions that often remain concealed.
“Greenwashing” in the Fashion Industry: Around 40% of the textile and footwear sector might not fully comply with green standards. As sustainability takes center stage, cleaning up production processes becomes vital, even for renowned brands. Many leading brands are feeling the pressure to elevate their environmental standards.
Environmentally Friendly Dyes: Dyeing fabrics is currently a heavy pollution process. To achieve vibrant-colored fabrics, we’ve sacrificed clean rivers and endured the stench of pollution in countries like Bangladesh and China. Fortunately, the fashion world has responded with numerous eco-friendly dye solutions. Innovations like Colorifix (using natural bacteria-based dyes), Living Ink (algae-based dyes used in Nike and Billie Eilish’s recent collaboration), and Air-Ink (made from pollutants in the air) are addressing this issue.
Fairness for Garment Workers: Despite technological advancements, the human workforce remains crucial. Currently, up to 93% of fashion brands pay low wages to garment workers. The Fashion Revolution campaign warns that focusing on demand-driven manufacturing might exploit these workers due to sudden, unpredictable increases in production. Ensuring a fair transition and stable employment for garment workers while continually integrating new technologies are vital for a truly sustainable fashion industry.
