It ain't fashion, if it ain't sustainable

Updates

Going Circular / Clothing Reuse

19 January 2023

2 minutes

While the study confirms waste hierarchy assumptions on the environmental benefits of reuse over recycling, in the case of low-quality clothing, typically entirely composed of polyester, recycling also has comparative environmental benefits when consumers are less likely to purchase second-hand clothing.

Clothing Reuse Has 1/70 Times Lower Environmental Impact, Reveals New Study

Innovation in fibre-to-fibre recycling will be key in keeping textile fibres in the loop as volumes of non-reusable clothing are set to dramatically increase, exhorts a study commissioned by the umbrella organisation for recycling industries in Europe.

Staff Writer

Traceability / FibreTrace Mapped

17 January 2023

3 minutes

FibreTrace Frees up Traceability Solution, but with Fine Print

Tech-traceability major FibreTrace today launched an easy-to-use, globally accessible platform with no fees attached, eliminating the barrier to transparency for producers, manufacturers, brands and retailers.

Staff Writer

Corp Action / Shareholders

16 January 2023

2 minutes

The report, Under-dressed: Investors need to up their engagement on textiles, says that the textiles industry needs to make significant changes to move to a sustainable model and calls on investors to promote corporate focus on priority areas like fibre mix and supply chain investment.

Analysis Finds Reason for Slow Progress on Environment: Shareholders Couldn't Care Less, Proposals Keep Getting Voted Down

New investigation by non-profit Planet Tracker has revealed that key industry issues such as fibre mix, are not raised in shareholder meetings, and the small number of shareholder proposals on textiles sustainability issues that have been advanced over the past few years have all been voted down.

Staff Writer

Artificial Intelligence / Designs

16 January 2023

2 minutes

A professor from Pusan National University in Korea conducted an in-depth study to investigate the practical applicability of AI models in implementing creative designs and working with human designers. The study was made available online in December 2022.

Human Designs Score Over AI-Generated Work, Concludes Korean Fashion Researcher

Nothing can beat human creativity. However, as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) increases, employing it for repetitive tasks will help designers to focus on more high-difficulty creative work.

Staff Writer

Microfibre Pollution / Washing

16 January 2023

2 minutes

When clothing made from plastic fibres such as polyester and nylon are laundered, the fabric sheds microscopic fibres that eventually end up in wastewater and the environment.

Yes, Handwashing Clothes Reduces Microplastic Release Compared to Machine Washing

Back to basics it is. Now hand wash your clothes to save the environment. A research has found that manual methods release far fewer fibres than machine laundering that releases over five times more microplastics.

Staff Writer

Under Cloud / Higg Review

12 January 2023

2 minutes

The H&M Sergel Torg store in Stockholm. Last year, the Norwegian Consumer Authority had hauled up H&M over claims made on basis of the Higg MSI.

Higg Index Review Report Expected in June, says Sustainable Apparel Coalition

The third-party expert review of the Higg MSI data and methodology, that came under fire last year, is expected this June, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) has announced.

Staff Writer

Supply Chains / Payments

9 January 2023

3 minutes

The survey looked at the period from March 2020 to December 2021 and was funded by the University of Aberdeen through an award from the Scottish Funding Council under the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

Most High-Street Fashion Brands in UK Paying Below Cost of Production, Allege Bangladesh Suppliers

A survey conducted by the University of Aberdeen and trade justice charity Transform Trade has said that large fashion brands sourcing clothes from Bangladesh for the UK market are allegedly paying below the cost of production.

Staff Writer

Supply Chains / Amazon Rules

5 January 2023

2 minutes

The Supply Chain Standards detail the requirements and expectations for Amazon's suppliers, their supply chains, and selling partners who list products in Amazon stores.

Amazon Updates Supply Chain Standards, Calls for Protection of Dignity of Workers

Amazon has updated its Supply Chain Standards according to which all products sold in the Amazon Stores or products or services provided to Amazon must be manufactured, produced, or provided in accordance with the Standards and all applicable laws.

Staff Writer

Manmade Cellulosic Fibres / Guidelines

3 January 2023

2 minutes

To address the use and discharge of hazardous chemicals in man-made cellulosic manufacturing, ZDHC published the first ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V1.0 in April 2020.

ZDHC Releases Updated Version of Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) Guidelines

The new ZDHC Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) Guidelines V2.0 provide an aligned approach for fibres, including defined chemical recovery, wastewater and sludge discharge, and air emission discharge. The updated version was released Tuesday.

Staff Writer

Dyes & Chemicals / Delhi Pollution

2 January 2023

2 minutes

There have been many reports that specifically blame the discharge by illegal denim dyeing units, said to be high in ammonia and phosphates compounds, for the frothing of the Yamuna river.

Delhi Govt to Study Adverse Impact of Denim Dyeing Units

Recurring complaints of polluted water from residents in some areas of New Delhi has prompted the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to study the environmental impact of units engaged in dyeing or washing of garments.

Staff Writer