Navigating Sustainability in Fashion | A Comprehensive Guide for Brands 

In recent years, the fashion industry has undergone a significant transformation, with sustainability emerging as a crucial focus for brands and consumers alike. As environmental and social concerns continue to mount, the need for sustainable practices within the fashion sector has never been more pressing.

But what does it truly mean to be sustainable in fashion? How can brands navigate this complex landscape effectively?

Join us as we explore the key principles of sustainable fashion and uncover practical strategies brands can embrace.

Navigating Sustainability In Fashion and Understanding Your Sustainable Footprint

What does it mean to be sustainable in fashion?

At its core, sustainability in fashion encompasses a commitment to minimising environmental impact, promoting ethical production practices, and fostering social responsibility throughout the supply chain. This holistic approach considers the entire lifecycle of a garment, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal. By prioritising sustainability, fashion brands can mitigate their ecological footprint, support fair labour standards, and positively contribute to the communities they operate in.

Key Principles of Sustainable Fashion

Ethical Sourcing & Manufacturing

Embrace transparency and traceability in your supply chain, ensuring that materials are ethically sourced and produced. This involves prioritising fair labour practices, safe working conditions, decent working hours and fair wages at every stage of production. All of our partners here at Visionise meet our ethical standard supporting a fair wage and working conditions for their employers. Learn more about our ethical partners here.

Material Selection

Opt for environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and natural fibres whenever possible. Avoid materials that are resource-intensive or harmful to the environment, such as conventional cotton and synthetic fabrics derived from fossil fuels. Not all recycled materials are created equal. If you would like help sourcing a particular material, get in touch with our team today.

Circularity

Embrace a circular approach to fashion by designing for longevity, durability, and recyclability. Encourage consumers to repair, reuse, and recycle their clothing to extend its lifespan and minimize waste. Could you implement a re-sale or buy-back concept for your brand? 

Reduced Waste

Implement strategies to minimise waste throughout the production process, from design to manufacturing. This includes reducing fabric waste when it comes to your design, optimising production processes, and exploring innovative recycling and upcycling techniques.

Carbon Footprint

Take steps to reduce your carbon footprint by looking at your supply chain and optimising and creating efficiencies where possible including transportation, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing alternate energy-efficient practices in the manufacturing process such as dye treatments and finishes.

Practical Strategies for Sustainable Fashion Brands

When taking the time to explore the complexity of sustainability in fashion, you’ll soon realise there is no one-size-fits-all approach and as we go on to offer practical suggestions as to how you can be more sustainable in your brand, it’s important to remember that there is new information shared daily, so it’s about doing the best you can.

It’s also important to understand that terms like ‘sustainability’, ‘ethical’, ‘transparent’ & ‘certification’ have different meanings depending on the context. At Visionise we want to help you identify small changes you can make through your product development for maximum ‘real world’ positive impact.

Implementing just a few of the practices defined below, or at the very least, identifying areas for improvement will contribute to a better industry and planet. 

Understanding how your values align with the different sustainable practices will ultimately influence what choices you prioritise and how you continue to grow your brand‘s sustainability footprint. 

Certifications & Standards

Consider obtaining certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade to validate your commitment to sustainability and provide transparency to consumers. Also look to the following accreditations:

• SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Auditing) is a globally recognised ethical audit methodology, developed by Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange). It is a four-pillar audit, which assesses a company’s performance in the areas of labour standards, health and safety, the environment, and business ethic
• BSCI (C grade or above) – Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI Certification) is the European social monitoring system for ethical sourcing initiated by the Brussels-based Foreign Trade Association (FTA).
• WRAP – Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) is the world’s largest factory-based certification programme for manufacturers of clothing, footwear and other sewn products.
• SA 800 – It measures the performance of companies in eight areas important to social accountability in the workplace: child labour, forced labour, health and safety, free association and collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours and compensation.

Considered Design & Production

Designing with the end in mind allows you to make considered decisions when it comes to the fabrics, materials and trimmings you use. Making conscious choices surrounding the packaging, processes and production methods to create and promote your products, can help reduce your overall impact.

Consider small-scale production, choosing natural or recycled fibres, localising manufacturing and zero waste strategies. Can you use the same material across styles to meet MOQs or look at ways you can repurpose offcuts and transform them into additional styles such as scrunchies or trimmings? Similarly, with any stock that hasn’t moved, before going straight to discount consider how you can re-market them, could you add an embellishment and offer as a ‘limited’ design?

Collaborations & Partnerships

Look to forge partnerships with like-minded organisations, suppliers, and stakeholders who share your commitment to sustainability. Collaborative initiatives can amplify impact and drive positive change within the industry. Consider exploring I-Change, Thread Together, Worn For Good or Upparel.

Consumer Education

Educate consumers about the importance of sustainability in fashion and empower them to make informed purchasing decisions. Transparent labelling, storytelling through blogs and educational marketing & PR campaigns can help raise awareness and foster a more conscious consumer mindset.

Innovation & Technology

Embrace innovation and technology to drive sustainability initiatives forward. Explore alternative materials, digital manufacturing processes, and circular business models to minimise environmental impact and maximise efficiency.

Talk to the team at Visionise to explore innovative fabric options for your next range. We have an extensive range of suppliers an industry contacts ready to support you brand.

Embracing Sustainability For A Better Fashion Future

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, sustainability must remain at the forefront of brand strategies and decision-making processes. By embracing sustainable practices, fashion brands can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also drive positive social impact and build stronger connections with consumers.