The apparel industry has witnessed the rise of fast fashion as a powerful force. A generation ago, it would have been unthinkable to release a new collection every week, but today, the fast fashion industry's unwavering pace and consumer demands are making it possible, drastically changing the fashion industry. Sustainability has become a global challenge due to the sheer volume of clothing produced, sold, and discarded, despite the fact that it has increased variety and made fashion more accessible.
India's apparel market is anticipated to grow by 3.81% a year (CAGR 2024-2028) and reach US$105.50 billion in 2024. But it also contributes, on average, 10% of the world's carbon emissions. To lessen its environmental impact and encourage sustainable practices, the fashion industry is, nevertheless, taking major steps. Advanced technologies such as ERP, AI, robotics, and others are being used by fashion brands to increase the sustainability of clothing production and consumption.
Implementing the terms "reuse," "reduce," "recycling," and "upcycling" in the fashion industry can greatly reduce the amount of clothing that is dumped and further extend the life cycle of the same items in a different format. In addition to focusing on bringing in-vogue items, brands ought to give equal attention to the garments' construction, durability, and tailoring. In addition to offering memberships, loyalty points, and incentives, brands ought to think about starting recycling and upcycling initiatives to motivate people to reuse and repurpose their clothing.
It is essential that producers and designers actively choose materials like Tencel, hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton—all of which are produced without the use of dangerous chemicals or pesticides. These materials are less harmful to the environment and more sustainable than traditional substitutes like blended fabrics, which cannot be recycled. It is advisable for manufacturers to contemplate the utilization of recycled materials, such as nylon or polyester derived from plastic bottles. Furthermore, establishing consumer trust and encouraging sustainable practices are the results of supply chain transparency, eco-friendly labeling, and certifications from reliable organisations.