Fast fashion has turned into a dominant force in the apparel industry. Just a generation ago, the idea of rolling out a new collection every week was unheard of, but now, the relentless pace of fast fashion and customer demands are making it happen, transforming the fashion landscape completely. While it has increased the variety and made fashion more accessible, the sheer volume of garments produced, sold, and discarded has also increased, making sustainability a global challenge.
The Apparel market in India is projected to reach US$105.50bn in 2024 and it’s expected to grow annually by 3.81% (CAGR 2024-2028). However, it’s also responsible for an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions. However, the fashion industry is undertaking significant measures to reduce its impact on the environment and promote sustainable practices. Fashion brands are incorporating advanced technologies like ERP, AI, robotics etc. to make clothing production and consumption more sustainable.
Let’s understand how the industry can build reforms to attenuate consequences and create sustainable, eco-friendly fashion trends.
Circular Fashion Models: Bringing the words ‘reuse’, ‘reduce’, ‘recycling’, and ‘upcycling’ to implementation in the fashion industry can contribute significantly to cutting down on apparel dumping, further extending the life cycle of the same garments in a newer format. Brands should not just focus on bringing trending fashion onto the shelves but also on the quality, durability, and making /creating/ tailoring of the apparel. While brands have memberships/loyalty points and incentives, they should also consider launching recycling and upcycling programs that would encourage individuals to reuse and upcycle their wardrobes.
Sustainable Material Sourcing: It’s imperative for designers and manufacturers to actively opt for fibres such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and Tencel, which are grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals. These materials are more sustainable and have lower environmental impacts than conventional alternatives such as blended fabrics, which are non-recyclable. Manufacturers should consider using recycled materials, such as recycled polyester or recycled nylon, made from plastic bottles. Additionally, certifications and eco-friendly labels from reputable organisations and transparency in the supply chain lead to building consumer trust and promoting sustainable practices.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies: Fast fashion has doubled the production of products, causing a considerable increase in textile waste generation. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) comes as an environmental protection strategy for fashion brands aimed at decreasing the total environmental impact of a product and its packaging. It ensures that producers are accountable for every stage of their product’s lifecycle, from design to disposal. Fashion brands should incorporate some smart-fun incentives and take back/return old programs to encourage sustainable fashion while keeping it rewarding and disciplining for consumers. Additionally, comprehensive product life cycle assessments identify areas for improvement and ensure products are designed with their ‘end-of-life’ in mind.
Advanced Manufacturing Process: As companies increasingly adopt sustainable materials and processes, they should also embrace advanced technologies to enhance supply chain efficiency and lower their carbon footprint. Implementing smart ERP solutions can help fashion brands achieve sustainability and integrate various business processes to give better visibility of end-to-end operations.
To match the rising demand, while prioritising sustainability, manufacturers should incorporate energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to significantly cut carbon emissions. Innovative techniques such as waterless dyeing and water-saving methods can be implemented to conserve this vital resource, while the use of non-toxic or chemical-free dyes ensures both environmental safety and worker health.
Additionally, the integration of digital technologies like blockchain are revolutionising supply chain management, improving transparency and traceability to guarantee ethical and sustainable practices throughout the production process. The adoption of 3D printing technology will reduce material waste and enable on-demand production, aligning seamlessly with sustainable manufacturing principles. These advanced processes are key to driving the visibility, speed, and accuracy needed in today’s competitive market while simultaneously supporting crucial sustainability goals.