About the author: Manoj, Operations Lead at Beyos, proudly describes himself as a #Jackofalltrades and #Generalist, always thriving on new challenges. He believes that what keeps him going is the constant push to solve problems and adapt. His superpowers? Being a quick learner with a right-brained, creative approach, and a true team player who brings out the best in those around him.
Fashion is more than just clothing; it is a form of expression, a source of confidence, a symbol of growth, a sense of community, and an act of self-love. Over time, fashion has evolved from merely a necessity to embodying these values. However, as a collective, we have overlooked a critical and essential value, “Fashion as a Responsibility.”
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries. Recent developments in the textile industry show a shift towards sustainable products and processes. However, these innovations’ commercial success and adoption rate are still in their early stages. As stakeholders, we have to urge companies toward a more sustainable future.
Innovation in the Fashion Value Chain
Raw Materials
Significant progress has been made in developing new and recycled materials for manufacturing clothing. Using recycled polyester and cotton has gained momentum, while sustainable alternatives like organic bamboo, Tencel, hemp, and linen are in growing demand. Several material science companies are collaborating with well-known brands to explore and develop new materials.
One of the most exciting innovations involves manufacturing clothing from greenhouse gasses. Air Carbon is pioneering this technology to decarbonize the textile industry through carbon-negative fibers. Another interesting development is textiles made from seaweed. Seaweed-based clothing is completely biodegradable and has a low environmental footprint.
Circular Fashion
Circular fashion is gaining momentum among fashion enthusiasts. It is a closed-loop system for reducing waste. About 92 million tons of textile waste is generated annually, with only about 15% recycled. Waste clothing can reduce the strain on virgin materials, turning waste into value.
Circular fashion requires efforts from multiple stakeholders. Brands are encouraging customers to return used clothing, with an incentive. The collected clothing is then sorted and recycled. Technological advancements also play a pivotal role. For example,
- AI is now used to sort collected clothing by color and material, making recycling more efficient.
- Digital passports for garments are being adopted. Clothes are being printed with QR codes. In the future, we’ll be able to track every piece of clothing from production to its return to a recycling facility, ensuring that it can be repurposed into new garments.
Fashion and Climate Resilience
With the growing impacts of climate change, the role of clothing is shifting from mere fashion to a crucial tool for adaptation and resilience. Picture a 2050 scenario where the Earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.5°C, and extreme weather events like heat waves, prolonged winters, and unpredictable storms have become the new norm. In such a future, designing and developing technical, climate-adaptive clothing will be essential for human comfort and survival.
- Brands and innovators are already working on advanced technologies to create smart, climate-responsive clothing that adjusts to varying environmental conditions.
- These garments could regulate body temperature, repel moisture during sudden rainstorms, or provide insulation against unexpected cold spells.
- Materials capable of dynamically responding to external factors such as temperature, humidity, and UV radiation are being researched to offer a personalized and protective experience.
Embracing Slow Fashion
“ Slow fashion isn’t just about consuming less; it’s about consuming better”.
Slow fashion is a movement that encourages a thoughtful, intentional, and conscious approach to the way we create, purchase, and wear clothing. As consumers, there is an increasing interest in fashion rental and pre-loved clothing. People are becoming mindful in choosing the quality and longevity of the clothing to reduce its environmental impact. Incorporating slow fashion doesn’t have to be an overnight transformation.
- Make informed purchasing decisions.
- Care for your clothes properly.
- Value craftsmanship over convenience.
Even small steps like these can have a significant impact.
It’s Time for Responsible Fashion
Our wardrobe is a reflection of our values, and responsible fashion is the way forward.
- The next time you pick up a piece of clothing, take a moment to read the product label and choose items made from eco-friendly materials. Certifications can be a valuable guide for ensuring that the products you buy meet high environmental and ethical standards. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Bluesign, Fair Trade Certified, BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), etc on the label. That small decision marks your first step toward becoming a sustainable consumer.
- When you clear your wardrobe and discard a few items, consider dropping them off at a collection center or deposit point to support the circular fashion movement. The more we embrace circular practices, the closer we get to reducing our environmental impact.
Fashion isn’t just about keeping up with trends, it’s about creating a movement, and every small step counts. The real trendsetter isn’t the one with the most outfits, but the one who knows the story behind every piece. Fashion can inspire change, and we’re all part of that transformation.