NO EXCUSE

The fashion industry is experimenting with a growing number of sustainable solutions.

Circular fashion is a hot topic right now. It is a self-renewing economic system that allows waste to be reduced by recycling resources in successive manufacturing cycles.

Sustainable fashion is based on ethical production that recognizes the fundamental importance of the environment (recycling, reuse, bartering, certified organic fabrics, low-polluting business processes, or less water use) as well as its social impact (transparent supply chain, fair trade remuneration, safe workplaces, quality of local craftsmen).

In the case of plastics, there has been a major acceleration: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is recycled, broken down, and even turned into yarn; in fact, the first tights made from PET yarn were produced in Italy. Even among the industry's largest and most resourceful companies, actions lag behind public commitments as fashion corporations talk more and more about sustainability. Between commitment and action, there is a significant gap. Waste is the sectors's poorest performing category. Furthermore, the current alternatives - resale and rental - have had limited uptake. It will take a long time to eliminate virgin polyester from the raw material supply chain. From 2024 onwards, some businesses plan to use only recycled polyester. Others have pledged to use only more environmentally friendly polyester by 2025, while others have set 2030 as their deadline.

Some businesses have chosen to participate in regenerative agricultural pilot projects, which is a unique opportunity. In other words, the transition path between intentions and inventions is undoubtedly long. This is not, however, an options menu.The fact is that our actions, and each of our distinct behaviors, will be required. As Naturalist Sir David Attenborough said at the U.N’s COP26 climate conference: “In my lifetime I’ve witnessed a terrible decline. In yours, you could and should witness a wonderful recovery”.