The Latest Trends and Innovations in Sustainable Clothing
We are living in exciting times, rife with new ideas and concepts, where a revolution in fashion practices is taking place. We are lucky to be witnessing a momentous transition, where a rising demand for eco-friendly practices has triggered a change in the workings of the fashion world.
Customers are increasingly conscious of their choices and expect brands and fashion houses to provide them with sustainable clothing options. They are giving preference to names that are offering eco-friendly alternatives.
The fashion industry is catching on and countless new emerging trends in sustainability are giving environmentalists hope and a reason to celebrate.
Let us look at some of the latest sustainability trends in fashion.
Innovative materials: Biodegradable and compostable polyester
Among the emerging trends in sustainability, the use of innovative materials is among the most impressive ones. Numerous new materials are entering the market, including compostable fibres, fabrics made from wood pulp, recycled polyester or materials developed in labs.
This new trend is especially important given the overwhelming amount of waste created by fast fashion, 92 million tonnes annually to be exact. This waste has filled up landfills and is mostly non-biodegradable. The development of innovative materials especially biodegradable polyester is a groundbreaking achievement that promises to solve the waste issue significantly and meet the demand for environmentally friendly fashion.
An exciting innovation is the development of a fully compostable fibre, CELYSTM , by INTIMITI AUSTRALIA, which biodegrades completely within 179 days. CELYSTM polyester has a unique chemical structure which has given the fibres a great range of qualities making it perform better than normal PET fibres and suited for many different textile applications.
Circular fashion
Adopting a circular economy is another new trend in sustainable fashion. This trend is growing exponentially and the size of the circular fashion market is expected to reach US$ 11 billion by 2030.
The main aim of this business model is to bring waste generation to a minimum. Manufacturers design to achieve longevity and recyclability of the fabrics. This model also encourages the takeback of old garments to be repurposed and made usable again. This way, resources are reused and kept within the system, thereby closing the loop and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
Ethical practices and transparency
A shift towards ethical business practices is a sure way of helping the industry become more sustainable. Consumers seek transparency and wish to be aware of the source of their clothing. More and more emphasis is being placed on transparent production practices, including fair labour conditions, living wages, and worker rights.
Brands are now increasingly seeking ethical manufacturers to collaborate with. They are on the lookout for names with certifications such as Fair Trade and B Corp to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility. This way they aim to secure the trust of their customers and earn their loyalty.
Slow fashion
This new movement emphasises mindfulness in fashion consumption. Customers tend to choose fewer yet high-quality garments that tend to last longer than the lower quality, nearly disposable clothing created by fast fashion.
It is a trend in which there is an emphasis on the durability and sustainability of the products, the craftsmanship involved and the timelessness of the designs being created. It means paying heed to the quality of the clothing instead of the quantity.
Natural and Organic Fabrics
A growing trend is the demand for natural and organic fabrics by consumers. Brands and fashion houses are increasingly opting for organic fabrics to cater to the current trends in sustainability.
These fabrics include materials that are biodegradable, renewable, and on the whole, have a lower environmental footprint compared to their more popular counterparts like polyester and nylon.
Natural fabrics are grown and processed sustainably. Some commonly used natural materials include linen, bamboo, hemp and organic cotton.
Zero-Waste Design
Preventing the generation of waste at the design stage is the main target of this new process. It is estimated that 10-25% of the fabric being used is wasted during the designing and cutting stages due to various reasons. This in turn means that resources used up during the manufacture of this fabric are also wasted.
It is essential to prepare and implement strategies where the waste is prevented at every stage of the production cycle, especially during the initial stages to conserve the earth’s resources.
An effective way to accomplish this is through pattern efficiency, where clothing is designed in such a way that almost all the fabric is used and a minimum or no leftover fabric scraps are generated.
Transparency and Traceability in the Supply Chain
As customers become more environmentally aware, demands for more transparency in the supply chain continue to rise. And brands are making sure to comply! They provide information about the source of their materials, the processes involved in their manufacturing practices etc. For this purpose, technologies like blockchain are used to track the authenticity and sustainability of the products on sale. These technologies allow customers to view the entire process of production from raw materials all the way to the finished product.
In this regard, certain certifications, such as Fair Trade, help in guaranteeing that ethical practices have been employed.
Renting and Resale
Another new trend helping the fashion industry move towards sustainability is the setting up of renting and resale platforms. Customers are encouraged to sell or rent out their old clothes instead of discarding them. This is a sure way of reducing textile waste and helping attain sustainability.
Innovative Dyeing Methods
There are various issues with low-impact dyeing techniques. They use up vast amounts of water, cause chemical pollution due to the dye washing off into water bodies, and are extremely energy-intensive.
Innovative dyeing techniques are being adopted which are supporting sustainable practices in the industry. These waterless and low-impact methods not only bring down water usage by the industry but also reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the surroundings.
The different new dyeing techniques include Supercritical CO2 Dyeing, digital printing and using low-impact natural dyes.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability in the textile industry is not something that can be attained in a short span of time. It is a long tedious journey which requires commitment on all levels and by all involved. Retailers can also pitch in by implementing certain strategies to complement the consumer trends in sustainability.
There is a need to control energy consumption, use water responsibly, take up eco-friendly packaging, encourage, in fact, stress upon recycling and upcycling and create proper waste management systems.
These are all steps in the right direction and these trends are sure to lead towards a more sustainable industry.
