Among the many polluting industries, the textile sector tops the list. Fashion is ranked second in global pollution because of its activity. Many major brands change their collections in stores every two weeks, creating an over production that impacts the planet and its resources. Eventually, they have started to bet on eco-responsibility.
All about eco-responsible fashion
This system is made to produce, in better conditions, textile products, in a reasoned way in order to avoid over production, by using some sustainable materials with less impact for the environment. Eco-responsible fashion, ethical, sustainable, slow fashion, eco-design are synonyms referring to the same concept. All products have an impact on the environment. However, fashion often forgets this principle. As far as the choice of raw materials is concerned: all the transformation processes or the packaging; the transport; one must think that fashion is polluting.
Low-cost manufacturing, one of the causes of pollution
Some big brands have been experiencing bad buzz lately about their production ways. In 2017, one brand was accused of burning tons of unsold clothes every year, which does not present the image of an eco-responsible company. Another brand, meanwhile, was accused following some revelations about poor pay for workers in some factories. The latter would not be paid for their work. But the first point presented during an eco-responsible policy is pollution, as the brands are less respectful of the environment. All their products are made of chemicals, which are released into the water by manufacturing plants. An over production of polyester clothing of famous brands has resulted in a percentage increase compared to the year 2000.
Why is fashion aiming for eco-responsible style these days?
In order to act against the heavy pollution of the textile sector, a large organization with eco-responsible goals in the field launched an appeal to some brands. A few large fashion companies agreed to sign an agreement with the GFA in order to improve the production of clothing. As a result, the latter must be sustainable and well recycled so as not to have a major impact on the environment. The GFA has then established several recommendations to lead brands towards an eco-responsible practice. The technique to be put in place concerns in particular four axes: the circular system, the collection of used and less sold clothes and the increase of the production of clothes coming from recycling.