Fashion has always played a key role in the global economy. And fashion consumers are more likely now to pursue a sustainable wardrobe. The numbers further amplify the need for brands to become more eco-responsible. A 2020 report by Global Fashion Agenda and McKinsey found that should the industry continue with its existing decarbonization initiatives, emissions will be capped at 2.1 billion tons a year by 2030, which is the same level the report estimates the industry emitted in 2018, accounting for 4% of the world’s total emissions. This underscores the importance of a shift to sustainability and sustainable practices for fashion.

To do that, the fashion industry can lean on the established sustainable development pillars: profit, planet, and people. Integrating these concepts into fashion is fundamental to designing effective short- and long-term strategies that improve economic well-being and quality of life over time. This also means meeting consumer demands without threatening the future generations’ ability to have access to nature, which fashion manufacturing has encroached upon. A comprehensive understanding of these concepts within the sphere of fashion is vital for organizations to be truly sustainable.

Economic Pillar

The economic pillar is grounded on a company’s efficient and responsible use of resources, which will lead to long-term profitability. To reframe this in terms of fashion, clothing companies that have sustainable initiatives in place can improve their operations and return on investment in the long run.

In an Insider feature, Reformation founder Yael Aflalo emphasizes the importance of maintaining responsible manufacturing processes, which includes recycling fabrics to minimize the brand’s carbon footprint. While the initiative to reduce waste and material use has helped the company cut back on costs, this transparency has also attracted a lot of shoppers who are on the fence about the steeper price point of sustainable fashion. Aflalo is committed to making a sustainable lifestyle possible through incorporating small digestible solutions consumers can streamline into their daily lives. Though a $28 shirt from Reformation might be pricier compared to other options, the idea of doing good is more than enough for consumers to make the purchase.

Environmental Pillar

The environmental pillar is rooted in a dedication to ensuring the conservation and renewal of natural resources. Amidst the effects of climate change, businesses must learn how to reduce carbon footprints, waste, and water usage as they maximize energy efficiency. To illustrate the problem, UNEP reports that the fashion industry produces between 2% to 8% of global carbon emissions. This is only one of the reasons why consumers are now encouraging fashion brands to reduce their generation of waste and new source use.

In an interview by GQ, Nanushka founder Sandra Sandor discusses the brand’s development of its own vegan leather made of recycled materials, which allows them to cut back on water use during the manufacturing process. In fact, amidst supply chain challenges during the pandemic, Nanushka increased its sustainable product offering by 6% to a total of 56%.

Social Pillar

The social pillar focuses on the values that work towards reducing social inequalities. For communities to sustain themselves in the long run, systems and processes must support the creation of healthy and livable communities. Because the cycle of production in the fashion industry is short to accommodate the rapid consumption of clothing, it often results in prioritizing profits over fair labor and wage practices, particularly in fast fashion.

Companies are more likely to prosper when they’ve ensured the security and welfare of their workers. In addition to producing sustainable clothing made from organic materials and natural dyes, fashion designer Eileen Fisher has given her employees a share of her business. In an interview with CNN Business, she says, “I think even 10% of the profits is good for morale and for people feeling like they are really a part of this company.”

With the widening scope of actions displayed by several fashion brands, it’s only a matter of time before other clothing companies transition into more sustainable initiatives including the circular fashion model to cut down on the environmental, economic, and social cost of production.

Article contributed by Riley Judith