Key Insights Regarding Advancing Textile Sustainability
Over the last few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with Ellen Schmidt-Devlin, Peter Majeranowski, Jeff Hawes, and Christine Goulay while pursuing our series: “Creating a Critical Mass in the Textile Sustainability Movement.” In conclusion, we’re grateful for all the insights from some of the leading minds in textile sustainability. Their expertise and passion have given us a vivid picture of the industry’s current landscape and its future potential. In this final piece, we’re excited to share the recurring themes and pivotal ideas that emerged from our conversations. Let’s dive in!
Sustainability as a Core Strategy:
Across all articles, the evolution of sustainability from a peripheral concern to a central strategic focus is evident. We discussed how it’s not unusual nowadays for most enterprises to have a Chief Sustainability Officer as an influential player in the C suite. We also touched on the fact that as the new generation of talent moves up the ranks of big apparel and textile brands, they elevate the importance of sustainability as they are much more in touch with the topic and its impact on their everyday lives.
Importance of Traceability and Transparency:
The need for traceability and transparency in the textile supply chain is a recurring theme. On this topic there was consensus that there is much focus in the media and among all major industry players, however, there was also an understanding that we are far away from fully understanding our supply chains. The biggest challenges highlighted were the complexity of the supply chain, the commoditization of raw materials like cotton and other challenges.
Role of Regulation and Government Policies:
The role of regulation and government policies in driving sustainability is highlighted in all articles. The impact of regulations on sustainability efforts was noted with a touch of caution, and everyone agreed that a proactive industry engagement with regulators was key. Most important danger of regulation was the fact that it is impossible for regulators to fully understand the complexities of the industry and implementing laws that may harm or distract the industry from making actual progress. With that said, some regulation were highlighted as generally positive such as the New York Fashion Act and the California Climate Disclosure Act.
Innovation and Technology:
Innovation and technological advancements are crucial for achieving sustainability goals. We covered the role of academic programs in fostering innovation. We also discussed how breakthrough recycling technologies are opening new pathways to sustainability. Many of our discussions touched on the importance of scalability and long term investment commitments from brands. While recycling of polyblends was seen as a way to tackle dealing with the majority of products made today, we also touched on how next-generation materials and sustainable production methods can play a role in sustainability.
Challenges and Complexities:
The complexity of the textile industry and the challenges in implementing sustainable practices are acknowledged. The fragmented nature of the industry and the hesitation among brands to commit to long-term agreements was reiterated by many of the interviewees. Getting everyone to agree on standards or initiatives was seen akin to herding cats.
Consumer Influence and Education:
While the influence of consumers and the need for greater consumer education were emphasized, there was also a sense of empathy for consumers acting in the most natural of ways – purchasing the products they need. We discussed how it’s impossible to curb the natural desire to express yourself via your attire, as well as the rise of many populations out of poverty which will drive ever more demand for clothing. This only exacerbates the need to produce clothes in a more sustainable manner.
These recurring themes indicate a shared understanding among industry experts about the critical factors needed to advance sustainability in the textile industry.