In the dynamic landscape of the fashion and luxury industry, strides are being made toward embracing ecological transitions. Despite a gradual pace and a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, sustainable development has taken center stage. From production and supply chains to investment, communication, and regulation, the fashion and luxury sector is actively integrating sustainability. Yet, the journey is intricate, as highlighted by insights from the Venice Sustainable Fashion Forum.
Launched in Venice, Italy, a European hub for luxury goods, this forum aims to redefine standards for sustainable development, challenging the historical dominance of Copenhagen. Organized by Sistema Moda Italia (SMI), The European House – Ambrosetti, and Confindustria Veneto Est, the second edition, titled «Boosting Transition,» emphasizes the urgent need for the fashion sector to catch up with more virtuous industries.
A comprehensive study, involving 2,800 manufacturers in the supply chain and 100 leading European fashion companies, sheds light on the industry’s environmental impact. Despite progress, the European fashion industry in 2020 still produced 121 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, utilized vast land, virgin raw materials, and water. While technological innovation is expected to reduce environmental impact, consumer demand for textiles and accessories is projected to double by 2025.
Challenges persist, with only a fraction of clothing being recycled in Europe. The rise in textile waste, predicted to increase by 20% by 2030, raises questions about the industry’s commitment to the circular economy. The study reveals that a significant portion of discarded products ends up in landfills, especially in non-OECD regions.
Synthetic fibers, constituting 70% of textiles, pose challenges for reuse. Despite consumer awareness of sustainability, the gap between intention and behavior persists, with a significant portion of online purchases being returned, contributing to environmental concerns.
The social impact of the fashion industry remains a concern, with reports of labor exploitation. Despite increased controls since the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, only a small percentage of workers globally benefit from fair wages and proper employment contracts.
Challenges also emerge from the slow pace of legislation and divergent political choices globally. While efforts like the European Green Deal and the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles are underway, agreement on crucial measures is pending.
The question of costs becomes central to discussions. The study suggests that producing sustainable garments costs more but yields greater margins. However, economic challenges of recent years, compounded by geopolitical instability and pandemics, have slowed the ecological transition. Fashion companies face the dilemma of raising prices or reducing margins.
The call for change is evident, with proposals to measure performance through standardized indicators, encouraging alliances between industry players, and catalyzing change. Successful projects, like Prada’s «Re-Nylon,» showcase how collaboration can drive innovation and sustainability, providing a blueprint for other sectors.
Despite challenges, notable progress has been made, with an increasing number of fashion companies adopting ESG criteria. The emphasis is on creating a new narrative, aligning brand values with sustainability, and conveying the importance of a sustainable product to consumers.
As the fashion industry navigates the complexities of the ecological transition, integrating sustainability into its DNA emerges as a crucial step for long-term success. Addressing economic, social, and environmental aspects collectively is pivotal for the industry’s transformation and alignment with global sustainability goals.
