By embracing sustainable materials, ethical production and advanced technologies, the fashion industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact and make the way for a more sustainable future
While the world is inspired by Alia Bhatt donning a hand-embroidered garment at the MET Gala or re-wearing her wedding saree, this shift signals more than just a fashion trend. It represents a critical evolution prompted by growing awareness of the fashion and textile industry’s environmental impact and the urgent necessity for sustainable practices.
The fashion sector is a significant ecological contributor, causing up to 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding the combined emissions from aviation and shipping. Additionally, it consumes approximately 4 percent of the world’s freshwater, often in regions facing water scarcity. Despite global commitments calling for a 7.6 percent annual reduction in emissions since 2020, the fashion industry’s emissions have increased by 2.7 percent annually. This environmental strain stems from unsustainable production and consumption patterns, with fashion consumption having more than doubled in the past 15 years while the lifespan of garments has decreased. The growing use of synthetic fibres has also exacerbated ocean pollution with microplastics. Thus, the fashion industry must undergo a profound transformation to achieve sustainability.
Fashion Industry Embraces Sustainability
Sustainable fashion has gained traction, especially among millennials, with celebrities and influencers endorsing eco-friendly clothing. Fast fashion, characterised by rapid production and low costs, significantly harms the environment. Some Indian designers spearhead changes, creating comfortable, timeless, and joyful clothing free from harmful chemicals and pesticides while adhering to ethical production practices. A fundamental concept in sustainable fashion is the closed-loop system, which aims to establish a circular economy—products designed with their end of life in mind. This approach involves recycling and upcycling materials to extend their lifecycle and minimise waste.
Brands are investing in technologies that allow garments to be disassembled and recycled into new textiles. For instance, Patagonia’s Worn Wear programme encourages customers to repair and recycle their clothing, promoting longevity and reducing the demand for new resources.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising sustainable fashion by enhancing design and production processes. AI can reduce waste by mapping garments pre-production, predicting trends to minimise overproduction, and ensuring efficient material usage. This technology enables designers to create pieces that closely align with consumer demand, reducing excess inventory that often ends up as waste.
Education Drives Sustainable Fashion
Education has a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an educational tool that helps designers understand their products’ environmental and economic impact—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Incorporating LCA into design education will enable future designers to make more informed decisions, prioritising sustainability. In India, many educational institutes are developing a sustainable fashion curriculum to teach future designers about sustainable practices, life cycle assessments, and circular economy principles.
India’s Circular Design Challenge, the country’s most significant award for sustainable fashion, provides a platform for designers who prioritise circularity in their designs. This initiative highlights the potential of sustainable design and encourages the broader industry to adopt similar practices. The Circular Design Challenge is vital in transforming the fashion landscape by showcasing innovative approaches and fostering a community of eco-conscious designers.
Many brands are also embracing alternative materials. For example, Nicobar uses sustainable fabrics like bamboo, TENCEL, and modal, produced without harmful chemicals. Liva’s fabrics, made from wood pulp, are compostable and recyclable, minimising environmental impact. These materials significantly reduce the ecological footprint and offer consumers stylish and comfortable options without compromising quality.
Sustainability in fashion also encompasses ethical labour practices. Transparency in supply chains ensures fair treatment and safe conditions for workers. Brands increasingly adopt certifications like Fair Trade and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to verify that their products meet stringent ethical and environmental criteria. By prioritising ethical production, the fashion industry can address social inequalities and promote a more just global economy. Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions uplifts workers’ lives and enhances the integrity of fashion brands.
As the fashion industry evolves, it is clear that sustainability is not a passing trend but an essential shift towards more responsible practices. Influencers like Alia Bhatt and innovative brands and designers are leading this transformation. By embracing sustainable materials, ethical production, and advanced technologies, the fashion industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
(Risha Roy, Assistant Professor and Lead, Sustainable Fashion and Textile Design - Anant National University.)