Is Sustainability really important?
For years now, sustainability has been the topic of lots of conversations and reports, but it seems that it has been an academic exercise for most in the fashion world. There have been companies that have made worthy efforts, but not the impact that many had hoped for in terms of industry altering. That may be changing…
Stella McCartney has committed to “pushing the envelope” for sustainable luxury. Most thought that sustainable luxury was an oxymoron, but maybe not. McCartney starts back at sustainable farming which includes crop rotation to replenish the soil. Cotton is the main fashion culprit. There’s a huge demand for it, but it uses tons of water, fertilizer, chemicals, etc. Her company re-uses all the waste that sits on the floor after fabric and fibers are made and must be very clever about what they use it for. The fibers tend to be shorter so they can’t be used for heavy garments.
Ok, you may be thinking that it’s one designer who already leans in that direction, but last week JustStyle sent out an email editorial suggesting that the pandemic has given the apparel industry an opportunity to reset with sustainability in mind. To quote:
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented the apparel industry with an opportunity to pause, reflect and rethink its future. Winners in this new post-Covid world will be those that reset with sustainability in mind – shifting to more circular business models that move away from the traditional ‘take-make-waste’ system and allow for more transparency along the supply chain with greater cohesion between brands and suppliers.
Ok, once again it’s easy to think that it is high end fashion where costs can be absorbed somewhere in the process, but none other than Walmart has committed to being carbon neutral by 2040. Here’s a statement from Walmart corporate:
Our focus on climate, nature, waste and people in supply chains has strengthened our business and communities in measurable ways. Among our progress in 2019, Walmart bought more wind and installed more solar than any other company in the U.S., according to solar and wind associations, and diverted 80% of our waste from landfills and incineration globally. We also made climate disclosure nonprofit CDP’s ‘A List’ for climate action in 2019 and 2020.
Even with all that was going on during 2020, that’s a big commitment. Hopefully that tide is turning and some of the wasteful and destructive processes of the past from the fashion industry are that…in the past. Sustainability will continue to be a hot top and hopefully one that fashion truly embraces going forward.
About AKCEL Partners: AKCEL Partners is a sales consultancy founded by three executives with strong bonds throughout the textile, apparel, brand and retail industries. AKCEL Partners offers strategic sales planning combined with experienced, highly networked sales professionals who give clients immediate access to targeted decision-makers. We are dedicated to meeting or exceeding our clients’ short- and long-term revenue goals. To learn more, go to www.AKCELPartners.com.
