Sustainability – The Future of Modern Fashion Industry

For most companies, sustainability is a marketing buzzword that is heavily advertised and, most of the time, used as a filler in corporate communication. But does 'sustainability' hold the same meaning in the context of the Fashion Industry? To reach any conclusion, a thorough understanding of essential information is required.

Though the idea of Sustainability is not new, the concept of 'Sustainable Fashion' is comparatively new and began in the early 90s. The designers and innovators of the fashion industry stepped outside of the boundaries of conventional production and consumption patterns. They started exploring the possibilities with the core idea that clothing could be made in an "ecological, social, and culturally diverse" way and encourage 'innovative business models. The change in perspective towards Sustainability moved the focus away from 'Fast Fashion'.

In the context of the Modern Fashion industry, the concept of Sustainability revolves around innovation, technological advancement, change in production methods, and overhaul of the complete supply chain.

What is Sustainability? 

Sustainability indicates ethics, durability and the recycling of products. In the context of the Fashion industry, Sustainability is difficult to define. The concept of sustainable fashion encompasses a variety of terms such as organic, green, fair trade, sustainable, eco-friendly etc.

What are the goals of Sustainability?

The ultimate goal of sustainable fashion is to massively slow down the production and consumption of garments on a global scale. The critical component of sustainable production is the 'replacement of harmful chemicals with environmentally friendly materials and the reduction of 'waste and resource consumption through apparel recycling'.

The textile industry is one of the biggest polluters of Water Bodies. Also, fast fashion is one of the leading causes of polluted landfills. Adopting sustainable means of production could reduce water and land pollution.   

How to achieve Sustainability?

Sustainability in the modern fashion industry can be achieved through encouraging three crucial elements:

• By shifting consumers' purchasing behavior from quantity to quality. This shift can be achieved by motivating people to buy quality products that has a longer life span.
• Facilitating production that "does not exploit natural and human resources to expedite manufacturing speed. It involves using innovative and eco-friendly textile speciality chemicals and adopting newer and more efficient methods and production technologies.
• By improving the product lifespan from manufacturing to discarding

What is the future of the Modern Fashion Industry? 

Today's fashion industry is dominantly affected by major fashion events held in London, New York, Milan, or Paris. Such events create trends, and trends drive the industry. The mix of trends and consumerism may be good for the growth and advancement of the Fashion industry but is horrendous for the environment.

Such growth and advancement without considering the environment and factors of production are not sustainable in the long run. Therefore, Sustainability is the biggest challenge faced by the Modern Fashion Industry and demands the rethinking of the entire system and practices. In the absence of radical changes, the future of Modern Fashion looks bleak.

About Cosmo Speciality Chemicals 

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals is one of the leading manufacturers of Textile Speciality Chemicals and Adhesives. We are a research-oriented company, and we aim to provide eco-friendly consumer-centric products that bring in enhanced functionalities and aesthetics.