LIBRARY
Environmental Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
Fast fashion comes at a tremendous environmental and social cost. With rising pollution, water consumption, carbon emissions, human rights issues, and gender inequality, the urgency for a shift to sustainable fashion is more evident than ever.
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Organizations in Geneva and beyond are now joining forces to reshape the fashion economy and promote international cooperation for a more sustainable future.
The fashion industry plays a significant role in the global economy, with a value of $1.3 trillion and over 300 million people employed along its supply chain (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). In the past two decades, global fiber production has nearly doubled, from 58 million tonnes in 2000 to 116 million tonnes in 2022, with projections reaching 147 million tonnes by 2030 if current trends continue (Textile Exchange 2023). While people purchased 60% more clothing in 2014 compared to 2000, they retained these items for only half as long (McKinsey & Company, 2016).
Despite the fashion industry's growth, the sector has garnered increasing scrutiny for its wide-ranging negative environmental impacts. Fashion is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide and contributes 2–8% of global carbon emissions.
The industry’s waste footprint is equally concerning. Around 85% of textiles are discarded each year (UNECE, 2018), and washing certain garments releases vast amounts of microplastics into the ocean.
Environmental Footprint of Fast Fashion:
One garbage truck of textiles is burned or landfilled every second (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).
Plastic-based materials account for about 60% of fashion materials (UNEP, 2019).
500,000 tons of microfibers are washed into the ocean annually—the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).
Fashion is responsible for 2-8% of global carbon emissions, a share that could rise to 26% by 2050 if left unchecked (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).
215 trillion liters of water are used by the textile value chain each year (Quantis, 2018).
Approximately 20% of industrial wastewater pollution originates from fashion production (World Bank, 2020).
Less than 1% of clothing materials are recycled into new garments—representing over $100 billion in material loss annually (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).
The Human Cost of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion also takes a serious toll on workers. Textile workers—primarily women in developing countries—often endure minimal wages, excessive hours, and unsafe working conditions (UNEP, 2018; WRI, 2019). Human rights abuses are prevalent in some areas, compounded by health risks from toxic chemicals used in textile manufacturing.
The urgent environmental and social costs underscore the need to rethink fast fashion. Shifting to sustainable business models is essential. Resources below provide further insights and potential paths to a sustainable future.
Creating a Fashion Brand: A Beginner’s Guide
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When creating a fashion brand, having a solid business plan is crucial. Your business plan should clearly define your brand's vision, mission, and goals. Additionally, it should outline costs and plan for the financial aspects of your business. Conducting market research, performing competitive analysis, and presenting a unique value proposition are essential parts of this process. Your business plan will help determine how to position your brand in the industry and gain a competitive edge. Moreover, it allows you to set short- and long-term goals, creating a roadmap for growth.
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One of the first steps in creating a fashion brand is conducting thorough market research. This helps you understand your target audience and their needs. Both fashion design students and professionals can use this information in developing unique fashion products. Designing with your target audience's preferences in mind increases your brand’s success. Market research also provides insight into competitors' activities and identifies gaps in the industry, allowing you to enhance your brand's uniqueness and respond to customer demands more effectively.
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When establishing a fashion brand, it's essential to meet legal requirements and manage financial regulations. You must consider business licensing, tax regulations, and trademark registration. Trademarking protects your brand legally, preventing others from using it. Additionally, staying informed about legal documents and regulations ensures your brand avoids legal issues. Financial planning safeguards your business's sustainability and financial health, so working with an accountant or financial consultant may be beneficial.
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An important step in building a fashion brand is selecting a suitable name. The name should reflect your brand’s identity and values. A good fashion brand name is short, memorable, and unique. It's also essential to choose a name that your target audience can easily associate with and remember. Furthermore, ensure that the name is available as a domain and on social media platforms. A strong name plays a significant role in the long-term success of your brand.
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Your brand’s logo is a fundamental element in creating a fashion brand. It represents your brand’s visual identity and requires a professional design. When designing the logo, consider your brand’s character and your target audience’s expectations. A well-designed logo makes your brand recognizable and leaves a lasting impression. It should reflect your brand's aesthetic and values and be effective across different media and platforms.
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Fashion brand management involves clearly defining your brand’s personality and values. Brand personality ensures consistent messaging and communication, strengthening your brand image and fostering customer loyalty. Your brand’s personality should be reflected in marketing strategies and customer relationships. This personality determines your brand’s voice and tone, influencing customer experience. A consistent brand personality reinforces your brand’s position in the market.
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Your brand voice dictates your communication style and customer relationships. When establishing a fashion brand, using a consistent and engaging tone increases brand recognition and reliability. Your brand voice should be consistently used on social media, your website, and other communication channels. This enables effective communication with your target audience and ensures that your brand messages are conveyed accurately.
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To create a brand from scratch, it’s essential to understand your target audience and analyze competitors. Fashion designers and brand founders can identify their audience’s needs, creating special designs that meet their expectations. Competitive analysis helps you develop strategies to stand out in the industry. Understanding competitors’ strengths and weaknesses allows you to identify your brand’s unique qualities. Additionally, it helps you stay updated on industry trends and customer expectations.
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When conducting a competitive analysis, examine your competitors’ products, pricing strategies, and marketing techniques. This analysis helps you create effective strategies and identify ways to differentiate yourself in the market. By identifying gaps and opportunities, you can strategically position your brand in these areas. Competitive analysis also helps you discover innovative opportunities and highlight your brand's uniqueness.
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To effectively market your designs and products, choosing the right platforms is essential. If you’re interested in selling clothing designs and managing this process professionally, fashion marketplaces provides valuable opportunities. "You can launch your own website and start promoting it online. If you're unsure where to begin, don’t worry—we're here to help!
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To succeed and express yourself in the fashion world, you can apply various strategies. Continuously developing your creativity and design skills, following industry trends, and being part of a professional platform are key components of your career.
“I had a fashion brand that was selling well, but I often received complaints from customers about quality issues. Additionally, I faced frequent delays with my supplier, causing me to miss key holiday promotions and resulting in significant losses. I knew I had the potential to sell but needed professionals to handle my supply chain. Then I found Build Your Fashion Brand. They took care of every aspect of the supply process, allowing me to focus on sales and marketing. Looking back, I’m thrilled with my decision—happier customers and much less stress, thanks to Build Fashion Brand.”
— Jamie K.
"As a social media influencer, I always wanted to create my own fashion brand. I had ideas but wasn't sure how to bring them to life. Thanks to Build fashion Brand consultants, I was able to make everything in my mind a reality. Now, I have a fashion brand I love, and it's selling incredibly well."
— Eleanor P.