Image Source: greeneconomycoalition.org
Major retailers and the fashion industry have a long-standing history of grappling with sustainability and social responsibility issues. While there has been a notable shift, with 52% of leading fashion retailers now revealing their tier 1 supplier lists, the collective performance paints a bleak picture, averaging only 23%. Moreover, a substantial 45% of brands provide scant information regarding the sources of their raw materials.
Transparency stands as a linchpin for the responsible and sustainable functioning of any industry, and the fashion realm is no exception. Brands often make sweeping claims about their sustainability efforts, but the lack of concrete evidence makes it challenging for consumers to discern their actual impact, clouding their judgment of genuine efforts and exposing them to misleading greenwashing tactics, further hindering their ability to make informed choices about the products they purchase. Without access to reliable information, it is difficult to identify areas for improvement, assess the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, and hold brands accountable for their commitments. In addition, the lack of consumer awareness perpetuates the cycle of unsustainable practices, as brands are not incentivized to improve their performance, allowing them to make unsubstantiated claims about their sustainability without fear of repercussions. It is evident that the current status quo is untenable.
Historically, incidents arising from misinformation and inadequate information exchange have sparked considerable concerns for both governments and consumers. The 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, claiming over 1,100 lives, and the H&M controversy over incinerating unsold clothing instead of donating or recycling it, exposed widespread unethical practices and led to a change in approach following public outcry. Despite the growing attention to supply chain practices in the fashion industry and the call for brands to enhance accountability, refine audit processes, and assess their environmental footprint, a significant issue persists.
Approaching 2024, a significant 95% of leading fashion brands still continue to operate without transparency in their endeavors to foster a just transition to a circular economy. Despite assertions of steering away from the linear make-take-waste model, the disconcerting reality persists: every passing second witnesses a truckload of garments ending up in landfills or incineration in low-income countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan, causing severe environmental problems. The absence of clear information heightens apprehensions regarding the effective addressing of socio-economic and environmental issues. Posing the question: Is it sufficient for fashion corporations to simply disclose their tier 1 suppliers? It’s become imperative, now more than ever, for fashion enterprises to present credible proof of ESG-compliant supply chains that extend well beyond the primary suppliers. Establishing and substantiating ESG-compliant supply chains is a time-intensive process emphasizing the urgency to take proactive steps now.
It’s 2023 and the fashion industry is still considered to be one of the most polluting industries in the world. It is estimated to be responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than international aviation and shipping combined. The fashion industry wields a considerable influence on water resources, land utilization, and biodiversity, accountable for consuming over 90 billion cubic meters of water and generating over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, meanwhile contributing to 20-35% of the world’s microplastic pollution.
Take a closer peek, and you’ll notice the fashion industry, is always ready to put someone or something on the sacrificial altar. Humanity or nature itself — nothing seems off-limits when the pursuit of success and popularity takes center stage. Furthermore, the hesitation of brands to fully disclose their sustainability practices, fueled by concerns about reputation and the protection of trade secrets, adds to the problem. A pivotal transformation toward transparency is essential for the fashion industry, necessitating brands to divulge information about supply chains, material usage, and environmental impact. Establishing clear targets, defining goals, and issuing regular progress reports are not merely recommended but imperative. Undeniably, this transition won’t be seamless, yet it is indispensable. Without transparency, true sustainability in the fashion industry remains elusive, perpetuating continued harm to the planet.
