NFW’s Post

It's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for 'em. No longer just for preppy picnics, the iconic Polo shirt is now a symbol of sustainable fashion. Ralph Lauren, in a groundbreaking move, has swapped virgin cotton for its recycled counterpart, a feat made possible by cutting-edge chemical engineering. But this isn't just about a new shirt, it's about a new approach. By showcasing fabric-to-fabric recycling on the Olympic stage, Ralph Lauren is sending a message to the industry: sustainability is not a trend, it's the future. It's a bold move, considering the complexities of scaling this technology, but one that could ripple through the fashion world. After all, if the Olympics can go green, why not our wardrobes? #SustainableFashion #OlympicGames #RecycledCotton #RalphLauren

If there is one thing worse than mercilessly exploiting nature and humans to inflate mere digits on a screen, it's #GREENWASHING! It blatantly and intentionally deceives the people who actually DO CARE about the #environment and #whomademyclothes. First of all, even if #recycling occurs, it demands energy and water- making it not only expensive but also environmentally unsustainable. While promising recycling that never happens, it merely propels consumption, adding yet another lorry full of fashion waste to landfills every minute (a better description than visualizing millions of tons of trash). Thirty percent of that clothes still bear a price tag, and forty percent are worn only once. Most of the "pre-loved" garments were never 'actually' loved and often find themselves in a cycle of being impulsively purchased, left unworn, and eventually discarded... It's not JUST clothes- the plastic industry does the same. I seriously can't understand that shortsightedness- don't the regulators and business owners have children, grandchildren? Because it's about the world they will be living in... https://lnkd.in/dsZCT-S2

Reflecting on the stark reality that some countries have already exhausted their natural resources for this year, I was reminded of an article from Earth.org outlining 10 concerning facts about the fashion industry. Among these, the production of 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, nearly 10% of microplastics dispersed in the ocean each year come from textiles, and the expected 50% increase in the apparel industry's global emissions by 2030 stand out as harrowing indicators of the unsustainable path we are on. This context makes the recent news about Renewcell a Swedish textile-to-textile recycling company, even more disheartening. Despite its innovative approach to creating Circulose fiber from recycled materials, and backing from major fashion players like H&M Renewcell has filed for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties. This failure highlights a significant gap in our efforts to transition to a more sustainable fashion industry. Given these challenges, the conversation around a digital product passport becomes increasingly pertinent. Such a tool could revolutionize transparency, allowing consumers to see the lifecycle impact of their purchases. But it prompts us to ask: Is the fashion industry ready to embrace this level of accountability? The demise of Renewcell, an entity striving to mitigate the industry's environmental impact, raises critical questions about our collective commitment to sustainability. Will we see the necessary leadership and innovation to shift towards more sustainable practices, or will the fashion industry continue to lag behind? #Sustainability #FashionIndustry #Renewcell #DigitalProductPassport

The bankruptcy of circular fashion firm Renewcell, sheds light on vital lessons for the sustainable fashion sector. This event underscores the resilience required to navigate in the field of circular fashion and the significant role of regulatory evolution in shaping a sustainable future. The momentum is building, particularly in the European Union, with regulations increasingly favoring sustainable practices. Mandates for repurposing returned clothing, setting recycled content requirements, and combating greenwashing represent a broader commitment to sustainability. These regulatory changes not only challenge brands to abandon unsustainable practices but also empower those leading the charge towards a circular economy, offering a unique chance to redefine industry standards. Renewcell's story, though ending in bankruptcy, ignites a discussion on the necessity for innovation, the importance of regulatory support in fostering sustainable practices, and the critical need for businesses to adapt to a changing environmental landscape. #circularfashion #sustainablepractices #decadeofaction https://lnkd.in/gb5M_-5M

The concept of the "Ecoluxe Blazer" represents an innovative fusion of sustainability and elegance, redefining what it means to be fashionably responsible. This approach allows consumers to easily identify products that are not only aesthetically appealing but also kind to the environment. In an era where ecological awareness is on the rise, the Ecoluxe Blazer stands out as a symbol of conscious sophistication. By adopting sustainable materials and ethical production practices, the Ecoluxe Blazer is more than just an article of clothing; it's a statement. It speaks of the wearer's commitment to a greener future, without compromising on style or quality. This blazer appeals to those seeking elegance and wanting to make a positive choice for the planet. It's fashion that sends a message not just of good taste, but also of respect for our Earth.

Even recycled plastics seeps into our oceans and foodchains. So why would you want to create products out of recycled plastic? That's what I love about the #regenerativeaction case of Unless Collective. They wanted to create fewer problems with their products, which are sneakers. A couple of things that I would like to highlight about their business model: 🈺 The plan was to make shoes and other apparel that skipped the plastic entirely, leaving no harmful waste behind in the environment. The sneakers are made from decomposable plants and minerals. 🈺 They wanted to address the root of the problem. Typically sneakers are filled with glues, foams, threads, polyester mesh and other petroleum-based synthetics. They developed a plastic-free rubber material (Pliant) for the outsole, as well as a midsole foam (Tunera) made of natural rubber, vegetable oil, minerals and cork. 🈺 Wearers can mail used pairs back to Unless for a 20% discount on their next purchase. Unless works with California-based industrial composter Agromin Corp. on disposal, the shoes can even be buried in the backyard... Check out the case here: https://lnkd.in/dkBxPnTv #regenerativeaction #sustainability #supplychain

On World Environment Day, we at Texport Syndicate reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet! We believe the fashion industry has a responsibility to embrace sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Here are some ways we're working towards a greener future: 👉 Eco-Friendly Materials: We prioritize using sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester in our garment production. 👉 Responsible Sourcing: We partner with ethical suppliers who share our commitment to environmental responsibility. 👉 Energy Efficiency: We continuously invest in technologies and practices that reduce our energy consumption. 👉 Waste Reduction: We strive to minimize waste throughout the production process through recycling and innovative techniques. We're constantly seeking new ways to lessen our environmental impact. What are some sustainable practices you implement in your daily life? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #worldenvironmentday #textile #industry #fashion #apparel #exportbusiness #sustainability

Brittany Sierra, your commentary is what I would call a beacon for the nuanced conversation needed within the sustainable fashion dialogue. You have managed to underscore a critical junction in the industry: the shift towards recycling and the implementation of circular economy principles, while indeed progressive, isn't a panacea for the underlying systemic issues of overproduction and overconsumption. Your point about the Cinderella scene is a metaphorical gem, illustrating that while transformation is magical, the reality of sustainability requires more than just a wave of a wand. The juxtaposition of Renewcell's bankruptcy and the substantial investments by Gap Inc. and H&M into textile recycling ventures like Ambercycle and Syre, respectively, paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads. It showcases a willingness to invest in innovation, yet begs the question of whether these investments are merely treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes. Furthermore, "But what does ‘less’ look like from a business POV?" is particularly thought-provoking point. It challenges the traditional growth models predicated on continuous consumption and invites us to envision a paradigm where success isn't measured by volume but by value creation within ecological limits. This question opens up a vital discussion on redefining business success in the fashion industry, focusing on quality, longevity, and genuine sustainability. When it comes to strategic decisions, I agree with you, to be a fly on the wall in these strategy rooms would indeed be fascinating, offering insights into the complexities and trade-offs that these companies navigate. Your reflections serve as a crucial reminder that while steps toward circularity and sustainability are to be applauded, a more comprehensive rethinking of the industry's foundations is necessary. It's about shifting the narrative from merely doing "less harm" to actively doing "more good," fundamentally reimagining how fashion operates in harmony with our planet's boundaries.

I’m working on the Sustainable Fashion Forum's weekly industry news recap (https://lnkd.in/gAfQn4Nb), and this Cinderella scene came to mind, ha! Despite Renewcell declaring bankruptcy and sending literal shockwaves through the industry, notable movement is being made in the textile recycling arena, with Gap Inc. collaborating with Ambercycle to incorporate its recycled polyester, cycora®, into Athleta products from 2026 onwards and H&M's $600M investment in Syre, a new textile-to-textile recycler, also focused on polyester. Even Renewcell remains resilient, seeking new ownership, while Canopy's upcoming webinar aims to bolster interest in Renewcell’s CIRCULOSE®, potentially offering the company a lifeline to continue its mission. Two random thoughts here. A step in the right direction is, in fact, a step in the RIGHT DIRECTION; however, while developments in recycling and resale signal positive steps forward, the fashion industry still grapples with the pervasive issues of overproduction and overconsumption. We're making and buying more than the Earth can sustain. Period. While strides towards circularity ARE commendable, they occur against a backdrop of excessive production and waste, underscoring the need for a more profound transformation in both business models and consumer behavior. But what does ‘less’ look like from a business POV? Second random thought: how interesting it is that H&M-backed Renewcell's declaration of bankruptcy and the news of H&M investing $600 Million (!!!) in Syre happened all within the same week. What/if anything, does the difference in feedstock have to do with it all? Again, the business-obsessed, strategy-loving, NOSEY part of me would LOVE to be a fly on the wall! 😅