An excellent piece of market research in Draper’s magazine which interviews key industry leaders to find out how fashion and garments are contributing to plastic pollution and what can be done to reduce the negative impact. A recent study from the National University of Ireland in Galway showed that 73% of Atlantic deep-sea fish surveyed had ingested microplastics- plastic packaging (most commonly poly bags used to wrap garments) is one of the leading factors. Read the article here:
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Ultimately the responsibility of reducing plastic pollution lies with the industry – consumers will demand and support brands who are seen as environmentally ethical. The industry must innovate new ways of producing and packaging garments that reduces single-use plastic, which is toxic to the environment.
-Brands which are seen to be on the cutting edge of change, will be rewarded. For example H&M has committed to only use recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030. They have launched an exclusive collection called Conscious Exclusives to test new, innovative materials which has been well received by consumers and the media alike.
-Collaboration between brands and industry leaders will lead to faster, more drastic change- for example the European Outdoors Group (consisting of brands such as Berghaus, Adidas and Arc’Teryx) have created and signed a cross-industry agreement to prevent micro plastic release. They were “able to achieve quite a bit more when we joined forces.” (Katy Stevens)
Image credit: http://bagatyou.com/