Clothing Brands That Bet on Sustainability

Some brands are innovating to reduce waste, better recycling processes, and encouraging creative reusing of clothes.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, during the last 15 years, the production of clothing has doubled, being responsible for 60% of all textile production. It is also worth mentioning that 73% of clothing will end up in landfills and less than 1% is recycled into new clothing. On the other hand, the transport of products from places of manufacture to selling points also contributes to the rise of the carbon footprint in the fashion industry. Additionally, the dying of textiles and finishing plays a huge part in water pollution. 

Various environmentalists have claimed that to move to a more sustainable world, fashion consumers and producers must work together. The side of producers is pretty clear in that they should implement green practices in their supply chain and work towards a circular economy.  However, consumers have a part to play since they should be better informed and demand transparency from producers in terms of the supply chain and the life-cycle of clothing. Also, the overconsumption of clothing is a practice that should be transformed by every one of us. 

Lets now explore some brands that are working towards sustainability in the fashion industry:

1. Levi’s

Levi’s draws attention to the finishing process to remove water whenever it is possible, using up to 96% less water to make in its Water-less Collection. They have also publicly made various sustainability commitments in their product life cycle.

2. H&M Conscious

Every piece of the H&M Conscious collection has an aspect that lowers its environmental footprint. Also, you can always take your used clothes to H&M stores for recycling while getting a discount on your next purchase. The H&M group claims that they use 57% recycled or sustainably sourced fibers while committing to 100% by 2030.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren

The Earth Polo is a shirt for men and kids, made up of recycled water bottles and with dyes that do not need water in their application process. Despite its one-only shirt, the Brand states that it will save an equivalent of 170 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills by 2025.

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4. Patagonia

This brand uses sustainable materials when possible and it also encourages and helps you to repair your clothing to increase its use. Various of its collections have been Fair Trade Certified and have a Bluesign approval meaning that their supply chain is evaluated to guarantee that it is safe for the environment, as well as workers and consumers. The brand also sells second-hand clothing with discounts and buys your used clothes.

5. Columbia

This brand also takes good care of its supply chain in terms of protecting the planet. They are known for their Outdry Eco Jackets which are made from recycled water bottles, use no dyes and also repel water without using perfluorochemicals which are harmful to the environment. Columbia has also affirmed that 50% of its vendors are Bluesign Certified, and therefore they know how to be water-efficient,  as well as producing less waste and using less energy. On Earth Day celebration, they announced their partnering with Captains For Clean Water an organization focused on restoring the natural flow of water to the everglades.