Fashion Impact

FASHION IMPACT

The Fashion Impact category recognises businesses that are using design to positively impact the future of the fashion industry.

The fashion industry is ranked as the second-largest industrial polluter, accounting for about 10% of global pollution, with approximately 92 million tons of clothes-related waste being produced each year*. In addition to these sustainability concerns, there are also ongoing human rights concerns surrounding workplace practices. 

It is widely cited that up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage. So what are fashion industry stakeholders from fibre innovators to designers to manufacturers doing to future-proof the industry and the planet?

 This category recognises innovative organisations and approaches across:

• Design – low impact manufacturing processes and production techniques, such as water reduction processes, zero waste pattern cutting and inventory forecasting designed to cut out waste.
• Materials – innovations in material and chemical science and technology from end-of-life solutions for blended fibres to bio-based next generation fibres and low impact dyes.
• Circular Business Platforms / Programmes – rental, re-sale, repair, up-cycling, 3D sampling software and re-manufacturing waste.
• Advocacy – public awareness, education, lobbying through film, events, conferences, campaigns.
  

* Earth.org, Fast Fashion Statistics 2022