Fashion Micro and Small Businesses Boosted by Net Zero Initiative

A new report, authored by Professor Dilys Williams, Dr Mila Burcikova, and Professor Sandy Black, seeks to accelerate the shift towards a fashion wellbeing economy by identifying operational practices that can align with creative ambitions for sustainability.

The report explores examples of work taking place across three levels of change - social, ecological, and economic - within the fashion sector. It highlights the importance of fundamentally re-evaluating and transforming supply chains, prioritizing ethical sourcing, integrating transparency and traceability, and innovating in sustainable materials and circular economy models.

One of the key operational alignments is supply chain overhaul with transparency. Brands must implement full transparency and traceability, often leveraging technologies like blockchain to monitor raw material origins, production conditions, and labor standards, enabling ethical and environmental accountability.

Ethical sourcing of materials is another crucial aspect. Prioritizing organic, regenerative, recycled, upcycled, and innovative sustainable materials, such as mycelium-based leather and pineapple fiber, reduces environmental impact and aligns production with creative material innovation.

Supply chain decarbonization is another area of focus. Investing in renewable energy at supplier facilities and improving freight logistics addresses the fashion industry's significant emissions, demanding coordinated investment and partnerships across the supply chain.

Circular economy practices, such as programs for garment repair, resale, and recycling, reduce textile waste and fuel creative design in garment longevity and repurposing.

The report also emphasizes the integration of sustainability into design. Creative teams adopting sustainability as a core design principle, considering the product lifecycle, material impacts, and innovative eco-friendly techniques, can transform both brand identity and market offerings.

Examples of brands moving towards this goal include Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Mr Price Group, H&M, and Adidas. These companies are demonstrating progress through comprehensive strategies spanning design to distribution.

The report aims to contribute to shifts in how fashion entrepreneurialism is viewed by demonstrating the viability of connecting environmental, social, and business goals. It also suggests that operating sustainably can encourage creativity and business distinction.

However, the report does not provide information about public service broadcasting, international trade challenges or support measures for the UK's creative industries, Regional Trade Agreements, cultural provisions, or trade in cultural goods. It also does not focus on the creative industries in Northern England or creative destruction, creative firms, workers, and residential gentrification.

Despite these omissions, the report provides a valuable blueprint for the fashion sector, offering insights into how businesses can contribute to sustainability goals while maintaining their creative ambitions.

The report underlines the need for supply chain transformation, emphasizing full transparency and traceability, sometimes aided by technology like blockchain.
Ethical material sourcing is a critical consideration, prioritizing organic, regenerative, recycled, upcycled, and innovative sustainable alternatives.
Decarbonization of supply chains is a significant focus, encouraging investment in renewable energy and improving freight logistics to lessen emissions.
Circular economy practices, such as garment repair, resale, and recycling programs, are highlighted for reducing textile waste and fostering creative design.
Integrating sustainability into the design process is encouraged, transforming brand identity and market offerings when creative teams consider product lifecycle, material impacts, and eco-friendly techniques.
Brands like Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, Mr Price Group, H&M, and Adidas are showcased as moving toward sustainability goals through comprehensive strategies from design to distribution.
The report aims to influence how fashion entrepreneurialism is perceived, highlighting that sustainability can connect environmental, social, and business objectives while fueling creativity and business distinctiveness.
The review does not cover topics including public service broadcasting, international trade challenges, support measures for the UK's creative industries, cultural provisions, trade in cultural goods, creative industries in Northern England, creative destruction, creative firms, workers, or residential gentrification.
Notwithstanding these omissions, the report offers a useful roadmap for the fashion sector, shedding light on how businesses can achieve sustainability targets while preserving their creative aspirations.