Embracing Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Phasing Out Plastics in Fashion

In response to the growing demand for sustainability, fashion companies are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to plastics for items like hangers and buttons. While these alternatives come at a higher cost currently, they represent a crucial step towards a greener future.

Several companies are leading the charge in offering sustainable options:

1. Blue: Launching hangers made from recycled marine plastics.

2. Bioglitter: Providing plant-based, biodegradable glitter alternatives.

3. Oceanworks: Connecting brands with ocean plastic waste for various trims and accessories.

4. Corozo Buttons: Supplying buttons, zipper pulls, and tags made from natural corozo.

5. Knopf Budke: Offering eco-friendly materials like cellulose, hemp, coconut shells, and rice husks.

6. Braiform: Developing plastic-free versions of hangers for sustainable packaging.

Moreover, reuse programs are gaining popularity, reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions.

By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and embracing reuse initiatives, fashion brands can significantly reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Source: Vogue Business

Addressing Plastic Pollution in Fashion

Plastic dominates over half of global clothing production, prompting a search for sustainable alternatives. While plant-derived fibers like rayon offer promise, synthetic materials like nylon and polyester have become ubiquitous for their utility and cost-effectiveness.

However, reliance on synthetics poses environmental challenges. Cotton, though a natural alternative, comes with its own drawbacks such as water-intensive cultivation and limited functionality compared to synthetics.

The proliferation of plastic production leads to significant waste, with plastics ending up in landfills or incinerated, releasing harmful microfibers into the environment. To combat this, it's essential to prioritize traceable supply chains, embrace recycled materials, and promote product longevity.

Addressing the plastic pollution issue requires a multifaceted approach, including advocating for second-hand clothing, supporting sustainable brands, and investing in durable products. Legislative measures can also play a role, but vigilance is necessary to ensure effectiveness.

Innovations within the industry, coupled with collaborative efforts, offer hope for a sustainable future. It's crucial for companies to work together towards meaningful change, ultimately benefiting both the environment and society.

Source: The Guardian

New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

Today, a coalition of brands including Burberry, H&M, L'Oreal, Inditex, Selfridges, Stella McCartney, Target, and Unilever, alongside the Chilean and British governments and non-profits, announced their commitment to combat plastic waste and pollution by signing the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.

The main objective is to transition to a circular economy for plastic:

1. Eliminate plastic packaging and phase out single-use plastics.

2. Foster innovation to ensure that all plastics are recyclable, compostable, or reusable by 2035.

3. Extend the lifespan of existing plastic by promoting reuse and recycling.

These goals will be reassessed every 18 months, with a view to making them more ambitious over time. Plastic waste and pollution pose a global challenge, and the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment represents a significant step forward by aligning businesses and governments on a unified agenda.