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Standards of sustainability in the fashion industry
Summary
This review examines sustainability standards in the fashion industry, which accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, significant water use, and over 85% of textiles going to landfill annually, and explores how washing synthetic clothing releases microplastics into waterways. The authors assess regulatory frameworks, voluntary standards, and the gap between the industry's environmental impact and current sustainability commitments.
The fashion industry represents an important segment of the world economy and employs over 75 million people worldwide. The fashion industry sector has seen spectacular growth over the past decades, and while the fashion sector is booming, increasing attention is being drawn to the impressive range of negative environmental impacts the industry is responsible for. The fashion industry accounts for 10% of total carbon emissions, drains water sources and pollutes rivers and streams. Over 85% of textiles end up in landfills each year (UNECE, 2018), and washing clothes sends a significant amount of microplastics into the oceans. Given the high impact of the fashion industry on the environment, fashion industry leaders have a great responsibility in developing their business models with integrated sustainable development goals, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. A transparent and sustainable fashion industry is a joint responsibility of producers and policy makers and can only be achieved through the cooperation of all stakeholders, including consumers. Harmonized standards and criteria are critical for a common understanding of sustainability globally and for increasing confidence in claims. In this regard, the global Kering Group manages the development of renowned fashion houses that produce clothing, leather goods and jewelry: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Keelin, etc. promoting creativity in a sustainable and responsible way, coupled with economic performance. Through its very strict standards, the Kering Group shows its care about the impact of the fashion industry on the planet, on climate change and natural resources, and promotes pioneering ideas aimed at preserving natural resources and empowering future generations. This paper outlines the Kering Standard 2025 requirements for the raw material base for the fashion industry, which suppliers must meet in order to be compliant, as well as additional "best practices" that suppliers should work on in the coming years, all relating to Kering's sustainability principles.
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