Understanding Net Zero: Sustainable Practices Fashion Industry

Rising Awareness: The Net Zero Revolution

Net zero in fashion - As global knowledge about climate change intensifies, many sectors are actually striving to attain a critical balance between greenhouse gas emissions and their absorption – a state we refer to as net zero.

In this reading journey, we'll introduce you to some wonderful and easy solutions leading the charge towards net zero emissions within the world of fashion.

Plus, we'll highlight how you can also become a part in this transformative eco-revolution.

Tackling the Giant: Understanding Net Zero in fashion

The fashion industry, we famously know as one of the world's most environmentally damaging sectors, is making dedicated strides to mitigate its carbon footprint.

At the heart of this movement lies the concept of net zero, symbolising an equilibrium where the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is balanced with the amount effectively removed or offset.

To achieve this essential balance we can realise it by two primary means. Firstly, by reducing emissions through energy efficiency measures and secondly, by offsetting these emissions through investments in projects that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

It's important to note that the road to net zero in fashion is undoubtedly steep.

However, several forward-thinking brands are already pioneering the way, making commendable progress towards this lofty goal.

Setting the Pace: Net Zero Targets in Sustainable Textile Business

To chart a course towards net zero, fashion firms can implement various targets: absolute, interim, primary, and derivative.

Each type of target serves a different purpose, with absolute net zero targets being the most ambitious, necessitating the total decarbonisation of company operations.

On the other hand, interim targets are a notch less rigorous, setting the company on a steady path towards absolute net zero.

UN Conscious Fashion & Lifestyle Network

Primarily, most targets around this framework are focusing on reducing emissions from a company’s own operations. One the other hand, derivative targets consider emissions from upstream suppliers or downstream customers.

Regardless of the type of target set, it's crucial to have a strategic action plan in place, ensuring these targets don't eventually remain mere aspirations.

Wider Perspective: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Although your business may be primed and ready to commit to net zero, congratulations are in order! You're now part of an ever-growing consortium of businesses setting ambitious climate targets.

Striving for net zero means furthermore that your business will compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions from your operations with an equivalent amount of carbon removal or offsetting.

While shaping this target, it's essential to define clearly what net zero signifies for your company.

Which emission scopes will you include?

Have you set a specific date to achieve net zero?

Furthermore, your goals should align with the latest scientific consensus on climate change.

Since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasises reaching net zero by 2050 in order to prevent drastic temperature escalations.

As part of a holistic approach for your fashion business, it's worth considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The famous SDGs are a comprehensive set of 17 international goals also you can adopt for your net zero strategy!

Not to forget, just map out how to achieve your goal, integrating actions such as energy reduction, transitioning to renewable energy sources, investing in carbon offsets, among others.

How to Engage Sustainability in the Textile Sector

Net Zero in fashion? There are several viable routes to achieving net zero in the fashion industry.

One primary approach is through the use of sustainable materials like bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled plastic types.

We can resue materials, carving a sustainable path in the creation of fashion items.

Another great strategy lies in waste reduction, tor example through upcycling.

Essentially, this means that old clothes turn into new wearable pieces. Another way is to recycle old clothes, meaning they are processed and utilised to create other products.

Furthermore, the fashion industry can work towards net zero by offsetting emissions. One method is to compensate for the ´bad work´ we create via activities that remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Joining the Revolution: Your Role as a Fashion Brand or Designer

Everyone has a part to play in getting closer to net zero within the fashion industry. As a consumer, your role involves supporting brands that actively pursue sustainability goals.

For industry leaders mostly, the challenge is to innovate continuously, discovering novel ways to mitigate their environmental impact.

At the same time, government bodies have a responsibility to establish and enforce policies. Such legal foundations should encourage sustainability throughout the fashion supply chain.

Remember, it's clear that by pooling our efforts we can protect our precious planet for the generations yet to come. Let´s collectively thrive for a fashion industry that's not just stylish but sustainable,

It's a shared journey, and together, we can fashion a better future.