Environmental sustainability in the fashion industry
Environmental sustainability in the fashion industry
In a rapidly changing world, where trends and consumer tastes profoundly influence the fashion industry, it is essential to pay attention to environmental and social issues related to the production and consumption of clothing.
Fashion, with its ability to express individuality and lifestyles, has a significant impact on the environment and the people involved along the supply chain. We will discuss crucial issues such as forced labour and working conditions in developing countries, where production often takes place at unacceptable human costs.
We will also explore concepts such as water footprint and carbon footprint, measuring the water and carbon footprint of the products we wear every day, often without knowing their impact on the environment.
From legislation seeking to regulate these practices to the current landscape of sustainable innovations in the fashion industry, we will explore the challenges and opportunities ahead as we seek to marry a passion for style with a more responsible view of our planet and global communities.
“This podcast series reflects our team’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the textile, apparel and footwear industry. We hope to keep you updated about the latest sustainability trends and topics, while helping you navigate through them.”
Raffaella Santoro
Director, Global Strategic Solutions for Softlines
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In the podcast "100% Made in Sustainability" by TÜV SÜD, Raffaella Santoro explores the relationship between sustainability and fashion. Every year, each person produces approximately 11 kg of textile waste, and the fashion industry is among the most impactful sectors in terms of water consumption and climate change. Consumers are often confused by misleading sustainability claims, while fast fashion fuels a consumerist approach that is harmful to the environment. The podcast aims to clarify key concepts of sustainability in fashion, addressing topics such as European and international regulations, the circular economy, carbon footprint, and eco-design, to promote conscious and sustainable choices.
In the second episode of TÜV SÜD's "100% Made in Sustainability," Raffaella Santoro explores the European legislative landscape on sustainability in the fashion industry. The podcast covers the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the European Strategy for Sustainable Textiles. She also discusses the Empowering Customers Directive and Green Claims Directives, as well as the importance of social responsibility in combating forced labor. The goal is to provide consumers with clear information to make informed choices and to promote a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
In the third episode of TÜV SÜD's "100% Made in Sustainability," Raffaella Santoro delves into the concept of Eco-design in the fashion industry. Over 100 billion new garments are introduced every year, 87% of which end up in incinerators. Eco-design aims to reduce waste, use materials with low environmental impact, and improve product durability. This approach includes strategies such as Zero Waste, upcycling, and the use of biobased and recycled materials. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is essential for ensuring real sustainability. The podcast emphasises the importance of design that facilitates recycling and the need for public policies to support these practices.
In the fourth episode of TÜV SÜD's "100% Made in Sustainability," Raffaella Santoro explores the concept of "Carbon Footprint" in the fashion industry. The fashion industry contributes 10% of global carbon emissions, exceeding those of international flights and maritime transport combined. The podcast highlights the importance of assessing environmental impact through the Product Carbon Footprint method and the ISO 14067 standard. It also emphasises the need to adopt sustainable materials, renewable energy, and clean technologies to reduce the carbon footprint and promote more eco-friendly fashion.
In the fifth episode of TÜV SÜD’s “100% Made in Sustainability,” Raffaella Santoro examines the impact of fashion on water consumption, known as the “Water Footprint.” The fashion industry uses nearly 80 billion cubic meters of water every year, contributing to water pollution with dyes and chemicals. Raffaella explains how the Water Footprint and the ISO 14046 standard help measure and manage water use. Strategies to reduce the water footprint, such as the use of organic and recycled materials and innovative technologies that optimise water consumption, are discussed.
In the sixth episode of TÜV SÜD's "100% Made in Sustainability", Raffaella Santoro investigates the use of toxic chemicals in fashion. Many chemicals used in clothing production can be harmful to human health and the environment, causing problems such as allergies and cancer. The podcast explores regulations such as REACH and POPs, which limit the use of hazardous substances, and discusses about PFAS and hexavalent chromium. Challenges and solutions to reduce the impact of chemicals are highlighted, including the management of microplastics.
In the seventh episode of TÜV SÜD's "100% Made in Sustainability", Raffaella Santoro explores how fashion companies are managing and limiting the impact of chemicals and preserving the environment. The podcast discusses Greenpeace's Detox campaign, collaborative actions such as ZDHC, and the key principles for safer and more sustainable production. The six main aspects of chemical management are discussed, highlighting the need for an ecological revolution by consumers, as well as companies, to protect water and the environment. The episode calls for greater awareness and responsibility when purchasing fashion products.
In the eighth episode of TÜV SÜD’s “100% Made in Sustainability,” Raffaella Santoro addresses the issue of forced labor in fashion supply chains. The podcast explores the European Forced Labor Regulation, which was established to prevent and combat this inhumane practice. The five key principles of the regulation are highlighted, including the definition of forced labor, the absolute ban, the obligation for companies to monitor supply chains, protection measures for victims, and sanctions for violations. The episode highlights the importance of corporate transparency and cooperation between Member States to ensure decent and safe working conditions.
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