The Big Picture
Major issues still exist but change is afoot
Fashion and textile production haven't always had a good record when it comes to the environment, workers' rights or the treatment of animals used to source materials. But there are seeds of change and for each of the key issues, luxury fashion brands are initiating new practices that represent a more conscious approach.
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Issue
Fashion’s end of life
When clothing is thrown away, only 1% will be recycled to make new clothes. 73% will be burned or buried in landfill. 12% will be recycled for other purposes.
Changemaker
RE/DONE | Levi's
GMV +17% YoY
Source: FARFETCH marketplace sales data
Upcycles old Levi's jeans to make individual new pieces — this extends the life of the denim fibers.
Issue
Plastic
More than 63% of existing textile fiber supply chains are accounted for by non-biodegradable, fossil-based synthetics.
Changemaker
Bethany Williams
GMV +64% YoY
Source: FARFETCH marketplace sales data
Employs recycled polyester, reducing the need for new plastic to be created from fossil fuels.
Issue
Water use
Making one cotton shirt requires 713 gallons of water. That’s approximately what one person drinks in 2.5 years. The fashion industry is the second biggest consumer of water, according to the UN.
Changemaker
Boyish Jeans
New for 2020
Recycles water used to keep harsh chemicals out of fresh-water streams and works with fabric mills and factories to advance water safety in the industry.
Issue
Chemical pollution
20% of global industrial water pollution is caused by chemical dyeing of textiles. This equates to half a trillion gallons of water annually, making it the second-largest polluter of clean water globally.
Changemaker
Patagonia
GMV +247% YoY
Source: FARFETCH marketplace sales data
Works to create a range of high-performance, synthetic dyes that use less water, fewer chemicals and less energy.
Issue
CO2 emissions
The fashion industry accounted for 2.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2018. Greenhouse gases absorb heat and radiate it over time, warming the atmosphere.
Changemaker
Ganni
GMV +35% YoY
Source: FARFETCH marketplace sales data
Purchases carbon credits to offset its greenhouse gas emissions, considering the whole value chain from production and distribution to packaging.
Issue
Metal ore mining
The supply chain for virgin precious metals, from extraction to finished piece, can involve multiple countries with environmental and social problems arising throughout.
Changemaker
Melissa Joy Manning
GMV +485% YoY
Source: FARFETCH marketplace sales data
Creates jewelry from 100% recycled metals, sourced from a refinery with the highest environmental standards.
Issue
People
1 in 8 workers globally works in fashion and textile production, often with very low pay and poor conditions. Roughly 75% of factory-based garment workers are women.
Changemaker
Nudie Jeans
GMV +434% YoY
Source: FARFETCH marketplace sales data
Only works with suppliers that can guarantee that no one involved in the production – at the suppliers themselves or their subcontractors – is denied basic human rights or suffers injury.
Issue
Animals
More than 2 billion animals are estimated to be used in the fashion industry each year, in the wool, fur and leather industries alone.
Changemaker
Save The Duck
GMV +1,877% YoY
Source: FARFETCH marketplace sales data
Uses a feather alternative called PLUMTECH® in its jackets, and as a result is estimated to have saved the lives of 18 million birds.