May makes everything new – this was also reflected in the sustainable initiatives in the fashion industry, which were numerous and diverse this month. Changes are to be achieved, such as European manufacturing, breakthrough materials and the ever-expanding resale market, which will more than double by 2026.
For example, FashionUnited visited the new flagship factory of the fashion group C&A, where jeans are manufactured competitively (thanks to automation), fairly (Made in the EU) and sustainably (denim made from organic cotton) in the heart of Germany.
innovations
The H&M Foundation introduced garments that absorb CO2 from the air and Stella McCartney launched the first commercial luxury bag made from mycelium. The H&M Group also wants to achieve the traceability of 200 million items this year. Nike introduced a dismountable sneaker this month.
Sustainable brand Injiri shows how it uses Indian textile tradition via handicraft centers and PVH partners with Infinited Fiber Company to create fiber from textile waste. Zara also collaborated with the company and launched the first joint capsule collection. Meanwhile, Kering and Bestseller are investing in leather from the laboratory and the newly founded brand Definite Articles wants to clean up the activewear industry.
events
May also had a lot to offer in terms of events: for example, the third edition of the Sustainable Apparel Forum in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 10th promoted industry engagement and collaboration, while the Re’aD Summit on May 4th through virtual fitting and simulated stores promised a better world of fashion. In addition, the first Denim Show Mumbai from May 12th to 14th focused on sustainability and innovations.
As a city participating in the European initiative Reflow, Amsterdam is actively helping to find solutions for a circular textile industry, for example with the introduction of new collection containers for used clothes, new educational programs for schools, its own swap shop, 50,000 reusable coats for hospital staff and sustainable shopping addresses.
Last but not least, the Redress Design Award 2022 announced the finalists and Allison Bloch told FashionUnited in an interview how a former fast fashion manager can switch to their own sustainable brand.