Every month, the Good On You team scours the internet to bring you the sustainable fashion and beauty news that matters. Here’s what you need to know in December 2024.
Why Former H&M CEO Helena Helmersson Joined Circulose (Vogue Business)
Six months after going into administration, the business formerly known as Renewcell (now called Circulose after the fabric it manufactures) has new investors and new names at the helm, including a former H&M CEO. Vogue Business reports on the fast fashion brand’s longstanding ties with Circulose, and where the next-generation material company will go from here.
Inditex Boosts Fast Fashion Flights From India to Avoid Shipping Delays (Reuters)
Reuters reports that despite setting a goal to halve its indirect emissions, Inditex has increased its use of flights from India to Spain to reduce shipping delays between its manufacturing facilities and logistics hub. According to analysis by the news agency, Inditex’s air freight from India increased 37% in the 12 months to the end of August this year, vs the same period in 2023.
Unsustainable Fashion Is Pricing Out the Conscious Consumer (Business of Fashion)
For Business of Fashion, Kenneth Pucker investigates “brown discounts”—the opposite of the “green premium” that comes with manufacturing more sustainable products—and why they’re impacting consumers, brands, and the industry as a whole.
Heriot-Watt University Researchers Develop System to Combat Microplastic Pollution in Fashion (FashionUnited)
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland have developed “the world’s first visual fibre fragmentation scale”, which assesses the volume of fibre fragments that different clothing materials shed, using a five-point scale. The system could help manufacturers to determine and prioritise low-shedding materials for use in clothing.
Kering Commits to New Science-Based Biodiversity, Nature Targets (WWD)
WWD reports that Kering has become the first company in the fashion industry to adopt the Science-Based Targets Network’s goals for fresh water and land, setting a new standard for others to follow. By 2030, the parent company of Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Gucci, and others, is aiming to reduce fresh water use by 21% and land use by 3%, and source no leather from deforested lands.
What Will Happen to Fashion If the World Misses Its Climate Targets? (Business of Fashion)
From heatwaves and flooding in major garment-producing countries to changing consumer habits, the climate crisis’ impact on fashion is far-reaching. As COP29 drew to a close, Sarah Kent explored what missing climate targets would look like for the fashion industry.
‘Good’ and ‘Great’ news
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Dawn Denim Launches ‘Art on Broken Pieces’ Initiative
Every brand manufactures the odd garment that doesn’t meet its quality standards, and while many businesses will dispose of such items, Dawn Denim (“Good”) has launched an initiative to ensure they don’t go to waste. “Art on Broken Pieces” is a programme that sees unique embroidery and embellishment used to mend the small defects—like a weaving fault—that would otherwise make a pair of jeans unsellable.
Vestiaire Collective Partners With Influencers on Educational Campaign to Reduce Overconsumption
Second-hand retailer Vestiaire Collective is partnering with five influencers on a six-month-long campaign to help educate their followers on sustainability, mindful consumption, and avoiding fast fashion. Dounia Wone, Chief Impact Officer at the company said: “With this campaign, Vestiaire Collective is taking bold steps to address one of the largest drivers of fast fashion: influencers. This initiative stands as part of Vestiaire Collective’s broader mission to change the way people consume fashion and push for industry-wide reform beyond any legislative requirements. We truly believe that with the right tools, influencers can become leaders of change.”
Meet The Brands Taking a Different Approach During Black Friday
In the midst of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, meet the highly rated brands including Kotn, Kuyichi, O My Bag, Dedicated, and more, who are working to change the way fashion businesses approach the selling period, whether through closing up shop for the day or donating to those fighting for a more sustainable future.
‘Great’ Brand Tripulse Creates Free Guide For Conscious Consumption and Building a More Sustainable Wardrobe
Coinciding with Black Friday, activewear label Tripulse has issued a 45-page downloadable guide on how to help shoppers consume responsibly. “It includes a handy step-by-step checklist for making mindful fashion choices, from evaluating materials to asking the right questions before purchasing,” says the brand.