Last updated: 1 Aug 2024 at 09:00
Sustainable Practices in Garment Use and Care
Introduction
The lifecycle impact of clothing extends far beyond the manufacturing process, involving significant environmental considerations during the usage phase. This part of the garment's life involves how consumers wear, care for, and eventually repurpose or dispose of their clothing. Addressing these stages through the lens of sustainability can greatly reduce the overall environmental footprint of fashion. Implementing strategies such as enabling upgradability, promoting proper aftercare, reducing resource usage in maintenance, and supporting the second-hand clothing market are essential for cultivating a more sustainable fashion industry.
Enabling Upgradability
Fashion garments designed with upgradability in mind can drastically extend their life and relevance, thus reducing waste. Upgradability involves creating clothes that can be easily altered, repaired, or updated with new features, allowing them to evolve in style, functionality, or fit. This can be achieved by using modular designs or attachments that can be replaced or updated as trends change. The concept of upgradability not only promotes sustainability but also caters to the growing consumer demand for personalised and long-lasting clothing options.
Brands can play a pivotal role by engaging consumers on how to upgrade their garments. Workshops, online tutorials, and in-store services that teach modification techniques empower consumers to personalise and refresh their wardrobes without discarding old items. This not only enhances the value of garments but also strengthens the emotional connection between the consumer and their clothing, which is key to extending garment lifespans.
Aftercare of Garments
Effective garment aftercare is vital for sustainability. Consumers should be instructed to wash clothes only when necessary, and educated on selecting the correct wash cycles that are sufficient for cleaning yet less taxing on the fabric and less energy-intensive. This often means opting for lower temperatures, shorter washes and air-drying rather than tumble drying. Additionally, using eco-friendly laundry detergents and following the manufacturer's care instructions can help reduce the release of microfibers and enhance the garment's durability.
Retailers and brands should provide clear, garment-specific care instructions that emphasise eco-friendly practices, such as spot cleaning and air-drying, which can significantly reduce a garment's environmental impact over its lifetime.
Promoting the use of eco-friendly laundry detergents and conditioners can further reduce the environmental impact associated with garment care. These products are designed to be effective at lower temperatures and are biodegradable, minimising water pollution. Retailers can collaborate with sustainable product brands to offer these products directly to consumers, reinforcing the message of comprehensive garment care.
Reducing Water and Energy Usage
Educating consumers about the importance of energy-efficient washing practices plays a critical role in sustainable fashion. Using full loads, eco-friendly settings on modern appliances, and cold water can all significantly decrease the energy and water used in garment care. Additionally, brands can develop garments that are optimised for these practices, such as quick-dry fabrics that require less energy for drying.
To reduce the water and energy used in garment care, consumers can adopt practices such as washing full loads instead of partial ones and choosing eco-friendly appliances that are designed to conserve resources. Air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer can significantly cut down energy consumption.
Brands can support these initiatives by developing garments that are optimised for low-energy wash and quick air dry, and by providing clear, accessible care instructions that emphasise these methods. Collaboration between fashion retailers and appliance manufacturers can help promote the adoption of energy and water-efficient washers and dryers. Special discounts, bundled offers, or endorsements of specific models can incentivise consumers to upgrade to more efficient appliances, thus supporting sustainable garment care at the consumer level.
Re-use and Secondhand Clothing
The market for second-hand clothing has seen significant growth, driven by both economic and environmental considerations. The second-hand clothing market not only provides a platform for the reuse of garments but also actively reduces waste and the demand for new clothing production.
Retailers and brands can facilitate this trend by establishing buy-back or trade-in programs, setting up dedicated spaces for pre-owned garments, and using online platforms to connect buyers with sellers. Encouraging the normalisation and appeal of second-hand clothing not only helps reduce waste but also makes fashion more accessible and diverse.
To further support the second-hand market, fashion retailers can host swap events, establish garment collection drives, and partner with second-hand shops to provide consumers with convenient options for exchanging or purchasing pre-loved clothing. These initiatives help normalise and encourage the consumption of second-hand garments, reducing the stigma sometimes associated with used clothing.
Clothes Rental and Leasing Models
Clothes rental and leasing models are approaches that cater to contemporary consumers who value variety, affordability, and sustainability. These models allow individuals to rent or lease high-quality, fashionable garments for a specified period instead of purchasing them outright. This system is particularly beneficial for occasional wear, such as formal outfits or designer dresses, reducing the need for one-time-use purchases. By renting clothes, consumers can enjoy a diverse wardrobe that is both cost-effective and less burdensome on the environment. Retailers offering rental services help reduce the overall production of garments, subsequently decreasing waste and the demand for new raw materials. Such models are gaining traction among environmentally conscious consumers and those looking to economise while staying fashionable.
Clothes Sharing
Clothes sharing represents a communal approach to fashion, where individuals swap garments instead of buying new ones. This practice fosters a sense of community and collaboration among participants while promoting sustainable consumption. Clothes sharing can occur informally among friends or family or through organised events and online platforms that facilitate exchanges on a larger scale. This model not only extends the lifecycle of garments but also provides participants with the opportunity to refresh their wardrobes without additional costs and environmental impact. For consumers, clothes sharing is a practical response to the fast fashion dilemma, offering a way to enjoy new styles and trends without contributing to the overproduction and excessive waste typical of the fashion industry.
Conclusion
The fashion industry can significantly impact environmental sustainability through the way garments are designed, cared for, and recycled. By focusing on upgradability, proper garment aftercare, and promoting second-hand clothing, both consumers and manufacturers can contribute to a more sustainable future. These practices not only extend the life of garments but also decrease the demand for new resources and reduce the overall environmental footprint of the fashion industry.
Relevant policies
EU Circular Economy Action Plan 1 & 2: The EU Circular Economy Action Plan 1, launched in 2015, set the foundation for transforming the European economy from a linear to a circular model. This initial plan focused on closing the loop of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use, benefiting both the environment and the economy. Key measures included actions to address waste management, product design, and fostering markets for secondary raw materials. The plan targeted various sectors, including plastics, food waste, and critical raw materials, aiming to boost competitiveness, create jobs, and generate sustainable growth. Building on the successes of the first, the EU Circular Economy Action Plan 2, introduced in 2020, aims to accelerate the transition with a more comprehensive and ambitious approach. This updated plan emphasises sustainable product design, reduction of waste, and empowerment of consumers. It includes measures to ensure that products placed on the EU market are designed to last longer, are easier to reuse, repair, and recycle, and incorporate as much recycled material as possible. Key sectors such as electronics, textiles, and construction are particularly targeted, with the goal of doubling the EU's circular material use rate by 2030 and significantly reducing the environmental footprint of EU consumption.
EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles: The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles is an initiative aimed at transforming the textile industry to become more sustainable, circular, and resource-efficient. This strategy, part of the broader European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, focuses on reducing the environmental impact of textiles throughout their lifecycle, from production to end-of-life. It addresses key issues such as waste generation, resource consumption, and pollution associated with the textile sector.
The Green Claims Directive 2024: The Green Claims Directive is an EU initiative aimed at ensuring that environmental claims made by companies about their products and services are clear, accurate, and substantiated. This directive addresses the growing issue of greenwashing, where misleading claims about environmental benefits are made. By setting strict guidelines and requiring businesses to provide verifiable evidence for their green claims, the directive seeks to enhance consumer trust and promote genuine sustainability efforts. The directive mandates that all environmental claims must be based on recognised scientific evidence and verified by independent bodies. It covers various aspects such as carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and recyclability. By fostering transparency and accountability, the Green Claims Directive supports the EU's broader goals of environmental protection and a sustainable economy.
EU Digital Product Passport (DPP): The proposed EU Digital Product Passports (DPPs), while awaiting final clarity and implementation decisions, represent a significant step forward in enhancing transparency and sustainability in the textiles and fashion industry. These passports, mandated under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), are designed to provide detailed information about the entire lifecycle of textile products. By embedding digital tags or QR codes on garments, consumers, businesses, and regulators can access data on the materials used, manufacturing processes, and environmental impact.
This initiative aims to empower consumers to make more informed choices, foster sustainable practices among manufacturers, and facilitate efficient recycling and waste management processes. In the context of textiles and fashion, DPPs are particularly crucial due to the sector's considerable environmental footprint. The industry is known for high levels of resource consumption, waste production, and pollution. With DPPs, brands can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by providing verifiable information about the sourcing and processing of materials. Moreover, these digital passports enable better traceability, ensuring that products comply with environmental standards and ethical practices. As a result, DPPs are expected to play a pivotal role in driving the EU towards its circular economy goals, reducing textile waste, and promoting a more sustainable fashion industry.
Relevant standards
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System: ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems, providing a framework for organisations to minimise their environmental impact, comply with regulations, and continuously improve their environmental performance.
ISO 26000 Social Responsibility: ISO 26000 provides guidance on social responsibility, including labour practices, human rights, and community engagement. While not specific to the textile industry, it is relevant for fashion brands seeking to address social issues in their supply chains.
ISO 5157 Textiles — Environmental aspects — Vocabulary: ISO 5157:2023 is a comprehensive standard established to ensure the quality, safety, and sustainability of products across various industries. This standard outlines the requirements for environmental management systems, focusing on reducing environmental impacts, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices. By adhering to EN ISO 5157:2023, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and improve their operational performance. The standard provides a framework for identifying and controlling environmental aspects, setting objectives, and implementing policies that align with global sustainability goals. It also includes guidelines for continuous improvement and compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements. EN ISO 5157:2023 helps businesses minimise their environmental footprint and contribute to a greener economy.
ISO 59000 Family of Standards: The ISO 59000 family of standards focuses on establishing a comprehensive framework for implementing and managing circular economy practices and are located within ISO/TC323. These standards provide guidelines on key areas such as terminology, principles, action planning, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement. The primary aim is to harmonise the understanding and application of circular economy concepts, supporting organisations in achieving sustainable development goals. The first three standards were published in 2024 and are ISO 59004 (key terminology, framework and principles), ISO 59010 (guidance on business models and value networks related to circularity), and ISO 59020 (measurement and assessment of circularity).
CEN/TC473-Circular Economy: CEN/TC 473 is the European standardisation committee focused on developing standards for the circular economy. This committee aims to create a coherent framework that supports the transition to a circular economy by setting clear and practical guidelines for industries. The standards developed by CEN/TC 473 address various aspects of circularity, including product design, resource efficiency, waste management, and the use of secondary raw materials. The work of CEN/TC 473 is crucial for ensuring that products and processes across Europe are designed to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainability. By establishing standardised methodologies and criteria, the committee helps businesses align with EU policies on circular economy and environmental protection. These standards facilitate the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.
TRUST – Trader Recycling Universal Standard: The TRUST (Trader Recycling Universal Standard) is a pivotal certification programme designed to bolster the transparency and accountability in the recycling industry, particularly for traders of secondary raw materials. This standard establishes rigorous criteria to ensure that trading operations adhere to best practices in environmental, quality, and traceability processes. By complying with TRUST standards, traders can demonstrate their commitment to responsible recycling practices, thereby fostering trust among consumers, partners, and regulatory bodies. This certification not only enhances a trader's reputation but also encourages a more sustainable and efficient global recycling chain. The implementation of such standards is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the recycling industry and for promoting the reuse of materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
More information
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition: Now renamed Cascale, The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) provides a range of resources on garment care aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Through their Higg Index, the SAC offers tools that assess environmental and social labour impacts across the supply chain, including best practices for garment care that can minimise environmental footprints. One of the key areas they address is the optimisation of washing, drying, and overall care processes to extend the lifecycle of garments while reducing water and energy consumption. The SAC encourages the industry to adopt practices that not only improve the longevity of apparel but also maintain fabric quality and appearance.
For more detailed information on sustainable garment care and to access the SAC's resources directly, you can visit their website.
British Retail Confederation - Voluntary Guideline on Second-hand and Preloved Items: The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has developed a set of voluntary guidelines focused on second-hand and preloved items. These guidelines are designed to encourage retailers to engage more with the circular economy by facilitating the resale and reuse of goods. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also promotes sustainable consumer practices by providing clear standards for managing pre-owned goods. By following these guidelines, retailers can ensure that items are processed, presented, and sold in a way that maintains quality and safety standards, thereby building consumer trust in second-hand markets. The guidelines also aim to standardise practices across the industry, creating a more reliable and accessible market for preloved items, which in turn can help in reducing the environmental impact associated with new item production and disposal. Link here .
Global Fashion Agenda: This organisation provides a Circular Fashion System Commitment, which fashion retailers can sign up for to pledge specific actions toward increased circularity. Actions include designing for durability, increasing the volume of used garments collected, and integrating recycled materials into new products.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation: The Foundation offers specific guidance for fashion retailers to transition towards circular business models. This includes designing for longevity, encouraging recycling and reuse, and considering the full lifecycle impacts of garments. These guidelines help retailers rethink how goods are designed, used, and reused to create a more sustainable business model.