The slogan “reduce, reuse, recycle” has been around for decades. But it’s only more recently that the fashion industry has begun examining how such actions could improve their sustainability efforts while giving their clothing a second life. America Recycles Day is taking place today, November 15 with the aim of raising awareness about how to recycle, repurpose materials, and reduce landfill waste. So, whether it’s reselling preowned fashion, using deadstock rather than new textiles or recycling existing fibers, there are plenty of options …
Cotton
Activewear Keeps Getting Hotter
Activewear isn’t going anywhere, in fact it’s here to stay. The already healthy global activewear market is only expected to increase its muscle in the coming years, thanks to a greater interest in health and wellness, as well as a continued appreciation for comfortable athleisure and streetwear styles that are now worn for work, working out and hanging out. Looking Good, Feeling Great The NPD Group says 44 percent of consumers care more about their health and wellness today than before Covid-19 hit, and this is leading to increased sales …
How Fashion Looks Inward During Climate Week
Now that New York Fashion Week has wrapped, the city is experiencing Climate Week NYC. And while the former event is full of glamor and glitz, the latter – taking place September 19-to-25 – will be calling on government officials, industry leaders, CEOs, and international decision-makers to address and rethink the actions to be taken regarding climate initiatives. Fashion and Climate Change In a DHL webinar earlier this year titled “Delivering on Circularity, Pathways for Fashion,” DHL’s Mirella Muller, president, global eRetail and …
Attracting Consumers in Spite of Inflation
It’s hard to say which is a bigger topic in the daily news: inflation or the blistering weather. One thing for sure is they both seem inescapable, with inflation now having an effect on consumer spending. Heading into Back-to-School and the holiday period, retailers, and brands would do well to be aware and plan around this new shopper mindset. Spending Report The Conference Board’s Erik Lundh, principal economist, recently stated that the latest retail sales data show that despite an increase in spending, the economy may be losing …
Why Microplastic Pollution is Still Fashion’s Concern
Although numerous residents of New Jersey are still openly bemoaning the plastic bag ban that took effect in May, millions of people around the globe are participating in Plastic Free July, an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, an organization whose vision is “seeing a world free of plastic waste.” Included in that waste is microplastic ocean pollution, more than a third of which stems from apparel-made synthetic fibers. Critical Microplastic Mass At this point, the majority of all apparel is made from polyester and other …
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Innovative Brands Are Stepping Up Their Sustainability Game
As consumers become more aware of sustainability, some fashion brands are making concerted efforts to not just be seen as an eco-conscious brand, but to change their practices and supply chains to reach legitimate sustainability goals. Mavi’s Multi-Faceted Sustainability Approach Mavi, a global jeans and apparel brand, is taking a multi-faceted approach to reaching its targets. Fibers used in its All Blue collection include organic, recycled, or Better Cotton, as well as upcycled materials. The sales of the sustainable All Blue products …
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How Conventional Cotton Can Meet Consumers’ Organic Desires
In general, consumers have a high opinion of all-cotton and cotton-rich apparel. Conventional cotton represents 99 percent of the cotton apparel available at retail, while organic cotton constitutes less than one percent. Therefore, because of the scarcity of organic cotton, many brands and retailers rely on conventionally grown cotton when looking for a natural and sustainable fiber. This is a viable alternative and a way to manage consumers’ misunderstood distinction between organic and conventional cotton, often misconstrued in public …
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Secrets Behind Small Businesses Success
When Covid-19 first hit the U.S., the effects were fast and furious, affecting all sectors of the economy in 2020. Those who were self-employed and working dropped by 20 percent between April 2020 and April 2019. But the pandemic also spurred entrepreneurism. The country saw more than 900,000 retail business formation applications in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It also saw nearly 111,000 applications for wholesale businesses and more than 77,000 manufacturing applications. Small Business Renaissance The good news: Americans …