Sustainable Fashion in 2024

“Sustainable Fashion: 2024 Trends”

The fashion industry faces challenges in meeting climate targets, with only 4 out of 14 major brands set to cut emissions sufficiently, according to Stand.Earth. As we enter 2024, experts emphasize the need for increased collaboration and legislative support to accelerate sustainability actions. The European Union has approved new eco-design legislation, including a ban on destroying unsold textiles, durability requirements, and digital product passports for transparency. Explore six sustainability trends shaping the fashion industry in 2024.

1. Legislation Initiatives: The European Union is introducing eco-design legislation with measures against the destruction of unsold products and requirements for durability and transparency. This legislation aims to address key environmental concerns in the fashion industry.
2. On-Demand Fashion: To combat overproduction, a significant issue causing environmental impact, on-demand manufacturing gains traction. Brands like Weekday and Desigual are exploring made-to-order models, reducing waste by producing clothes based on customer demand.
3. Eco-Friendly Dyes: Innovations in dyeing processes address pollution concerns associated with traditional methods. Technologies like Colorifix and Living Ink offer sustainable alternatives, while Air-Ink converts pollution into dyes.
4. Seaweed-Based Materials: Seaweed emerges as a sustainable material, with Stella McCartney introducing a seaweed-based yarn called Kelsun. Brands like Another Tomorrow collaborate with SeaCell, responsibly harvesting seaweed for fabric production.
5. Recycling Blended Fabrics: Recycling challenges, particularly with blended fabrics, see advancements with technologies like Circ. It breaks down polycotton materials into reusable polyester and Lyocell fibers, promoting a circular fashion economy.
6. Just Transition: Acknowledging the importance of garment workers’ well-being, a just transition is emphasized. Ensuring fair wages and job security for workers becomes crucial as the industry adopts new technologies and embraces sustainability.

These trends represent a collective effort to reshape the fashion industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Vogue}