Women Startup Stories’ Post

Thank you to SWITCH-Asia Official for having me at their circular fashion webinar - and for this summary of my points. I don't know why but reading them summarised by someone else makes me feel heard.❤️ "Katia Dayan Vladimirova, Founder and Coordinator at the International Research Network on Sustainable Fashion Consumption, has been focusing on fashion for the past 8 years and is now trying to understand how to transform social norms and values towards fashion sustainability. Research in other sectors has shown that awareness of environmental issues or social negative impacts from a supply chain is not enough to convince consumers to buy better. Additionally, simply buying better is not a sufficient solution for moving forward. This is because we cannot "green buy" our way out of the crisis of overproduction and overconsumption. While circularity is a critical central element to the renewal of ecosystems, we also need to combine circularity with sufficiency. Many people are engaging in circularity by reusing, hence, the fashion second-hand market is growing rapidly. However, not all second-hand products are of good quality; they cannot be reused forever. The quality of ultra-fast and fast fashion garments deteriorates over a short period of time. Key data supporting sufficiency is that having fewer, better-quality items has resulted in higher levels of subjective well-being or happiness. This is why people are moving towards having fewer clothes, shoes, and accessories; because living with less but better garments makes them happier. The reason why fashion is fast today is because efficiency has been increased to a level where it disregards people and the planet. However, slow fashion is returning back to humans and to the environment. In terms of slow fashion initiatives, according to Katia, the most promising angle for scaling is to support initiatives at the municipal or city level, where neighbourhoods and people are involved. The role of cities is crucial in shaping sustainable fashion consumption. Cities have the capacity to support local initiatives and, at the same time, are able to create synergies among different stakeholders needed to work together. The most interesting solutions are the ones that manifest locally and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. They must be culturally specific, such as location, climates, and resource-specific. But there are also possibilities for scaling beyond the city level to regional collaborations and exchanges to learn from and inspire each other." https://lnkd.in/ev-gNwzg

What's been going on in Sustainable Fashion this week? ⬇ 1) Boohoo Group PLC were back in the news this week, as they have been found to have labelled clothes 'Made in UK', when infact they have been made in South Asia. A spokesperson said that this was an 'isolated incident' and a result of 'human error'!! Boohoo are considering closing it's Leicester factory and relocating its operations. 2) In April 2023, Coach launched sub-brand 'Coachtopia', creating products using waste leather and embracing circular initiatives. Coachtopia have launched a new mini series to take customers behind the scenes to shine a light on the challenges the industry is facing, and the mindset shift required to pioneer a circular future for the fashion industry. You can watch on youtube at the link below - well worth a watch if you have 10 mins! https://lnkd.in/datpSdV9 3) I was quite sad to hear that the world's first sustainable fashion museum Fashion for Good in Amsterdam, has announced it will be closing its doors in 2024. The good news is that this is part of a 5 years strategic plan which will facilitate adoption and scaling up of regenerative ideas with its partners, and focus on innovations which will drive a positive impact on the future of fashion. 4) In other news, Vivobarefoot have partnered with material science firm Balena to develop the worlds first 3D printed shoes that are fully compostable and recyclable. The idea is to recreate the perfect fitting shoe, with less material waste. The material used is 'BioCir®flex, which includes at least 50% bio-based content, is certified as compostable, and is technically recyclable. 5) Over at Pitti Uomo last week, GUESS?, Inc. launched their new 'Airwash' concept - a new technology which replicates stone wash, but without using dramatic volumes of water. The process uses no stones and no toxic chemicals, and is said to reduce water use by 40%, conserving energy. 6) Luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa have announced a 5 year strategic partnership with global express delivery leader DHL for it's 'GoGreen Plus' service. The initiative uses an aircraft fuel made from alternative raw materials, which is intended to make lower emission shipping. 7) Amazon have launched its 'Fit Insight Tool', which uses AI to give shoppers personalised clothing size recommendations and insights, with a view to reducing returns which ultimately end up in landfill. 8) Next months Première Vision Tradeshow in Paris will showcase deadstock and waste materials for the first time. This comes at a time when waste is seen as a valuable resource in the industry, and visitors can expect to see a shift in focus on embracing textile waste, along with recycling and upcycling initiatives as the event wants to embrace circularity in the industry. What do you think of these stories and initiatives, and any more to add? Have a great week! Lydia #sustainablefashion #circulareconomy #enkel

Why Sustainable Fashion? Sustainability in the fashion industry has emerged as a critical topic due to the sector’s significant environmental and social impacts. The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the most polluting industries worldwide (UN Environment Programme, 2018). As consumers become more aware of these issues, there is an increasing demand for sustainable practices that minimize harm to the environment and promote ethical labor practices. Sustainable fashion practices can significantly reduce carbon emissions. For instance, a report by McKinsey & Company (2020) indicates that if the fashion industry were to adopt circular economy principles such as recycling and reusing materials it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% by 2030. This shift not only helps combat climate change but also conserves resources. The linear model of “take-make-dispose” prevalent in traditional fashion leads to massive waste generation. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), around 92 million tons of textile waste are created each year globally. By adopting sustainable practices like recycling and upcycling, brands can significantly decrease this waste. Companies like H&M have launched garment collection initiatives that encourage consumers to recycle old clothing, thereby diverting textiles from landfills. Sustainability also encompasses social responsibility. Many fast-fashion brands exploit cheap labor in developing countries, leading to poor working conditions and unfair wages. By prioritizing sustainability, companies can ensure fair labor practices and improve working conditions for garment workers. Brands such as Patagonia are known for their commitment to ethical sourcing and transparency in their supply chains. Recent surveys indicate a growing consumer preference for sustainable products. A study conducted by Nielsen (2019) found that 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable offerings. This shift not only encourages brands to adopt sustainable practices but also drives innovation within the industry. The importance of sustainability in the fashion industry cannot be overstated; it is essential for mitigating environmental damage and promoting social equity. As more consumers demand transparency and ethical practices from brands, those who prioritize sustainability will likely gain a competitive advantage while contributing positively to society and the planet.

🌿 Fashion: Sustainable Fashion 🌿 🌎 It's time to talk about the clothes we wear and their impact on our planet. Sustainable fashion is not just a trend; it's a commitment to a greener future. Let's dive in and explore how we can make a positive change in the fashion industry. 🌍 ⚡ Fashion is one of the most dynamic and influential industries globally, shaping trends and fueling consumer desires. But have you ever stopped to think about the hidden costs behind your wardrobe? The truth is, conventional fashion practices are incredibly damaging to our environment. It's time to reshape the future of fashion. Here's why: 🔎 The Environmental Impact: - Over 13 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfills each year. - The textile industry is the second-largest polluter of clean water globally. - Traditional farming for cotton, one of the most widely used fabrics, relies heavily on pesticides, causing soil degradation and water pollution. - Fast fashion perpetuates the cycle of disposable clothing, encouraging overconsumption and waste. 🌱 The Benefits of Sustainable Fashion: - Reduced carbon footprint: Sustainable fashion embraces eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. - Preservation of resources: Recycling, upcycling, and using organic and ethically sourced materials help conserve natural resources like water and energy. - Positive social impact: Sustainable fashion supports fair wages, safe working conditions, and empowers artisans and communities. - Quality and longevity: Investing in sustainable fashion means choosing well-made, durable pieces that will stand the test of time, reducing the need for constant replacements. 💡 What We Can Do: - Educate ourselves: Understand the value of sustainable fashion and its impact on the environment and society. - Make conscious choices: Opt for brands that prioritize sustainability, such as those using organic or recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, and fair trade practices. - Extend the lifecycle of your clothes: Repair, repurpose, donate, or sell garments instead of throwing them away. - Embrace slow fashion: Think quality over quantity, invest in timeless pieces, and avoid the temptation of fast fashion trends. - Support local and small businesses: Seek out designers and brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices, contributing to a more transparent and accountable industry. ✅ Together, we have the power to transform the fashion landscape and create a more sustainable future. By promoting responsible manufacturing and conscious consumerism, we can make a significant difference. Let's challenge the status quo and drive change. Join the sustainable fashion movement today! 🌿👗💚 #SustainableFashion #EthicalConsumerism #FashionRevolution #GreenFuture #SlowFashion

What's been going on in Sustainable Fashion this week? ⬇ 1) Boohoo Group PLC were back in the news this week, as they have been found to have labelled clothes 'Made in UK', when infact they have been made in South Asia. A spokesperson said that this was an 'isolated incident' and a result of 'human error'!! Boohoo are considering closing it's Leicester factory and relocating its operations. 2) In April 2023, Coach launched sub-brand 'Coachtopia', creating products using waste leather and embracing circular initiatives. Coachtopia have launched a new mini series to take customers behind the scenes to shine a light on the challenges the industry is facing, and the mindset shift required to pioneer a circular future for the fashion industry. You can watch on youtube at the link below - well worth a watch if you have 10 mins! https://lnkd.in/e6s7A9Ah 3) I was quite sad to hear that the world's first sustainable fashion museum Fashion for Good in Amsterdam, has announced it will be closing its doors in 2024. The good news is that this is part of a 5 years strategic plan which will facilitate adoption and scaling up of regenerative ideas with its partners, and focus on innovations which will drive a positive impact on the future of fashion. 4) In other news, Vivobarefoot have partnered with material science firm Balena to develop the worlds first 3D printed shoes that are fully compostable and recyclable. The idea is to recreate the perfect fitting shoe, with less material waste. The material used is 'BioCir®flex, which includes at least 50% bio-based content, is certified as compostable, and is technically recyclable. 5) Over at Pitti Uomo last week, GUESS?, Inc. launched their new 'Airwash' concept - a new technology which replicates stone wash, but without using dramatic volumes of water. The process uses no stones and no toxic chemicals, and is said to reduce water use by 40%, conserving energy. 6) Luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa have announced a 5 year strategic partnership with global express delivery leader DHL for it's 'GoGreen Plus' service. The initiative uses an aircraft fuel made from alternative raw materials, which is intended to make lower emission shipping. 7) Amazon have launched its 'Fit Insight Tool', which uses AI to give shoppers personalised clothing size recommendations and insights, with a view to reducing returns which ultimately end up in landfill. 8) Next months Première Vision Tradeshow in Paris will showcase deadstock and waste materials for the first time. This comes at a time when waste is seen as a valuable resource in the industry, and visitors can expect to see a shift in focus on embracing textile waste, along with recycling and upcycling initiatives as the events wants to embrace circularity in the industry. What do you think of these stories and initiatives, and any more to add? Have a great week! Lydia #sustainablefashion #circulareconomy #enkel

What's been going on in Sustainable Fashion this week? ⬇ 1) Boohoo Group PLC were back in the news this week, as they have been found to have labelled clothes 'Made in UK', when infact they have been made in South Asia. A spokesperson said that this was an 'isolated incident' and a result of 'human error'!! Boohoo are considering closing it's Leicester factory and relocating its operations. 2) In April 2023, Coach launched sub-brand 'Coachtopia', creating products using waste leather and embracing circular initiatives. Coachtopia have launched a new mini series to take customers behind the scenes to shine a light on the challenges the industry is facing, and the mindset shift required to pioneer a circular future for the fashion industry. You can watch on youtube at the link below - well worth a watch if you have 10 mins! https://lnkd.in/e6s7A9Ah 3) I was quite sad to hear that the world's first sustainable fashion museum Fashion for Good in Amsterdam, has announced it will be closing its doors in 2024. The good news is that this is part of a 5 years strategic plan which will facilitate adoption and scaling up of regenerative ideas with its partners, and focus on innovations which will drive a positive impact on the future of fashion. 4) In other news, Vivobarefoot have partnered with material science firm Balena to develop the worlds first 3D printed shoes that are fully compostable and recyclable. The idea is to recreate the perfect fitting shoe, with less material waste. The material used is 'BioCir®flex, which includes at least 50% bio-based content, is certified as compostable, and is technically recyclable. 5) Over at Pitti Uomo last week, GUESS?, Inc. launched their new 'Airwash' concept - a new technology which replicates stone wash, but without using dramatic volumes of water. The process uses no stones and no toxic chemicals, and is said to reduce water use by 40%, conserving energy. 6) Luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa have announced a 5 year strategic partnership with global express delivery leader DHL for it's 'GoGreen Plus' service. The initiative uses an aircraft fuel made from alternative raw materials, which is intended to make lower emission shipping. 7) Amazon have launched its 'Fit Insight Tool', which uses AI to give shoppers personalised clothing size recommendations and insights, with a view to reducing returns which ultimately end up in landfill. 8) Next months Première Vision Tradeshow in Paris will showcase deadstock and waste materials for the first time. This comes at a time when waste is seen as a valuable resource in the industry, and visitors can expect to see a shift in focus on embracing textile waste, along with recycling and upcycling initiatives as the events wants to embrace circularity in the industry. What do you think of these stories and initiatives, and any more to add? Have a great week! Lydia #sustainablefashion #circulareconomy #enkel

Creating more sustainable business models in fashion and home decor is imperative for earth conservation as well as consumer expectations. We need to look into creating business models that support authentically sustainability, as well as creating business models that are sustainable themselves -- good ideas won't go too far without strategy and alignment with company goals. This is a fantastic resource for learning more about the current state of sustainability in the fashion industry, from secondhand markets to consumer attitudes. #SustainableFashion #LuxuryMarket #SustainableBusinessModels

🤔 💡 I just got back from my first time attending the Global Fashion Agenda Summit in Copenhagen, and here are my observations on how they encouraged all of us to Rethink Fashion💛 .   💛 Rethink Financials: It is clear we have the solutions to solve the sustainability problems that we see in the fashion industry. A key message across the summit was that it is time to put our money where our mouth is. Those profiting most from the fashion industry should finance its advancement in sustainability. It is time to scale our sustainable solutions and save the future of fashion.   💛 Rethink Profit: While some touched on the increasingly trending topic of degrowth, others challenged brands to rethink the way they make profit by looking at the multiple potential lives of a garment. Encouraging businesses to look at circularity and turn it into an experience for folks to embrace. This resonated strongly with how I approach my work in circularity. Its time to create a positive experience of circular fashion.   💛 Rethink Business Models: Along with scale we were encouraged to lean into discomfort. “Through discomfort, you drive change”. Ellen MacArthur Foundation represented this sentiment through its exciting announcement of its new program ‘The Fashion Remodel’ focused on proving that it's possible to scale circular business models. This is freaking inspiring!! Can't wait to see where this takes them and their partners.   💛 Rethink Responsibility: We talk a lot about consumer demand for sustainable products. However, a sentiment expressed at the summit is that we as an industry have a responsibility to supply a good/sustainable product. Furthermore, we have a responsibility to make sexy beautiful sustainable products. So at the end the consumer falls in love with that product, takes care of it, wears it, resells it etc. In other words, its not about convincing the consumer to buy a sustainable product, its about the fashion industry creating sexy sustainable products that the consumer purchases for ‘that sexiness’ and as an effect promotes sustainable behavior.   💛 Rethink Culture: Last but not least, and rather really my favorite topic at this time, the need to reshape the culture of fashion. In many ways linking together the points above. We have got to create a positive culture of sustainability and circularity. We have got to turn circular fashion and its multiple business models into the new way to absorb fashion, and we have got to do it in a way that is positive, cool and sexy!     Overall, had a blast! Met some incredible people and got to also hang out with some wonderful friends and colleagues. Can't wait till next Year. #globalfashionsummit #circularfashion #sustainablefashion

What's been happening in Sustainable Fashion this week? ⬇ 1) On Thursday 18th July, the EU's ESPR Regulation (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) officially came into force. To learn more about ESPR and and other EU regulations and how these will impact your business, join Sustainable Fashion School. 2) PUMA Group are scaling up their football jerseys made from RE:FIBRE - their textile-to-textile recycling programme which uses polyester waste to make new textiles, and reduce their reliance on recycled polyester derived from PET bottles. 3) Material science company PANGAIA have opened their first standalone store in London's Carnaby Street - showcasing their material innovations and ranges with an earth-positive focus. Pangaia was founded in 2018 by Miroslava Duma with the mission "to ensure every product is better for the planet than if it did not exist." 4) Around 75 million people are employed in the garment and textile industry worldwide, 80% of which are women. With temperatures soaring in the global south, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to work, with India's Rajasthan reaching 50 degrees Celsius in May. In India, over 46,000 members of the SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association) have taken part in a pilot scheme offering financial support to offset the heath implications of extreme heat. 5) In London, the materialist deadstock material showroom on Regent Street showcases over 5,000 fabric varieties with over 1 million metres of deadstock materials from high end brands excess inventories. Whether you're looking to trade your deadstock material, or buy fabrics under fabric MOQ (minimum order quantities), worth a visit and join the new ecosystem for circular and textile materials. 6) In Canada, textile waste sorting company Debrand have unveiled their US facility in Colombus, offering advanced technology to revolutionise textile reuse, recycling and recover efforts. The new 32,000 square foot plant will enable it to meet rising demand for textile sorting services for brands such as Everlane, lululemon and Canada Goose 7) Depop have removed seller fees in the US, following a similar move in the UK earlier this year. The move is designed to encourage a wider audience to sell their secondhand clothing and join Depop's Circular Fashion Community. 8) 'Say No To Shein' - the petition started by Fashion Campaigner Venetia La Manna, which calls on the UK Government to block SHEIN's controversial IPO filing on the London Stock Exchange, has been backed by retail guru Mary Portas and currently stands at over 36,000 signatories. Sign the petition here ➡ https://lnkd.in/g5FsTXCg 🔗 Link to articles in the comments To receive this update direct to your inbox each week, sign up to our weekly newsletter at www.thisisenkel.com SPONSORED BY Recomme.co Making circularity work for you https://www.recomme.co/ #sustainablefashion #enkel #sustainablefashionschool Image: Pangaia

I’m thrilled to share our latest episode of Fashion To Farmer, where we’re joined by a visionary leader reshaping the future of fashion in Australia. Ainsley Simpson, CEO of Seamless, leads Australia’s groundbreaking clothing product stewardship scheme. Seamless is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to holding fashion brands accountable for the entire lifecycle of their garments, from design to disposal. Their mission? To make Australian fashion truly circular by 2030, addressing the staggering 200,000 tonnes of clothing waste destined for Australian landfills each year. The urgency for Seamless is clear. Australians purchase 1.4 billion new garments annually, with the average person buying 56 new items each year. Most of these are made from non-renewable materials, and over half end up in landfills, contributing to a carbon footprint of 13 million tonnes per year. Seamless, born from a collaboration led by the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and several key partners, is now a standalone entity driving transformational change across the entire clothing lifecycle. As the world’s first circular product stewardship scheme, Seamless aims to prioritise nature and promote responsible clothing choices, enjoyment, and recycling. Many of the Seamless foundation members who played a crucial role in the past 12 months to design the scheme’s operational model include BIG W, Cotton On Group, David Jones, Rip Curl, R.M.Williams., The Sussan Group and THE ICONIC. More than 60 responsible brands are now Seamless members including Bianca Spender, Zimmermann and much smaller brands such as my business. I encourage market leaders, along with supporters from academic institutions, nonprofits, technology providers and reuse and recycling operators, to fully back Seamless. With widespread participation, Seamless has the potential to make a global impact. Key takeaways from this episode include: 🛍 Seamless is funded by a per-garment levy from member brands, supporting circular fashion practices. 🛍 Immediate priorities include building a collective of brands and supply chain partners, setting baseline data metrics, and forming strategic partnerships. 🛍 The focus is on developing circular design practices and eco-modulated criteria to incentivise sustainable fashion design. 🛍 Seamless is working towards a resilient circular economy prioritising the environment, people, and economic well-being. You can listen here: https://lnkd.in/gfV6UyuY Jaana Quaintance-James Marianne Perkovic, BEc, MBA, GAICD Tory Archbold Ashley Hollis Brooke Summers Sonia Bestulic Simone Clow Rebecca Christianson Marcella Larsen Michelle Mennillo (MBA, GAICD) Amanda Balcombe Tina Clark Louise Siwicki Angela Sedran Chakriya Bowman Alaleh (Aly) Schembri Monique van Tulder Lisa Walker Sue-Ann Wilson