Pulling Plastic from our Closets: Sustainability in Fashion.

The fashion industry, especially fast-fashion, has become a huge source of environmental pollution today. It contributes almost 92 million tons of textile waste to our planet every year. The mass production model, with primarily synthetic fibers that fast fashions brands use, also contribute to the plastic waste crisis, specially microplastics being released during washes. Not to mention the additional plastic waste that packaging and shipping create.

Globally, studies show that 87% of discarded textiles end up in landfills, of which more than 90% could be reused or recycled. Polyester and other synthetic fibers make up 60%+ of global textile production, shedding microplastics into waterways. Despite these somber statistics there is hope for the fashion industry as consumers increasingly associate fast-fashion brands with negative environmental impacts. Many brands are reducing their plastic use, and supporting plastic waste recovery through impact projects like those operated by rePurpose Global at pollution hotspots, and setting a new reputational standard for the industry.

Ways to Reduce Impact of Plastic Used in Apparel and Accessories 

• Natural & Ethically Sourced Materials: Opting for organic cotton, Tencel Lyocell, or other biodegradable alternatives can minimize the negative impact of your products directly. 
  
  • Organic Cotton: Grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, uses 88% less water and 62% less energy than conventional cotton.
  • Tencel Lyocell: Derived from eucalyptus trees in a closed-loop process that reuses 99% of solvents.
  • Bluesign® Certified Dyes: Eliminates toxic chemicals while ensuring ethical working conditions in the dyeing process.
• The Right to Repair Movement: Many consumers are pushing for brands to design long-lasting products and offer repair programs. Offering repair services, durable products, and programs that encourage consumers to recycle old products with your brand can lessen the footprint of your product lines, differentiate your products, and create strong customer loyalty.
• Plastic-Free Packaging & Tags: Tags made by Unique Tags incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing practices, cutting down your product’s footprint even further. 

Every small adjustment makes a difference to conscious consumers and gives your brand a proof point to show your commitment to sustainability. As consumers increasingly demand sustainable options and footprint regulations tighten, your brand’s long term success and reputation depends on joining the sustainable apparel movement. 

Fund Verified Plastic Recovery with rePurpose Global

The challenge of eliminating plastic completely: Some performance fibers, like spandex, and detail pieces (buttons, zippers, strings, waistbands, etc.) are difficult to replace without sacrificing function. Brands that are true leaders in the sustainability movement are not just eliminating plastic in their designs wherever possible, they’re also funding plastic recovery from the environment. 

Plastic Recovery with rePurpose Global: Companies partner with rePurpose Global to remove plastic waste from the environment in several ways: 

• Plastic Recovery Pledge: a commitment to remove a certain amount of plastic annually, based on a fixed percentage of your revenue.
• Impact Guarantee: fun plastic recovery with every sale. Links each purchase directly to a fixed plastic waste recovery impact.
• Plastic Neutral or Negative Certifications: funds waste recovery that outweighs or is proportion to your company’s usage.

Funding plastic recovery furthers your brand’s reputation as an active proponent of sustainability by taking accountability for the footprint created by your brand even if you use eco-friendly materials. Combining these two strategies shows your brand’s commitment to positive environmental impact and taking a multi-pronged approach assures buyers that you’re not just greenwashing your products.

Brands Thriving Sustainably & Leading the Movement

• Ocio Leisure: A leader in transparent sustainability, Ocio prioritizes using natural fibers while acknowledging challenges with ineliminable plastic in their products. Ocio also funds recovery efforts through rePurpose Global and are Certified Plastic Negative (funding the recovery of twice the amount of plastic that is used in their products and packaging). 
• YouSwim & NOOD: Partnering with rePurpose to remove plastic waste while minimizing synthetics in their products. These brands also build body positivity into their messaging, making products that last, at limited quantities while still keeping in-stock for all buyers.
• Unique Tags: Unique Tags partners with rePurpose Global to fund verified plastic recovery. They’ve already removed 22,046 lbs of plastic with rePurpose Global. As a brand supplier, they are impacting the broader fashion industry by supporting brands' abilities to make their products as sustainable as possible. If you make sustainable products, why wouldn’t you want the tag that carries your name to be eco-friendly too?

The Future of a more conscious Fashion Industry 

In the journey towards a more sustainable fashion industry, every step and every detail matters. Whether through sourcing natural materials, adopting repair programs, eliminating plastic in packaging, or funding recovery efforts brands have the power to drive meaningful change. rePurpose Global can support your transition to more environmentally friendly operations and offer a tangible solution to reducing your brand's footprint as you drive those changes. 

By taking accountability and integrating sustainability strategies, your brand can not only meet growing consumer demand but also enhance its reputation as an industry leader. Meet with our teams to explore how your brand can implement sustainable practices and fund impact projects, helping create a more circular future for fashion.

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