In a significant move towards sustainability, the fashion industry has acknowledged the need to adopt circular practices. While this is a commendable start, the real challenge lies in implementing these practices effectively. A key aspect of achieving circularity is the careful selection and management of materials throughout a product’s lifecycle.
Dr Min Zhu, PhD, senior director of U.S. & Canada soft lines at SGS, a leading testing, inspection, and certification company, emphasized the importance of durability as an essential eco-design requirement. He urged fashion companies to explore innovative materials and alternatives to enhance sustainability.
To ensure credibility, companies must conduct thorough lifecycle assessments (LCA) with reputable third-party certification entities like SGS to determine the eco-friendliness and carbon efficiency of their materials. Additionally, these verified qualities can be digitally embedded into products, enabling full transparency and supporting claims, thus preventing greenwashing.
By 2024, the EU is expected to mandate the use of Digital Product Passports (DPPs), providing comprehensive information about the environmental attributes of products. These passports will enable informed purchasing decisions and help consumers and businesses prioritize sustainability.
While recycling remains a crucial aspect of circularity, traditional mechanical recycling has limitations. Therefore, the industry is increasingly focusing on chemical and biological recycling, particularly for post-consumer textile-to-textile recycling. SGS has been leveraging its expertise to support industry partners in boosting these recycling methods through technical consultation and laboratory testing.
Looking ahead, sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are just the beginning. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and comprehensive ESG reporting are required to address waste management and evaluate a company’s sustainability performance holistically.
To assist textile companies in navigating these new regulations, SGS offers a range of solutions encompassing material verification, product durability, chemical compliance, carbon footprint assessment, supply chain traceability, and digitalization. These comprehensive solutions aim to support clients in becoming industry leaders and meeting evolving consumer demands while complying with regulatory requirements.
The fashion industry’s commitment to circular practices holds significant promise for a more sustainable future, with SGS playing a crucial role in helping companies embrace this transformation.
