I’m sure you’ve already heard about a sustainable business. It feels like more and more companies claim to care about the impact they have on the environment. You have to remember that some of those statements might not be genuine.
How to recognise those that are truly sustainable? Knowledge is the key. The more you learn about the brands you buy from, the more conscious your choices will get.
I know it’s easy to get lost in all the information regarding the environmental crisis, that’s why I created a simple guide on how to recognise a sustainable fashion brand. Here are a few important aspects that you should pay attention to:
Transparent and honest communication This applies to social media, website as well as every other type of messaging. A sustainable brand is transparent about every aspect of the company from material sourcing to producing a final product. Try to choose brands that let you trace the whole manufacturing journey.
Certified materials Preferably made of natural components, but recycled synthetics are also acceptable. The certificates that are the most sought in the fashion industry are:
OEKO-TEX — certifies that textiles are free from harmful chemicals
GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) — certifies organic textiles
Fairtrade — certifies products made in fair working conditions
Cradle to Cradle® — based on the effort to create an eco-intelligent product
Made in Green — certifies that a product has been manufactured in factories that care about the environment and fair labor laws
The most commonly used sustainable fashion materials that you should go for are:
Tercel
Lyocell
Organic hemp
Organic linen
Organic Cotton
Recycled fibers
What to avoid?
Polyester
Nylon
Acrylic
Rayon
Low volumes and made-to-order I’m sure you’ve heard that “less is more”. Following that mantra will lead you to sustainable fashion. Psst…. Just don’t mistake it with the common “LIMITED OFFER” calls to action you see everywhere ;)
Local production Majority of sustainable brands tend to produce locally. Some of them might work with manufacturers overseas but they would hand-pick them, ensuring fair working conditions and good practices are in place. If they do, you’ll most likely learn about it from their website so keep a lookout.
No plastic packaging I think we all know by now that we can live without plastic packaging. If your favourite clothing brand doesn’t realise it, it means it’s not truly sustainable.
Steady prices Often price reductions may seem tempting, but they only mean that the product was overpriced just to be discounted in order to attract a wider audience.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, so read it, digest it, live it, and look out for more detailed information that is coming soon.
Thank you for letting us take you on this sustainable journey. See you soon!
Magda from YQUAL
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