Fashion's methane emissions are largely driven by leather, wool, and cashmere, accounting for 75% of the industry's super-pollutant output despite comprising just 3.8% of materials used. A recent report by Collective Fashion Justice unveils the alarming environmental impact of these materials, urging a shift towards recycled and plant-based alternatives. As the industry grapples with escalating greenhouse gas emissions and the urgent need for sustainability, the report's findings spark crucial conversations on the future of fashion's ecological footprint.
Leather's Environmental Impact
The fashion industry faces a critical juncture in addressing the environmental impact of leather production. According to the recent report by Collective Fashion Justice, leather contributes to 54% of the industry's methane emissions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Brands like Coach, a part of the Tapestry group, and Dr Martens are pioneering change by sourcing "wet blue" hides from innovative suppliers like Gen Phoenix, reducing the reliance on traditional leather production methods. Moreover, the emergence of new materials such as mycelium, apples, and cacti offers promising avenues for sustainable leather alternatives, although scalability remains a challenge in the current market landscape.
Wool's Sustainability Challenges
While wool is a natural, renewable fiber, its production poses significant environmental challenges that cannot be overlooked. The methane report underscores that wool, despite comprising only 0.9% of fibers in fashion, has disproportionate emissions and impacts on biodiversity. Icebreaker and VF Corporation's Smartwool are leading the way in promoting responsible wool sourcing through initiatives like the Responsible Wool Standard. Additionally, the adoption of recycled wool by brands like Patagonia showcases a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, emphasizing the potential for circular practices to mitigate the environmental footprint of wool in the fashion industry.
Cashmere's Methane Intensity
The report's findings shed light on the outsized methane intensity of cashmere, despite its limited presence in fashion materials. Brands like Reformation are taking proactive steps to eliminate virgin cashmere from their collections, opting for sustainable alternatives like deadstock sourcing. This shift underscores the industry's growing recognition of the need to address the environmental implications of cashmere production. As the focus on sustainable practices intensifies, collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including H&M and the Fashion Pact, are crucial in driving systemic change and reducing the methane emissions associated with cashmere processing.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
Beyond material sourcing, the fashion industry must prioritize transitioning to renewable energy across its supply chains to tackle the substantial methane emissions generated during material processing and fabrication. Initiatives like the Future Supplier Initiative by the Fashion Pact and the Apparel Impact Institute demonstrate a collective commitment among brands like Lululemon and H&M to support suppliers in adopting renewable energy solutions. By investing in sustainable practices and renewable energy transitions, companies can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their operations, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and resilient fashion ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Collective Fashion Justice report serves as a wake-up call for the fashion industry, revealing the disproportionate environmental impact of leather, wool, and cashmere. As brands like Coach and Dr Martens pioneer sustainable sourcing practices, the shift towards innovative materials like mycelium and recycled wool offers hope for a greener future. Collaborative efforts by Reformation, H&M, and the Fashion Pact underscore the industry's commitment to reducing methane emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions. It is clear that the time for action is now, as the fashion sector navigates towards a more sustainable and transparent supply chain, redefining the essence of style through ethical and eco-conscious practices.