The fashion industry is one of the largest industries in the world, worth an estimated $2.5 trillion and employing over 60 million people globally. It is known for its creativity, innovation, and constant evolution. However, in recent years, the industry has been facing mounting pressure to address its impact on the environment and move towards more sustainable practices. It is currently the second-largest polluter after the oil and gas industry.

This is why one concept that has gained significant attention in this regard is net zero. Net zero is an approach that aims to balance the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced with the amount removed from the atmosphere. In this blog post, we'll explore net zero and its importance in the fashion industry.

What is Net Zero?

Net zero is a state where the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced is equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere. This is achieved by reducing emissions through various measures, such as investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and transitioning to low-carbon materials and production processes. Any remaining emissions are then offset through the use of carbon credits or other mechanisms that fund projects that remove or prevent the release of greenhouse gases elsewhere. Achieving net zero in the fashion industry is essential to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

To better understand the significance of net zero in the fashion industry, let's take a closer look at some numerical facts:

“Up to 16 kilos of CO2 can be released during the manufacturing of one kilogram of cotton. This fact illustrates the huge carbon footprint connected with the manufacture of cotton, one of the most widely used materials in fashion. (Carbon Trust).”

“It is estimated that the fashion business uses 79 billion cubic meters of water annually, which is enough to fill 32 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Significant environmental effects, such as water pollution and depletion, result from this overuse of water. (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe).”

“Every second, enough textiles are burned or landfilled to fill one garbage truck. This equates to an annual production of more than 92 million tons of textile waste. (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).”

Why is Net Zero important for the Fashion Industry?

The above statistics demonstrate, that the fashion industry's environmental impact is significant, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its effects. Adopting a net-zero approach can help reduce the industry's carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. There are several strategies that can be implemented to achieve this:

1. Reducing emissions: One way to achieve net zero in the fashion industry is by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Brands can do this by transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power and by adopting low-carbon materials and production processes. For example, brands can use linen or hemp, which has a lower environmental impact than conventional cotton, and invest in more sustainable manufacturing practices.

2. Offset emissions: Another way to achieve net zero is through offsetting mechanisms such as carbon credits. Carbon credits are financial instruments that represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Brands can purchase carbon credits to offset their remaining emissions by funding projects that remove or prevent the release of greenhouse gases elsewhere, such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy projects in developing countries. However, offsetting should be seen as an interim solution. It should be used only for those unavoidable emissions and should not be used as a substitute for reducing emissions.

3. Circular economy: The circular economy is also a crucial part of achieving net zero in the fashion industry. This approach focuses on designing products for reuse, repair, and recycling, reducing waste, and minimizing the need for new materials and energy-intensive production processes. Brands can adopt circular economy principles by using recycled materials, designing clothes to last longer, and implementing repair services and take-back schemes to recover and recycle old garments.

4. Collaboration: Collaboration is key to achieving net zero in the fashion industry. Brands, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable industry. For example, brands can collaborate with suppliers to improve transparency and traceability in their supply chains. Retailers can encourage consumers to make sustainable choices by promoting eco-friendly products and implementing recycling programs. Consumers can reduce their environmental impact by buying second-hand clothes, repairing their garments, and choosing sustainable brands.

Conclusion

Fashions polluting nature have drastically increased in the recent decade due to technology, and other various factors, including the energy-intensive production processes, transportation, and disposal of garments. In addition, the industry is known for its fast-paced and constantly changing nature, leading to the production of large volumes of clothing that are often quickly discarded.

Net-zero is seen as a crucial approach for the fashion industry as it seeks to address its impact on the environment and move towards more sustainable practices. By reducing emissions, offsetting remaining emissions, adopting a circular economy approach, and promoting collaboration, the industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. 

It is up to all stakeholders to work together to create a more sustainable and resilient fashion industry. As consumers, we can play our part by supporting sustainable fashion brands, reducing our consumption of fast fashion, and choosing to buy high-quality and durable garments that can be worn for years to come.