Solutions

Solutions can be proposed from three different perspectives:

At the manufacturer’s end:

This includes utilising sustainable and biodegradable materials like Merino, Linen, and innovative options such as Tencel and Piñatex derived from pineapple leaves
Implementing advanced technology like 3D design software and laser cutting for precise fabric-cutting to reduce waste.
Adopting waterless dyeing techniques using carbon dioxide to reduce water usage by up to 90% and lower greenhouse gas emissions, as demonstrated by Nike's colordry method.
Leveraging AI-ML to forecast product demand accurately, reducing inventory levels and product returns, demonstrated by H&M's efficiency in meeting customer needs.
Introducing blockchain technology to track production stages, ensuring transparency in supply chains, working conditions and remuneration, empowering consumers to support ethical brands.
Promoting high-quality manufacturing in the fashion industry as demonstrated by brands like Les Lunes, Everlane, Grana, and Ellie Kai, showcasing clean workspaces and fair wages for factory workers.

At the consumer end:

Smart Fitting Rooms which employ cameras and sensors to recommend sizes and outfits, reducing returns.
AI-Powered Chatbots providing product recommendations and sizing queries, improving shopping experiences.
Data Analytics for Fashion Waste Reduction based on past purchases and body measurements, minimising returns. Eg: Myntra in India.
Subscription and Rental Services to promote sustainability.
Adaptive Pricing Models:
- Sensible Pricing rather than using heavy discounts.
- Incentivize Sustainability-Based Pricing
- Offer free or discounted repairs to extend shelf life

With the world facing severe pollution, there's a growing awareness and demand for sustainable fashion among the expanding middle class, currently 8% and projected to reach 31% by 2030. 62% of upper middle class consumers already seek sustainable alternatives.
Implement labelling that reveals garment sustainability details (e.g., fibres, water usage, carbon emissions) to impact consumer choices, similar to nutrition labels on food.
Promote the idea of clothes as durables, not disposables, through engaging social media campaigns. Launch campaigns to make sustainability appealing and exciting, targeting the younger generation to change perceptions of sustainable fashion being "boring." Eg., goodlife2030 campaign by advertising industry.
Introduce thrift shops in schools to educate students on the benefits of thrifting. Integrate sewing and garment repair courses.
Collaborate with environmental activists and fashion influencers on campaigns to promote sustainable practices and alternatives in the fashion industry.
Highlight the cost-effectiveness of sustainable fashion and its creative designs, emphasising that sustainable clothes, despite higher upfront costs, are cheaper per wear.
Implement clothing donation bins in communities to encourage recycling and redirect unwanted clothes to secondhand markets or charitable organisations. Eg., NewZealand

Collaborate with NGOs and local associations to enhance worker training and workplace democracy, improving access to legal rights for labourers.
Introduce a "fashion act" akin to New York City's proposal, mandating companies to enhance due diligence on environmental and human rights issues.
Implement a mix of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives
- Fiscal incentives: Green or Sustainable Tax Refunds benefiting end customers, Tax Relief for small businesses, and Tax Holidays for larger businesses during sustainability transitions.
- Non-fiscal incentives: Financial grants or loans, support for green technology adoption, assistance for clean energy use, research and development aid, health programs for workers, and recognition for celebrity ambassadors promoting sustainability.
Sustainability Certifications Mandate: Consider requiring sustainability certifications (e.g., BCorp, Global Organic Textile Standard) from independent bodies for transparency and consumer confidence in sustainable products.