The Problem
We let the statistics speak for themselves.
- 1 in 6 people work in the fashion industry in some way but less than 2% earn a living wage
- $127.7 billion worth of garments at risk of modern slavery are imported into G20 countries yearly, placing fashion within the top 5 exploitative industries
- It is thought that 20% of industrial water pollution globally is attributable to the dyeing and treatment of textiles.
- by 2050 fashion will use 1/4 of the world's carbon budget
- 40.3 million people are trapped in modern slavery. 24.9 million in forced labour.
As cited in the Sourcing Journal 2019 Sustainability Report, the need for solutions is now being recognised by industry:
- Department store spend on sustainable products will increase to 40% in the next five years, up from 23% now. (McKinsey)
- McKinsey and Company also say 95% of department store buyers will consider sustainability as a purchase driver over the next 10 years.
- Furthermore, there has been a 5.6X growth rate of products marketed as sustainable in 2018 when compared to conventionally marketed products (NYU Stern Centre & IRI).
- Market share of sustainably-marketed products in 2018 was 16.6% compared to 14.3% in 2013 (NYU Stern Centre & IRI)
- 49% = amount of consumers 18-44 who plan on shifting purchases toward environmentally conscious clothing brands in the coming year.
See how your brand can become the solution here