Industry Guide
Reducing Our Footprint:
Step 1:
Design
Design
Materials
Production
1. Design
Commit to design garments that last
Make durability more attractive.
Improve style/silhouette (patterns, lining)
Simplify number of design aspects (less overlays/underlays)
Align clothing design and recycling processes.
Design for repairability/recyclability/versatility
The design brief and development will influence the life-time environmental impacts of the garment, consider:
How the pattern will be laid out on flat fabric
The amount of waste generated
Whether the garment can be constructed in a different way to reduce waste
Single material
Packaging from product waste
Consider the life of the garment and select the right textile to minimize wear, tear, stains or the need for specialist cleaning.
Close the Loop – design for decomposition/deconstruction
Use 3D software to prototype instead of physical protos
Market specific SKU’s – saves process and time
Design to minimize needs for finishes
Establish/limit color palette
Scrap seasonal designing/only design when inspired
No sole/seamless construction
Dual purpose design
Design for patina
Functionality testing
Single injection footwear
2. Materials
Phase out substances of concern and microfiber release
Align industry efforts and coordinate innovation to create safe material cycles
Stimulate demand for recycled materials
Use long lasting materials over synthetic (natural denim > elastic blend denim)
Use carryover trims and scraps
Prioritize sustainable and abundant materials
Use renewable feedstock for plastic-based fibers.
Renewable energy
3D Printing
Water based adhesives
Reduce water use, improve wastewater collection/treatment in production and finishing
Only add finishes if required (by performance not duty)
Eliminate high impact finishing such as acid washed denim
Use organic cotton, reduce pesticide and water use in cotton production
Identify renewable sources for synthetic fabrics
exploring ways of reducing labor costs in the manufacturing process, such as 3D knitting
Use recycled tooling
Nanotech
Active material management, Preferred material list
Select inks and dyes that are non-toxic, natural or vegetable-based
Use waterless or low water use dyes
Select textiles that have a repeat pattern with no beginning or end, so that the entire roll of fabric can be used
Buy degradable materials
Reduce number of materials used in a SKU or collection
Minimize blends being used
Track materials down to the source
Explore additional natural fibers (cork leathers) and regenerative practices (regenerative cotton)
Use scraps and trims in packaging
Nearshore/proximity sourcing
Scale alternative materials
3. Production
Establish and enforce Standard Manufacturing Practices
Actively audit and evaluate vendors
Reduce material waste
Think about how you can construct the garment in a different way to reduce waste, such as offcuts and end-of-roll
Treat and recycle wastewater
Reduce water use in the production process
Reduce hazardous chemical usage and waste
Understand what chemicals you’re using
Regulate them and store them appropriately
Include open and closed loops where possible.
Localize supply chain to reduce transportation impact
Use facilities powered by renewable energy
Stop partnering with factories that use coal (requires capital investment)
Always preference shipping over airfreight for international transportation, and for ground transport preference rail over road.
Consistently review logistics to improve process
Waste limits
Slow down/limit fast fashion products
Use 3D printing
Automate pattern cutting
Reuse or recycle the waste and offcuts.
Reduce the amount of packaging used.
Increase wages of production workers
DTC model to reduce transportation costs
Sustainable guidelines for the metaverse
Build management program to understand sustainable practices
LEAN Principles
Improve QC