From Guest Blogger Dimitris Papadoupolos: Why Eco-friendly Fashion Is Big Business

Millennial customers back brands that can evidence an ethical business model.

So if your clothing is designed brilliantly and can back up claims of eco-friendliness, you might have a competitive edge over less environmentally conscious competitors.

With that in mind, these news stories from around the world emphasise the increasing importance of doing business in an above board manner.

Cotton t-shirt cost

Cotton t-shirts are a fashion staple in many markets across the globe.

But according to a recent Danish study, a single cotton tee costs the planet $3.40.

This cost is calculated from the combination of water, fertiliser and energy used in the supply chain.

And the total annual environmental cost of clothing in this relatively small nation is a whopping $510 million per annum.

Because most of the clothes are imported as finished products from abroad, Denmark’s fashion industry has an international impact on the environment.

Some industry figures have committed to working with the government to source and supply clothing in a more sustainable manner — but reducing the environmental impact could take some time.

Japan Airlines biofuel

Global air travel leaves a considerable carbon footprint.

But Japan Airlines is working with government agencies and fashion retailers to convert cast-off garments into biofuel for aeroplanes.

The process involves breaking down the sugars in clothing until they turn to an alcohol biofuel — which the carrier will test in its planes by 2020.

If the project is successful it could simultaneously solve the problems of disposing of clothing safely and reducing the impact of air travel.

And if Japan Airlines proves that the fuel is viable, other airlines might follow suit by using second hand socks and scarves to get their planes in the air.

Ethical fashion brands

Stella McCartney has been a trailblazer in bringing ethical fashion to the forefront of her industry.

And female style brands are now recognising the benefits of declaring the ethical credentials of everything from evening dresses to designer handbags.

Customers are increasingly attracted to any label that can source, design and manufacture its clothes in ways that make life better for communities and minimises damage to the environment.

They might even be willing to part with more cash for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that factory workers involved in a garment’s production have been paid fairly and work in acceptable conditions.

And if recycling is a central part of the process then a brand has even more kudos in the eyes of customers.

So getting into the ethical fashion niche can boost profits as well as protecting the environment.

Fashion Revolution

Fashion Revolution is a global movement of fashion industry insiders and supporters who want to raise awareness of the environmental impact of the industry worldwide.

It runs an annual awareness week which engaged two million people across the world this year and involved celebrities like actresses Emma Watson and Fernanda Paes Leme.

Their #whomademyclothes hashtag went viral on Instagram and emphasised the importance of a transparent production and supply chain to modern consumers.

The campaign’s success means that more clothing brands are getting on board with the principles of ethical fashion.

So eco fashion is definitely big business in the current climate — if you want sustainable profits it’s wise to work ethically.

What eco-clothing brands do you admire? Share your thoughts in the comments section.