Environmental and social consciousness global trends in clothing retail
Presented by Emil Grey Woolworths
The
BIG issue - sustainability
The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (The Bruntland Commission, 1987)
The Atlantic Conveyor
Sustainability = triple bottom line
M&S launch Tesco announces 200 Million Plan A 500 Million to tackle climate change green initiative
(15 January 2007) (21 January 2007)
Organic Cotton
For Scott Hahn, co-founder of Loomstate, whose tagline reads "Tread lightly on the Earth, the importance of the agricultural story behind the face of garment and fashion manufacture is a major issue. Many of the negative issues involved in traditional cotton production methods are now more widely known & publicised, including: The extensive use of chemicals and fertilisers Environmental degradation Health risks to farmers Child labour in certain locations Impact of mono crop intensive farming on the environment Genetically modified seed use, which is increasing, particularly in countries like China, India &
Some facts about cotton
Global cotton sales worth more than US$ 330 Billion Cotton = 45% of global textile fibre sales Grown on 76 Million Acres (2,5% of global arable land) Cotton is the most chemically intensive crop to grow!! 90% of cotton grown globally uses pesticides and accounts for 25% of all pesticides used in the world (US$2,6 Billion) 3kg cotton lint produced = 1kg pesticides used 7 of the top 15 pesticides used in cotton farming are potential or known human carcinogens Pesticides impact on air, soil and ground water pollution!! Cotton seed oil is a key ingredient in processed foods and is used as animal feed Organic cotton still makes up less than 1% of global cotton sales
Organic Cotton Estimated Global Sales
3000
US$ Millions
2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0
Sales 2001 245 2005 583 2006 1,073 2007 1,911 2008 2,618
Woolworths Organic Cotton Clothing Growth Projection
1,200
Rands Millions
1,000 800 600 400 200 0 2006 73 2007 300 2008 390 2009 507 2010 659 2011 857 2012 1,114
Other organic commodities
Fair trade
What is beneficial for the natural environment is also good for the people who work on the land and depend on it for their welfare. Fair trade initiatives are now being applied to cotton growing and denim manufacture.
To create opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers. To produce strategies for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. To create opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalised by the conventional trading system. To actively encourage better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production.
Green raw materials
Soy Silk Recycled Polyester
There has been a growth in retailers focusing on ethical product. Amsterdam's YOI, Stockholm's Ekovaruhuse, London's Equa and Hand boutiques and New York's latest online store/distributors Pro'tech'd are all relatively new examples of retailers providing and promoting contemporary fashion with a conscience.
"Socially responsible consumerism is just now becoming part of our consciousness... Due to the amount of product out there in the world, we will see consumers making smarter consumption choices as they become more aware of our environment and become concerned about saving our planet by looking at ways to 'reduce, reuse and recycle'."
Barbara Atkin, Holt Renfrew's fashion director, believes responsible fashion is more than just a passing fad. "We are now entering an era of 'choice' as the consumer becomes more empowered in their decision making process as to who they will want to spend their dollars with," she tells WGSN
Perushka DeZoysa, Selfridges' contemporary buyer, agrees. "The trend for eco clothing has definitely been building for the last five years or so," she tells WGSN. "There is a growing awareness of how and where clothes are being manufactured. It has become a major factor in brand selection for the more ethically conscious followers of fashion. I wouldn't consider this a fad as this group of people tend to be extremely consistent in their beliefs and pro-active in supporting and widening their reach within mainstream society."
Hugh Wahla, managing and buying director of Urban Outfitters in the UK, believes sustainable clothing will become more of a priority in people's lives. "Even though this [the T-shirt range] is a very small step, the reactions to our early initiatives have shown us that our customers share our desire to make a difference."
So what does this all mean?
Rules of the game are changing New commercial opportunities Niche markets with higher barriers to entry Innovation Moving beyond compliance Understand the triple bottom line!!
Thank you
