Introduction
Congratulate yourself for following your passion and making your dream to establish and build your own sustainable clothing line come true. Despite what’s happening in the environment, only a few people take a stand to invest in eco-friendly apparel. In fact, sustainability is not even a trend in the clothing line anymore.
According to experts, the clothing industry produces tons of pollution every year, making it the third most polluting industry after meat and oil. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done, and there’s nothing more you can do about it. However, you can still focus on making things better now.
Sustainable clothing, also known as ethical fashion, is a fashion movement that promotes the use of eco-friendly materials when producing products, such as shirts and jeans, to preserve the environment. However, once you produce a single shirt, you have already added something that may harm the environment. But you can reduce the problem based on how you handle things.
For example, instead of using harmful chemicals for fabric printing, why don’t you try organic cotton t shirt printing or other eco-friendly techniques? With many things to consider, here are some steps to jump-start a sustainable clothing line:
1. Have A Clear Mindset
Sustainability begins with clear goals and a mindset. As the owner, it should be clear to you that the path to an eco-friendly manufacturing process is not easy, especially when clothing giants are not. Moreover, you should be aware of the challenges you may have to face, such as lack of materials.
Once you walk the path to sustainability, there’s no going back. Implementing it means serious commitment. You have the option to continue it or take a halt and detour.
But remember, clients are interested in your brand values, such as honesty, integrity, and authenticity. They would want to know the component and origin of your products and your goals, so they can help you reach them.
2. Interpret The Need
When creating a sustainable clothing line, you should be prepared to ask yourself the following questions that will guide you on your path:
- What’s special about your products and ideas?
- What kind of problem does your idea or product try to solve?
- Are you planning to use sustainable fabric materials?
- Are you planning to support a social cause?
- What steps will you implement to reduce environmental harm?
- Is your product necessary and unique?
These are just some of the most important questions you have to address. The clothing industry is already crowded, and it’s hard to make a name for yourself, but with the right reasons, you’ll be noticed right away.
In addition, do your homework and research the type of product you want to contribute to the world. Make sure that your product mirrors your core values and principles and conveys a meaningful message to your customers.
3. Create A Design
Every sustainable clothing commences with a design. According to experts, the average life span of a product is only two years. If you plan to create timeless designs that allow everyone to reuse and recycle in a closed-loop system, the lifecycle of your product will significantly increase.
The impact you can make on the environment starts and ends with your designs. Are you willing to use design methods that reduce the amount of your waste? Are you willing to design clothes with more than one function, making them more versatile? Are you considering prolonging your product’s lifecycle? Are you promoting sustainable consumer use through your designs?
These questions will serve as your guidelines to foster and establish sustainable designs. Meeting them in the middle will ensure that each product will support the movement you chose.
4. Select Sustainable Materials
One of the biggest factors you need to consider when setting up a sustainable business is the materials you’ll be using.
In that case, pick a supplier that will provide you with 100% eco-friendly materials. Check the background of possible suppliers and make sure that they’re practicing eco-friendly strategies and fulfilling the same goal as you.
However, it’s important to do your duties as well. Here are the things you can do:
- Limit your sources. It’s not good to work with many suppliers all at once.
- Look for certified and recycled materials.
- Go for organic cotton, hemp, and other materials that don’t harm the ecosystem.
- Use 100% pure materials for an easy recycling process.
- Try mixed materials for more durable and stronger fabrics.
Even if all of your designs follow the principles of sustainable practices, it’ll be useless if your materials are anti-environment.
5. Look For Sustainable And Ethical Manufacturers
Like deciding on suppliers, it would be best to look for manufacturers that prioritize and achieve a sustainable processing system. You wouldn’t want to work with people who don’t value your goals and remain neutral regarding global problems.
You should also evaluate their work environment and how they treat their staff. Do they treat everyone with care? Are they promoting a hostile work environment? Are their staff happy to be working with them? Are they energy-efficient? Do they promote reduced water and chemical usage?
To be sure, sign conduct that establishes good working conditions and a child labor-free environment. Try to work with them to find effective ways to reduce production waste too.
6. Apply for Certifications
Every industry has different standards to follow. Adhering to standards will grant you certifications that you can be proud of and display in your office. Certifications are a reflection of your good intention, commitment to mission, and credibility. They’ll even help you search for a supplier or a manufacturer.
With certifications, you’ll know that the people you’re working with are trustworthy.
7. Continue Learning
The clothing industry is fast-moving, and every week, there are new studies stating the position of sustainability in the sector. Many manufacturers and suppliers are applying different innovative techniques to reduce harm to the ecosystem and produce more eco-friendly products. They try to adopt every possible method to promote clean manufacturing, but they can’t do it simultaneously.
The key to consistent sustainability is to continue learning. Technology evolves every day, so always try to keep yourself updated on the trends and things that are happening. Aside from staying updated, attend seminars, fairs, and other education platforms that will broaden your knowledge and provide you with fresh insights.
Final Words
With fashion as the third most polluting industry, only small groups of people are trying to promote eco-friendly techniques. Therefore, it’s important for emerging clothing lines to promote sustainable and healthy practices.
However, implementing sustainability is no easy feat. Make sure that you’re ready for this before you begin. If you are, then follow the steps presented above. By taking these steps, you’ll build a brand that cares about the environment and protects future generations.
Creating a Sustainable Clothing Line
