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🎄 ANNOUNCEMENT: Last Industry News post of 2024! 🎄 A big thankyou to all my LinkedIn family for all the support this year 🙏 So back to it - what's been going on in Sustainable Fashion this week? ⬇️ 1) In material innovation news, Australian recycling company Samsara Eco, who partner with lululemon, have developed an enzyme capable of recycling Nylon 6. The latest technology can break down Nylon 6, including coloured and dyed blends, back to its original building block that can be reused repeatedly without losing quality. 2) Sportswear giant PUMA Group have signed a multi-year letter of intent to source sustainable wood-based fibre from a new production plant which is being developed by Finnish textile innovator SPINNOVA® and brazilian cellulosic pulp giant Suzano. 3) C&A have partnered with Swiss traceability standard Haelixa Ltd on a 3 year agreement to enhance traceability in its organic cotton supply. 4) Rubi Laboratories, a company specialising in carbon capture and conversion technology, has secured nearly $1m to advance the production of carbon dioxide based low-carbon cellulose for the textile industry. The technology creates cellulose from CO2 as an alternative to traditional wood pulp, reducing carbon footprint of textile production and environmental damage during raw material extraction. 5) In supply chain news - ongoing unrest in recent months in Bangladesh has led to the government granting an additional 4% increase (on top of 5% already due to workers), resulting in 9% wage increase. This is to calm the unrest which has disrupted the garment manufacturing industry in recent months. 6) #BofVOICES highlighted that asian countries had experienced thier highest temperatures since records began, with India reaching 52° celcius, the highest temperature recorded in 74 years. Imagine working in these temperatures, without water, without a break, and even worse, when pregnant. A recent report shows a 42% increase in heat stress across 5 major garment production hubs over the past 2 decades, having a significant impact on workers and production processes. 7) Lacoste have launched their latest circularity initiative 'Lacoste Seconde Main', allowing customers to trade in their old Lacoste items for store credit. The initiative is in partnership with FAUME, and aims to extend the lifecycle of Lacoste products, reduce waste and offer a more sustainable way for consumers to engage with the brand. 8) Save Your Wardrobe have partnered with Bicester Village, bringing members access to a seamless platform for repairing, altering and cleaning cherished clothing, bags and shoes, driving excellence and inspiring mindful consumption. 🔗 Links to articles in comments Have a wonderful Christmas! Lydia #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel

What's been happening in sustainable fashion this week? ⬇️ 1) Textile Exchange released their latest report "Reimagining Growth Landscape Analysis" (authorised by Rachel Arthur) which critiques the fashion industry's current growth-driven, linear model, and provides road maps for brands, policymakers and stakeholders to create value beyond traditional extraction and production models. Full report in the link in comments. 2) Material science firm Cirql™ have developed a new compostable and biodegradable foam component for the footwear sector. Dubbed the 'Disappearing Shoe' - Cirql Zero is made using a polymer compound which is a compostable solution, replacing traditional foams. 3) Recover™, a leading global producer of recycled cotton fibre and cotton fibre blends, have announced the opening of its latest manufacturing facility in Vietnam, to enable large scale sustainability efforts in the growing Vietnamese textile production market. The facility is set to be operational by early 2025. 4) The Future Fibres Network (FFNA) is a collaborative effort between UK universities and fashion industry trade bodies, which is exploring the potential for the UK's first wetsuit recycling facility. The project is led by the University of Exeter, and is in partnership with the UKFT Association to establish circular and sustainable principles in the fashion industry. 5) International technology group ANDRITZ is partnering with US textile recycling company Circ® to develop their first large-scale textile recycling plant which will recover and recycling cotton and polyester from blended textile waste. The facility is set to process 200 tons of textile waste daily, reducing the reliance on virgin raw materials and marking a significant step in commercialised and industry scale textile recycling. 6) Technical apparel manufacturer Milliken & Company (who own Polartec outdoor apparel brand) have been awarded a gold rating for its CSR Performance (Corporate Social & Governance) from global standard EcoVadis for the third year. EcoVadis provides trusted business sustainability ratings for more than 130,000 organisations representing more than 220 industries. 7) Last week SOJO announced their partnership with Reiss - powering repairs and alterations in store at Reiss Oxford Circus and Covent Garden, London. 8) Pre-loved initiative Charity Super.Mkt, including partners Shelter, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and Oxfam announced that it has turned over £3 million in sales since founding in January 2023. 🔗 Links to articles in comments ___ Hi, I'm Lydia, a global sustainable fashion expert, Founder of enkel and Sustainable Fashion School. I do the research so you don't have to, helping you go faster to lower your impact as a brand. Visit www.thisisenkel.com to find out how I can help you and your teams fast-track your journey to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel Image: Cirql Zero

Exciting things to come in 2025... Yesterday I had the pleasure to meet Phillip Holder and had the chance to visit this spectacular art gallery in the centre of Copenhagen which hosts POET Concept alongside Copenhagen Fashion Week. Poet (Purveyors Of Excellent Things) is a concept which features a highly curated mix of menswear, womenswear, and lifestyle brands, chosen for their innovation, individuality, and craftsmanship. The concept champions brands which represent a new wave of fashion with a focus on uniqueness and their commitment to sustainability. The space is amazing, and I'm really excited to be working with Phillip, enkel and POET Concept on their latest event in the new year. More very exciting news coming soon 👀 #poetconcept #enkel #sustainablefashion

What's been happening in sustainable fashion week this week? ⬇️ 1) Burberry launched its Childrenswear 'Remake' capsule collection, consisting of surplus fabrics and yarns from previous collections. The new range covers key product categories, and also includes a 'multiple owners label' to encourage pieces to be passed down. 2) BEEN London have partnered with Tate Modern in London to create a limited edition collection of accessories crafted from upcycled banners sourced directly from the gallery's iconic building. The collection focuses on repurposing materials from the banners to give them a second life, whilst also working with next-gen material AppleSkin, made from apple waste. 3) London Fashion Week (LFW) is following in the footsteps of Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) by banning exotic skins such as crocodile and snake from its show collections from 2025. LFW also announced a ban on fur at the end of 2023. 4) German brand ARMEDANGELS has partnered with The Sourcery to transform cotton sourcing through their 'direct to grower' scheme - enhancing transparency and fair trade in cotton farming. 5) SAITEX INTERNATIONAL DONG NAI (VN) Ltd., said to be the 'cleanest' denim factory in the world, have published their latest sustainability report, highlighting a 90% reduction in Co2 emissions, 70% reduction in energy consumption and 30% less water usage across all of its sites. Worth having a look if you work with denim and want to reduce your footprint. 6) The Circle Economy Foundation has released a new report (The Circularity Gap Report) which focuses on the textile sectors transition towards circularity - in partnership with H&M Foundation. The headline states that the sector is only 0.3% circular, below a global average of 7.2%. Link below for inspiration on how to move forward. 7) Looks like it could be a 'Merry Thrift-Mas', as UK consumers are set to spend over £2 billion on secondhand gifts this festive season from insights from a report by Vinted and Retail Economics. 84% of consumers are likely to spend a proportion of their shopping budget on pre-loved christmas gifts. 8) Global Fashion Agenda have launched the 'Upstream Circularity Playbook' aimed at scaling-up recycling operations in textile and garment supply chains. The report aims to help industry scale circular business models by valorising post-industry textile waste (in other words recognising the value in material waste) 9) Karen Millen has launched in-store rental services at Selfridges and John Lewis & Partners in London, in partnership with HURR 10) Looking to other industries - the LEGO Group are switching to paper-based bags in their Lego sets as part of their commitment to reduce single use plastics from their packaging. The new bags are verified as recyclable in the European Union, the United States, and Canada. 🔗 Links to articles in comments #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel Image: Burberry Childrenswear Remake Collection

What's been happening in sustainable fashion this week? ⬇️ 1) Last week on 19th November, we saw the EU adopt a regulation to ban products made with forced labour. Globally, an estimated 27.6million individuals are subjected to forced labour across various industries - especially apparel and textiles. The regulation will ban products manufactured using forced labour from being sold, exported, or made available within the EU, and will come into force 3 years after it has been published in the EU official journal. 2) Fashion for Good has launched a latest collaboration with BESTSELLER, On and other fashion brands to drive the fashion industry away from fossil fuel based polymers. Currently the fashion sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuel derived polymers, especially synthetics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET, aka polyester), polyamide (PA, aka nylon), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), widely used in footwear, and elastane. 3) Textile chemical giant BASF has partnered with Hong Kong based footwear brand Mount to Coast to produce its first running show midsole which is based on a biopolymer made from renewable feedstock. The 'CircleCell' midsole is said to be 90% more durable whilst showing the same energy rebound as midsoles made from traditional materials such as polyether block amide (PEBA) 4) Swedish retailer H&M has become the first major fashion brand to sign an agreement under the Vietnamese government scheme to encourage its suppliers to switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels. 5) HURR, the luxury fashion rental platform, has teamed up with Deliveroo with their 'Dress to door in 20 minutes' concept with a pilot in London, just in time for party season. The initiative is aimed at solving those 'last minute panic purchases' with over 400 dresses available to rent in those 'I have nothing to wear moments' in the run up to the festive season. 6) Latest reports indicate that SHEIN is targeting a floatation on the London Stock Exchange early 2025 - expected to be worth around £50 billion. I also read last week that Shein is partnering with around 1,000 manufacturers in Turkey as part of a wider global push to bring production closer to its key consumer markets. Gulp. 🔗 Links to articles in comments ___ Hi, I'm Lydia, a global sustainable fashion expert, Founder of enkel and Sustainable Fashion School. I do the research so you don't have to, helping you go faster to lower your impact as a brand. Visit www.thisisenkel.com to find out how I can help you and your teams fast-track your journey to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel Image: Hurr x Deliveroo

What's been happening in sustainable fashion this week? ⬇️ 1) Last week was the annual release of The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company 'State of Fashion 2025' report, stating that sustainability has fallen off the agenda, with only 18% of fashion execs citing it as a top-three risk for growth in 2025, down from 29% in 2024. 2) Circulose (formerly Renewcell) shocked the fashion and textile industry earlier this year when they announced their bankruptcy. Now H&M former CEO Helena Helmersson has been appointed Chairman, whilst McKinsey & Company partner Jonatan Janmark has been named new CEO. The company enter a new chapter to scale their impact and take circular textiles to the next level, transforming textile waste into new, high quality materials. 3) In material news, MANGO has committed to only source certified wool free from mulesing by 2030, following a letter of intent and pressure from animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS. 4) BioFluff (SAVIAN) first came on my radar when Ganni A/S introduced is as part of their 'Fabrics of the Future' initiative in their Bou Bag. Now, Biofluff are launching the world's first plush toy made with plant based fur instead of polyester, where the fibres are extracted from plants and agricultural waste. 5) Streetwear and customisation brand '@mattbcustoms' (founded by Matt Burgess in Manchester, UK) has partnered with JD Sports Fashion to create bespoke designs, elevating their offer and creating exclusive pieces for their customers. 6) In luxury fashion, Miu Miu have launched their 5th collection of upcycled products, as part of its plan for sustainable and circular fashion. The collection includes upcycled leather, embellished kilts from the 50's and 60's, archive knitwear and embroidered lace. 7) In other news, the UK government are under increased pressure to introduce legislation equivalent to the US Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act (UFLPA) to prevent goods being made with forced labour in the Xinxiang region of China, from entering the market. 8) Last week enkel launched an industry guide downloadable PDF to Digital Product Passports in the Fashion Industry. A 40-pages guide for fashion professionals to get started with DPPs. The what, why, how and when, including action to take now, what data to start collecting, what we know so far might need to be included, the potential challenges, and who are the key players in the industry who are piloting this already with leading brands. 🔗 Links to articles in comments ___ Hi, I'm Lydia, a global sustainable fashion expert, Founder of enkel and Sustainable Fashion School. We do the research so you don't have to, helping you go faster to lower your impact as a brand. Visit www.thisisenkel.com to find out how I can help you and your teams fast-track your journey to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel Image: Miu Miu Upcycled Collection 2024

What's been happening in sustainable fashion this week? ⬇️ 1) Fashion for Good have launched a platform to map global textile waste hotspots. The 'World of Waste' tool was created in partnership with Reverse Resources, Global Fashion Agenda, Circle Economy and Accelerating Circularity, and aims to transform the how the industry tracks, understands and utilises textile waste. Find out more at www.worldofwaste.co 2) Meanwhile, textile recycler RE&UP Recycling Technologies is looking to set up its first recycling plant outside of Turkey in Spain, as it looks to expand its operations in Europe. 3) You can now dress like a celebrity with the launch of HURR x Choose Love with the iconic rental collection from your favourite celebrities including Billie Piper, Gemma Chan and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. 100% of the proceeds supporting Choose Love's work supporting displaced communities around the world. 4) Harvey Nichols are offering the ultimate in luxury goods and accessories, partnering with Luxury Promise to host a pre-loved pop-up in their flagship store in London until Jan 2025. 5) New players Birl have announced their latest partnerships, adding Far Afield and Vintage Threads to their resale platform. Birl have also recently partnered with Jonas Sports, allowing over 50 clubs across football, rugby & cricket to trade in their kit. 6) Decathlon have launched a buy back campaign, inviting customers to trade in old equipment for vouchers or cash - whether its a tent, a bike, skis or even a canoe - the initiative gives unused gear an opportunity to live on. 7) Save Your Wardrobe have partnered with United Repair Centre to scale their care and repair initiatives for the fashion industry. The initiative drives the shift towards a circular economy, where brands, consumers and service providers collaborate to extend the life of garment and reduce environmental impact. 8) N Brown Group are to launch a dissolvable packaging from Polymax, powered by Hydropol as part of their target to reduce plastic waste. The new packaging is said to dissolve in hot water without being harmful and can be recycled alongside paper, plastic and food without contamination and leaves no microplastics behind. Would love to know industry thoughts on this? 🔗 Links to articles in comments ___ Hi, I'm Lydia, a global sustainable fashion expert, Founder of enkel and Sustainable Fashion School I do the research so you don't have to. Visit www.thisisenkel.com to find out how I can help you and your teams fast-track your journey to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel Image: Hurr x Choose Love Rent Antonio Berardi red gown as worn by Rosie-Huntington Whiteley for £145 for 4 days

What's been happening in sustainable fashion this week? ⬇️ 1) In material news, Fashion for Good, Circ® and Canopey have joined forces to simplify steps to collaboration, making next-gen materials available at competitive prices for smaller brands who are more likely to pioneer their use. 2) Start up Syre, who manufacture textile-to-textile polyester, have teamed up with polymer specialist Selenis Specialty Polyester Solutions to establish a recycling plant in North Carolina, USA. The first blueprint plant is scheduled to be operational mid 2025. 3) Biotech company CARBIOS have unveiled their first 100% 'fibre-to-fibre' enzymatically recycled polyester garment. Development in partnership with a brand consortium consisting of On, Patagonia, PUMA Group, PVH Corp. and Salomon, the garment is made entirely from textile waste with no bottles, packaging or virgin plastic used in manufacturing. 4) Outdoor brand Arc'teryx Equipment have teamed up with Ambercycle to use its regenerated polyester in their collections. 5) The Fashion Pact has launched The Future Supplier Initiative (FSI), with leading brands including BESTSELLER, Gap Inc., H&M Group and MANGO joining forces to accelerate progress on decarbonising supply chains. 6) Next is elevating is position in the market with the introduction of a new premium fashion platform called 'Seasons'. The platform will offer luxury brands to UK customers, including labels such as Ganni A/S, Marc Jacobs and TORY BURCH. Next have also partnered with The Handbag Clinic Ltd to offer luxury pre-loved handbags and luxury aftercare in their latest online offering. 7) ASOS.com and Hirestreet have taken their rental offering to a new level, offering a subscription service which allows subscribers to rent 5 items per month at £75 from a selection of 20,000 products. 8) ACS (Advanced Clothing Solutions) have partnered with H&M through launching a Pre-loved Archive Initiative, offering unique pre-loved garments from their 20 years of ICONIC designer collaborations. 9) Burberry launched 'Scarf for Tomorrow' - ensuring their signature scarves can be worn for longer through ReBurberry aftercare services - including brushing, steaming and misting scarves, or turning into unique pieces through Scarf Upcycle, including embroidery and personalisation. 10) Textile recycling company Reju (founded by former Under Armour CEO Patrik Frisk) which recycles post consumer textiles into virgin quality polyester, has teamed up with Goodwill Industries International to help advance textiles recycling in North America. 🔗 Links to articles in comments ___ Hi, I'm Lydia, a global sustainable fashion expert, Founder of enkel and Sustainable Fashion School. I do the research so you don't have to. Visit www.thisisenkel.com to find out how I can help you and your teams fast-track your journey to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. #sustainablefashion #circularfashion #enkel Image: The Handbag Clinic