While we are all aware of the reality of climate change, and many brands and consumers are doing their best to make positive changes, there is still a lot about sustainability in fashion that is unknown and confusing, while things are constantly changing. However, as information abounds about our environmental footprint and how we respond to it, and how each label operates. It directly impacts our environment, so it's important that we stay abreast of industry developments, and adapt to what's best for our planet. TrusTrace, a leading platform for traceability and supply chain compliance, has used its expertise to predict how fashion will change this year. And how this can help us shop responsibly. The company works with various fashion brands to help them navigate the industry and its sustainability. As well as advising them on upcoming changes or regulations.
As sustainability moves to the forefront for fashion labels and consumers, it is imperative that we expand our own knowledge. With this in mind, TrusTrace predicts which continuity trends will be top of the fashion industry's agenda in 2023, and what this means for consumers.
Digital passport for all clothes
One of the biggest problems in the fashion industry is the lack of clarity in the supply chain. This makes it difficult for buyers to understand the product they are buying. As part of the new legislation, the European Union Digital Product Passport (DPP), will help consumers understand and track the environmental impact of their purchases, so they can make better decisions. The digital passport will also force brands to take responsibility in measuring the impact of their products and step back from problematic regulations in the industry.
So, what will it look like then? Through a scannable QR code, this passport will share verified information in a transparent and honest way. So you can shop according to your values. A number of brands and retailers have been trialling digital passports, such as Chloé, Gabriela Hearst, Pangaia, Mulberry and Zalando. Shoppers can scan a code or product with their phone and immediately access the item's full journey history, tracking everything like water usage, carbon emissions and factory conditions for its workers.
"Digital passports are going to be a big changer for the fashion industry in the next few years," said Anja Sadock, head of marketing at TrusTrace. "For the first time, more and more fashion brands are starting to track and understand the impact of their supply chain and the products they sell. This information can then be passed on to fashionistas from a QR code, which means we can finally start getting transparency about where and how our clothes are made. Brands need to use and share this verified data to support green claims, help reduce environmental washing and empower people to shop on their values."
The forthcoming digital passport is currently within EU policy only, but will impact all brands selling products in the EU. So we can expect this to impact pretty much every brand available in the UK. In addition, the UK is also developing a fashion supply chain code policy and exploring how to ensure these brands are responsible for triple coverage emissions. So, it's possible we'll see a similar initiative roll into UK policy in the near future.
