The fashion industry was first affected by the global pandemic and is currently being heavily influenced by the war zones on our planet.
Fragile supply chains, increased transport and energy costs as well as rising raw material prices and labour costs are putting pressure on the globalized fashion industry.
Mass production based on the principle of "ever faster, ever cheaper, ever more" has experienced a serious crash and many a company that was previously in the fast lane for years has not survived.
Caused by great uncertainty in society, a shrinking economy and rising consumer prices, consumer behavior changed dramatically and contributed to a change in values.
Whereas previously it was mainly price and quick availability that influenced our purchasing behavior, now it is mainly factors such as sustainability, social responsibility, a high-quality and long-lasting product and, ultimately, the possibility of recycling.
1. Sustainability and environmental impact:
The fashion industry faces the challenge of developing more sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact. This includes reducing waste, using environmentally friendly materials and minimizing CO2 emissions throughout the production and supply chain.
2. social responsibility and working conditions:
Social responsibility issues and working conditions throughout the supply chain are central to combating exploitation, ensuring fair wages and promoting safe working conditions for all workers.
3. ethics and transparency:
Consumers are increasingly demanding more transparency and ethics from fashion companies. The challenge is to provide clear and understandable information about manufacturing processes, supply chains and sustainability efforts to increase consumer confidence.
4. circular economy and recycling:
Promoting a circular economy is an increasingly important challenge. This includes the development of recyclable materials, the promotion of repair and upcycling initiatives and the establishment of take-back programs to extend the life of garments and reduce waste.
The higher retail price of fair fashion compared to conventional fashion:
1. fair wages for workers:
Fairer wages are paid in the fair fashion industry, enabling workers to earn a living wage.
2. improved working conditions:
Fair trade and ethical fashion companies often invest in improving working conditions in their production facilities, which incurs additional costs that are reflected in the selling price.
3. sustainable materials and production methods:
Fair trade and ethical fashion labels often use eco-friendly and sustainable materials and production methods that are more environmentally friendly, but may be more expensive to produce.
4. transparent supply chains:
Investing in transparent supply chains and product traceability.
5. support for local communities:
Social investment as well as supporting local communities helps to develop and build more sustainable economies.
Climate change has also contributed to this reversal.
France now wants to take action against the low-cost supplier industry with a law and thus take a step in the right direction.
An environmental levy is planned, which is linked to the fulfillment of defined criteria. The environmental footprint of this industry is catastrophic and the production of disposable fashion takes place in the countries of origin, sometimes under extremely poor working conditions. We can only hope that something will actually change and that the environmental levy will not just be passed on 1:1 to consumers.
By consciously buying sustainable and ethical products, we are also making a contribution to a better world. Of course, this shift towards slow fashion also comes at a price.
The higher costs of slow fashion are largely due to the various factors described above.
High-quality materials are sometimes only available in limited quantities and the better conditions for everyone involved in the supply chain ultimately result in a higher sales price.
In the long term, however, the higher purchase price pays off.
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