6 tendenze che caratterizzeranno la moda sostenibile nel 2023

Abbiamo appena dato il benvenuto al nuovo anno, e con esso arrivano le speranze di progresso verso una moda sostenibile. Quest'anno promette nuovi progressi e innovazioni nel settore e, anche se dovremo aspettare dodici mesi per vedere cosa ci riserverà davvero l'anno, per ora possiamo solo fare previsioni su ciò che pensiamo accadrà. Per questo motivo abbiamo stilato un elenco delle tendenze che, secondo le nostre previsioni, caratterizzeranno il 2023:

1. Aumento della regolamentazione

Si prevede che quest'anno sarà caratterizzato da una maggiore regolamentazione delle pratiche "più verdi" nella catena di fornitura.

L'anno scorso, la Commissione europea (CE) ha lanciato la sua Strategia per il tessile circolare e sostenibile, in cui ha indicato che quest'anno avrebbe iniziato a lavorare per l'implementazione di un passaporto digitale per tutti i beni fisici. Questa misura porterebbe maggiore trasparenza nei mercati e obbligherebbe i fornitori di beni fisici, e in particolare quelli di prodotti tessili, a introdurre un tipo di etichetta elettronica (come un codice QR) sui loro prodotti. L'introduzione di questa etichetta elettronica aiuterebbe gli acquirenti a disporre di informazioni chiare, affidabili e facilmente accessibili sui prodotti che consumano, come i dettagli sulla composizione e sul processo di fabbricazione, sulle modalità di manutenzione e sul modo migliore per riciclarli.

Inoltre, si prevede che l'aumento della regolamentazione si concentri sui seguenti aspetti:

• Inquinamento. Sebbene nel 2022 si sia registrato un ritardo nell'esercitare pressioni sui governi per ridurre l'inquinamento causato dall'industria della moda, quest'anno sono attesi limiti legali più severi, oltre a una maggiore azione da parte dei governi per contenere il riscaldamento globale e raggiungere gli obiettivi concordati nell'Accordo di Parigi.
• Waste management. The European Commission has also proposed a ban on destroying unsold products or an obligation to publish the number of products destroyed to force major brands to be more aware of their textile surplus, in order to curb overproduction and boost circularity.
• Greenwashing. The EC also wants to implement a new law banning claims such as “green”, “eco-friendly” or “good for the environment” if they are not backed by environmental evidence.

2. Improving delivery to reduce emissions

As online sales soar, so do carbon emissions from delivery vehicles. It is estimated that freight transport accounts for around three percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually. Furthermore, according to a McKinsey report, increased traffic could lead to a 25 percent increase in carbon dioxide emissions in urban centers. Undoubtedly, the search for more environmentally friendly delivery methods will be a major sustainability trend in 2023.

3. Rise of the circular economy

Textile production produces an estimated 1.2 billion tons of CO2 and consumes 79 billion cubic meters of fresh water annually. However, retail generates a lot of waste, leading to 85% of textiles going into landfill each year. This is why we can expect more and more companies and regulations to back the circular economy, which encourages the reusing of existing materials.

4. Growing role of data and AI

Data and efficient use of technology are helping fuel a sustainable future. For instance, here are 3 areas that could be enhanced thanks to AI:

1. A study shows that AI can dramatically reduce a brand’s carbon footprint by up to 30% by creating digital samples and replacing physical garments during thee design and development phases.
2. It can use advanced data analytics and machine learning to better predict clothing trends, customer behavior and sales in order to reduce the number of unsold clothes each season.
3. It can lead to virtual fitting rooms, better styling services and more precise sizing – reducing returns and enhancing customer experience.

5. Reliance on cloud technology

In addition to AI, cloud technology is also widely used to help companies meet their sustainability goals. It is calculated that cloud-based supply-chain management solutions will surpass $11 billion by the end of the year, as cloud technology can help brands manage their waste, battle carbon emissions, and lower energy consumption. Additionally, cloud computing can create new avenues for collaboration between factories, allowing distributors and companies in the supply chain to have 24/7, real-time access to data and faster, more effective communication between links in the supply chain.

6. Next-generation materials

Next-generation fabrics or “Next-Gen” materials are non-plastic, non-synthetic and vegan fabrics that serve as ethical and sustainable alternatives to conventional fabrics for use in fashion, household and other products. They serve primarily as replacements for animal-based materials such as leather, fur, wool, and down.

Examples of already existing Net-Gen materials include fabrics made out of microbes, fruits, or even by capturing carbon emissions. The current generation of alternatives – petroleum-derived synthetics – have serious environmental and social problems, so innovation in fabrics that are more environmentally conscious and of higher quality will continue to grow in 2023.

In Recovo, we are trying to adapt quickly to the growing fashion trends, as we incorporate Next-Gen materials into our catalog and work towards a technology-powered model for big and small brands to source circular materials and meet their sustainability goals, as well as comply with regulations and protect the environment. Go circular and join our community by selling deadstock fabrics or using them in your next collection. In 2023, let’s work for a greener fashion industry!