6 Trends die duurzame mode in 2023 vorm zullen geven

We hebben zojuist het nieuwe jaar verwelkomd, en daarmee de hoop op vooruitgang op het gebied van duurzame mode. Dit jaar belooft nieuwe vooruitgang en innovaties in de sector, en hoewel we twaalf maanden moeten wachten om te zien wat het jaar werkelijk voor ons in petto heeft, kunnen we voorlopig alleen maar voorspellingen doen over wat we denken dat er zal gebeuren. Daarom hebben we een lijst samengesteld van de trends die volgens ons de toon zullen zetten voor 2023:

1. Meer regelgeving

Dit jaar zal naar verwachting worden gekenmerkt door meer regulering van "groenere" praktijken in de toeleveringsketen.

Vorig jaar lanceerde de Europese Commissie (EC) haar strategie voor circulair en duurzaam textiel, waarin zij aangaf dat zij dit jaar zou beginnen te werken aan de invoering van een digitaal paspoort voor alle fysieke goederen. Deze maatregel zou voor meer transparantie op de markten zorgen en leveranciers van fysieke goederen, en met name leveranciers van textielproducten, verplichten een soort elektronisch label (zoals een QR-code) op hun producten aan te brengen. De invoering van dit elektronische etiket zou kopers helpen over duidelijke, betrouwbare en gemakkelijk toegankelijke informatie te beschikken over de producten die zij consumeren, zoals bijzonderheden over de samenstelling en het fabricageproces, hoe zij moeten worden onderhouden en hoe zij het best kunnen worden gerecycleerd.

Bovendien zal de toegenomen regelgeving naar verwachting gericht zijn op de volgende kwesties:

• Vervuiling. Hoewel in 2022 de druk op regeringen om de door de mode-industrie veroorzaakte vervuiling te verminderen, werd uitgesteld, worden dit jaar strengere wettelijke limieten verwacht, evenals meer actie van regeringen om de opwarming van de aarde te beteugelen en de in de Overeenkomst van Parijs overeengekomen doelstellingen te halen.
• 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!