Top Story

Trade Barriers on Second-Hand Clothing Disrupt a Globally Significant Reverse Supply Chain

The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association works towards strengthening economic opportunities by promoting the interdependence of the for-profit textile recycling industry segments and provides a common forum for networking, education and advocacy. SMART President Brian London dwells at length on the second-hand clothing waste and global trade.

Latest: Updates
Other Top Stories
 
CIRCULARITY / RECYCLING / SECONDS / WASTE

Enabling Systemic Circularity and a Collective Push for Industry-Wide Change

The path to circularity in fashion is not paved with singular solutions or isolated innovations. It is shaped by the willingness of stakeholders to come together, question assumptions, and collaborate in new ways. The ESCF project has shown that manufacturers, when given space and voice, are not just implementers—they are co-creators of the future. 

 
FLASHPOINT: CLIMATE
Wool Usage / NZ Push

Wool, long regarded as a symbol of New Zealand’s pastoral heritage and a sustainable alternative in an increasingly eco-conscious world, is set to take centre stage again, as it gets knitted into a government directive mandating the use of Kiwi-grown and manufactured wool carpets in public sector buildings.

Climate Action / Benchmark Report

The Fashion Planet Benchmark Report reveals an alarming gap between industry action and environmental reality, with major brands scoring just 30% in the planet pillar of Good On You’s brand ratings. These charts highlight critical shortfalls in emissions tracking, supply chain transparency, and circular design—and clearly show where brands can demonstrate leadership.

 
 
FOCUS: COTTON

Organic Cotton Farming Consistently Has Lower Environmental Footprint Across Categories, Finds OCA Study

The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) has published the findings of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study highlighting the environmental benefits of organic cotton farming in India, offering detailed, locally relevant data demonstrating organic cotton’s reduced environmental impact compared to conventional farming.

 
 
SPOTLIGHT EDITIONS: SELECT 4
 

"Quote Unquote"

Wendy Wen
Wendy Wen
Managing Director
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
Brands often lead in fabric selection, driven by their design vision and innovation goals. They decide on materials that align with their brand identity, target market, and seasonal trends, with many increasingly prioritising sustainability. However, as with sustainability, fabric selections are widely influenced by consumers’ evolving preferences and expectations. That is where retailers come in, providing key feedback on which fabrics perform well in various markets and affecting future offerings.

"Quote Unquote"

Luis Zugno
Luis Zugno
Executive Secretary
International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies
In recent years, very few tanneries and chemical suppliers have closed (we had some consolidations however). Through the decades, I have observed that quality leather manufacturers with innovative products very seldom close down. Today, we still have investments in tannery remodelling and new tanneries are being built. Italy is the greatest example of investment in creative leather manufacturing with the proper machinery, chemicals, quality, art, and craft.
 
 
FOCUS: LEATHER

Pasture Leather: A Journey from Field to Fork to Fashion

Working at the intersections of farming, leather and fashion, Alice Robinson and Sara Grady founded British Pasture Leather (BPL) to reshape entrenched perceptions of leather and forge the disconnection of this natural material from its source: farms, land and animals. The co-founder duo share how they embarked on their remarkable journey from field to fork and fashion.