It ain't fashion, if it ain't sustainable

Brian London

Tariffs and Seconds / SMART View

24 April 2025

10 minutes

If unfair trade barriers persist, there's the risk of seeing mountains of usable clothing pile up in the US, while markets abroad fill the gap with cheap, low-quality fast fashion that often results in more waste, not less. Keeping the second-hand clothing trade flowing freely is in everyone’s best interest: economically, socially, and environmentally. This is a moment to build smarter, fairer, and more circular global systems, not to shut them down.

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.

By

Subir Ghosh

Interview

Most Popular

Event Preview / Intertex Portugal Interview

ITF Intertex Portugal expects the participation of over 250 top-tier exhibitors, alongside the anticipated presence of more than 5,000 professionals from over 20 countries.

Balancing Between Nearshoring and Regional Supply Chains with a Global Outlook

Subir Ghosh

3 May 2025

M&S Attack / The Ramifications Analysis

Modern retailers must accept that transformation isn't just customer-facing. It must go down to the root—network segmentation, zero-trust architecture, robust identity access management. Otherwise, all the retail innovation in the world is just expensive window dressing.

M&S Cyberattack Must Be Seen as Wake-Up Call for Somnolent Global Retailers

Special Correspondent

7 May 2025

Textile Recycling Expo

Latest Specials

Designer Talk / Nigerian Trends Report

These stunning runway moments at LagosFW24 redefined elegance with bold silhouettes, rich textures, and timeless sophistication.

How Lagos Fashion Blends Nigerian Tradition with Global Style Trends

Adwoa Owusuaa Bobie

29 May 2025

Toxic Fashion / Nonylphenol Usage Report

Indian textile products containing toxic chemicals may face barriers or trade limitations in the global market, hindering competitiveness of the Indian textile industry. By aligning with international efforts and adopting strict measures,

Toxic Chemicals in Indian Clothing Pose Health and Environmental Threats, Finds Study

Special Correspondent

27 May 2025

Young India Fashion Survey 2025