Consumers are looking for antimicrobial properties. They are also looking for odour control which is a direct result of adding antimicrobial properties to a garment. But, while consumers want anti-odour as a textile feature, consumers also make it very clear that they want a product that is environmentally friendly.

We are calling for financiers to take initiative and inform themselves of real-life cases of successful ROIs, adapt their perceptions and application/screening processes, and invest in these areas with reasonable terms for borrowers. To support this shift, we’re planning to develop a sustainable financing training and capacity-building programme, set to roll out in 2025, which will target suppliers in the greatest need of financing, using our playbook as a guide.

The denim supply chain indeed begins with cotton, a natural and versatile fibre essential to denim products. While cotton's water usage has raised concerns, it's important to distinguish between conventional practices and newer, more sustainable methods. Misconceptions often arise from outdated views, overlooking significant improvements in water efficiency and regenerative agriculture.

The fact that we are providing a lot of default data options to maintain user-friendliness is also the main reason we clearly state that the tool can only be used for decision support purposes and not for external communication or use by end-consumers.

There is growing awareness around environmental compliance, particularly among AFMEC-affiliated exporters, who often have waste management systems in place to meet client requirements. AFMEC conducts various tests on footwear to assess wear and tear, toxicity, breathability etc. However, in terms of sustainability, the industry lags behind global standards and has much to learn. Some units are engaged in recycling and reusing techniques to manage waste sustainably, but this is not yet widespread.

At Kingpins, brands, designers, and manufacturers collaborate to drive meaningful change. It’s more than an industry showcase; it’s where sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship meet, enabling direct exchanges that inspire more responsible production models. For Jeanologia, Kingpins Amsterdam is an opportunity to celebrate our journey alongside the broader “denim tribe,” paying homage to the global community that has embraced laser technology in creating a greener future.

The right events provide an opportunity to engage directly with the denim community, share our latest advancements, and foster partnerships. Kingpins Amsterdam stands out with its community as well as strong focus on sustainability, and innovation which align with Soorty’s brand values. Attending allows us to connect with our global clients and industry leaders, explore trends, and exchange ideas that will shape the future of denim.

A circular fashion value chain may mean decreasing volumes of virgin cotton, and poses questions of ensuring a just transition for farmers away from cotton production. In doing so we absolutely have to focus on ensuring that all virgin cotton production is regenerative and economically sustainable for farmers.

We have seen brands communicate and want to move to recycled down as they think it is “more sustainable” simply because it is “recycled,” but that is not actually the case as the research we have done indicates. Down is a by-product of the food industry and already circular in nature. And down has a tremendously low carbon footprint already.

The way I see it, the responsibility lies within all players across the lifecycle of a garment—from manufacturing, shipping, distribution, retailers, and consumers. Looking at the industry as a whole, however, single-use plastic packaging is a common thread woven throughout. Reducing the wasteful reliance on traditional plastic packaging would affect the entire fashion industry.

A green or natural burial is a way of caring for the body prior to and during burial that is non-invasive and eco-friendly. There is minimal environmental impact which aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emission, protection of worker health, and the restoration or preservation of habitat. A natural earth burial allows the body and biodegradable coverings to become soil nutrients.

While it’s true that fast fashion will be entering the second-hand market, it is important to recognise that the second-hand clothing sector plays a crucial role in extending the life of reusable garments. Even if some second-hand clothes will be reusable fast fashion items, their reuse nonetheless reduces the need for new production, mitigates waste, and slows the cycle of disposable fashion.

Over the past 10 years, we have seen a rise of companies creating innovative products in packaging, paper, dyes, foams, and for us, textiles. This comes off the back of businesses realising there is a dramatic need for more holistically sustainable solutions, and development and adoption cycles take time. It is less about being held back and more about combining resources to enable faster adoption.

But the responsibility our industry bears towards the well-being of the many workers also means that in situations like this the system keeps a cool head and offers the necessary support. Currently, this means that brands and retailers that source from Bangladesh--and that have witnessed the industry’s sizeable safety and environmental investments-- remain patient and committed.

Our garment industry, a pillar of Bangladesh's economy, is facing challenges that require us to come together and act responsibly... Now more than ever, we need to show solidarity and resolve any disputes internally. Our actions have implications far beyond our borders, affecting our relationships with international buyers and stakeholders who have stood by us.

As supporters and enablers of craft, CDS Art Foundation directors, Viloo Mirza, Asif Shaikh and I are delighted to see the support and impetus Mrs Nita Ambani is giving Indian traditional crafts through her initiative Swadeshi. However artisans and the craft industry will benefit far greater if accurate credit is given for design and skill as well.

Countries such as France and the European Union have also done a lot of work to reduce textile waste and improve textile circularity, which gives us an opportunity to learn from their efforts and develop best practices. US-based brands will likely need to adapt to these regulations, so it makes sense for us to start considering policy and incentives as well.

We needed to be ready to over-deliver—that means having a team ready for the challenge with complementing expertise, and having the operation oiled and worked enough to produce continuously at scale with consistent quality. We needed to have a material with the right performance and the right level of quality on the right volume.

Still, there is a lot to improve in order to compete in performance with collagen-based animal leather, and with enough hope, one day surpass animal skins in performance. We do standard performance tests in our quality lab that are compliant with international norms, such as abrasion durability, tear strength, tensile strength, flexing durability and most important field wear tests. We do these validations with every produced batch.

Like everything in life, things need to find their right place and time, and we have to learn about our customers as well. We have received a lot of positive reactions from multiple brands and have a strong group of early adopters who are eagerly waiting to buy our product.