Recently, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan hosted a round table discussion to explore the Fashion Biome with guests from various tiers of the supply chain. Central to the conversation was the urgent need for the adoption of sustainable technologies within the Fashion industry. Through a deep dive into environmental best practices, legislation impacts, supply chain transformation, and the promise of collaboration, the group outlined the future path fashion must tread. This important conversation is summarized here, and the article also contains a video link to the full round table discussion.
(Images courtesy of Texintel)
“This roundtable paints a clearer picture of the road the fashion industry must embark on. The collective emphasis on fruitful collaboration, legislative enforcement of sustainable practices, complete transparency, nurturing an educated ecosystem, and shifting focus toward a circular economy model, charts out the roadmap to sustainability in fashion.” —Debbie McKeegan, CEO Texintel
Texintel recently hosted a roundtable conversation to explore the Fashion Biome, with guests from various tiers of the supply chain sharing their collective insights which served to illuminate and signpost the future of fashion manufacturing.
Joining the conversation were Kerry Bannigan (Pvblic Foundation, Un Fashion & Lifestyle Network, Fashion Impact Fund), Matt Neville from Recover, Ross Newens of Print Logistic, and Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel as host and moderator.
Central to the conversation was the urgent need for the adoption of sustainable technologies within the fashion industry. Through a deep dive into environmental best practices, legislation impacts, supply chain transformation, and the promise of collaboration, the group outlined the future path fashion must tread.
Kerry Bannigan emphasized the pivotal role of sustainable practices not merely as a trend, but as an essential paradigm shift necessary for the industry’s longevity and ethical alignment. She highlighted how the fashion sector, historically marred by issues related to excessive waste and carbon emissions, must now pivot towards adopting innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. “Sustainability is no longer optional. It’s an urgent imperative,” Bannigan asserted, underscoring the importance of integrating circular economy principles to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency.
Furthermore, Bannigan called attention to the critical need for forging stronger collaborations among various stakeholders, including policymakers, manufacturers, and eco-conscious brands. Such alliances are crucial for driving systemic changes and ensuring adherence to stringent environmental regulations. She advocated for a holistic approach that encompasses not only the reduction of negative impacts but also the proactive creation of positive environmental and social outcomes.
“The future of fashion manufacturing depends on our collective commitment to setting and achieving higher sustainability standards,” Kerry concluded, reflecting a forward-thinking vision for the industry’s evolution.
Matthew Neville, of Recover Fibre, highlighted the indispensable role of transparency and traceability in sustainable fashion and stressed the significance of legislation such as digital product passports in prompting change and fostering sustainable practices. Neville elaborated on his vision, suggesting that digital product passports could revolutionize the way brands and consumers interact with products. By embedding detailed information about a product’s lifecycle, composition, and environmental impact, these passports could empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and hold brands accountable. He also emphasized the necessity for brands to embrace open data initiatives, which would allow for more robust tracking of materials and manufacturing processes across the entire supply chain. Neville argued that such measures are not merely supportive but essential to driving the industry towards a more transparent and sustainable future.
“Digital product passports will not only increase transparency but also foster greater accountability among brands. By providing detailed insights into a product’s lifecycle and environmental footprint, we can empower consumers to make informed choices and push the industry towards more sustainable practices,” Neville stated.
Ross Newens, co-founder of Print Logistic, highlighted the impact of digital printing technologies in minimizing waste and enhancing customization, thereby aligning production with real-time consumer demand. He emphasized how “digital innovations could rewire the supply chain, making it more adaptive and responsive to market fluctuations. By leveraging data and automation, the industry can not only reduce overproduction but also have the agility to pivot quickly in response to trends.” Newens further explained that “digital printing allows for precision in inventory management, enabling manufacturers to produce according to actual demand rather than speculative forecasting. This shift not only reduces storage costs and excess inventory but also significantly cuts down on the environmental footprint associated with unsold goods.”
Debbie McKeegan brought the conversation full circle by focusing on the broader implications of integrating sustainable technologies. She argued that the future of fashion manufacturing lies in a holistic approach that combines ethical labor practices, environmentally friendly materials, and cutting-edge technological solutions. McKeegan underscored the need for industry-wide collaboration, where stakeholders at every level—from designers to suppliers—work in unison to create a more sustainable and responsible fashion ecosystem.
“Sustainable fashion is not a solitary effort; it requires a unified approach that blends innovative technology, ethical practices, and collective responsibility. Only through dedicated collaboration can we achieve a transformative impact on the industry,” McKeegan emphasized.
As the discussion concluded, it was evident that the convergence of sustainability and technology is not merely a trend but a requisite evolution for the future of fashion. The insights provided by Kerry Bannigan, Matt Neville, Ross Newens, and Debbie McKeegan serve as a blueprint for the industry, highlighting the critical importance of innovation, transparency, and collaborative action.
“Their conversation offers intriguing perspectives on the issues and prospects currently challenging the fashion industry in 2024, ranging from sustainability to technological innovation and the inevitable need for increased collaboration to truly instigate positive transformations.”
