Tips for Producing a Sustainable Fashion Line
The fashion industry generates immeasurable benefits for the economy and
society at large. From job creation to economic productivity to
artistic empowerment, fashion has long been valued as a mainstay of any
society.
In this day and age, however, consumers and businesses alike are interested in the environmental impacts of clothing manufacturing, and for good reason. Fortunately, consumer demands and corporate conscience are driving more sustainable business operations, and it is now easier than ever to build more eco-friendly practices into your partnership with clothing manufacturers.
Manufacture Locally
Manufacturing your clothing line domestically is one of the best ways to ensure a more environmentally conscious process, since US clothing manufacturers are held to higher environmental standards than foreign operations.
Domestic manufacturers must adhere to rules and regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency that govern many aspects of manufacturing, including wastewater compliance, chemical disposal, air pollution, and others.
Incorporate Recycled Materials
In the age of “fast fashion,” where unwanted, lightly-used clothing gets discarded with ease, the fashion industry is looking for ways to reuse, repurpose, and recycle textile fibers and materials. Finding a way to incorporate recycled materials can dramatically reduce the need to extract and produce new raw materials. This can also reduce the chemicals and water used to create new fabrics, which can range from bleaches and solvents to dyes and acids.
Source Sustainable Products
If recycled materials aren’t possible, consider opting for alternative, eco-friendly options such as bamboo material, natural wool, and chemical-free dyes. For example, bamboo is sometimes used as an alternative to cotton since it requires minimal water to grow and can regrow after harvesting, reducing water use and deforestation. There are various ways to process bamboo into a raw material, so be aware of eco-friendly versus non-eco-friendly methods.
Natural Dyes
It may not work for every clothing manufacturing operation, but natural dyes have been around for centuries and are a viable, eco-friendly way to dye certain fabrics. Plus, natural dyes from fruits and vegetables will not require the same harsh solvents as traditional dyes, thereby reducing harmful wastewater and pollution.
Incorporating more sustainable processes into your clothing line may not always be easy, but studies have shown that consumers are increasingly demanding and will pay a premium for environmentally and socially conscious products. If it’s feasible, consider ways that these sustainable practices can help boost your fashion line, both in terms of operations and branding.
About Indie Source
Indie Source is a full-service apparel manufacturer and fashion consultancy for upcoming and established brands. Based in Los Angeles, Indie Source is changing the way apparel comes to market by offering in-house experts across the development, production, digital design, and consultation phases. They are among the top clothing manufacturers in the USA and can help bring your vision to life with professional support throughout design, manufacturing, and marketing.
Learn more about manufacturing opportunities at Indiesource.com
In this day and age, however, consumers and businesses alike are interested in the environmental impacts of clothing manufacturing, and for good reason. Fortunately, consumer demands and corporate conscience are driving more sustainable business operations, and it is now easier than ever to build more eco-friendly practices into your partnership with clothing manufacturers.
Manufacture Locally
Manufacturing your clothing line domestically is one of the best ways to ensure a more environmentally conscious process, since US clothing manufacturers are held to higher environmental standards than foreign operations.
Domestic manufacturers must adhere to rules and regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency that govern many aspects of manufacturing, including wastewater compliance, chemical disposal, air pollution, and others.
Incorporate Recycled Materials
In the age of “fast fashion,” where unwanted, lightly-used clothing gets discarded with ease, the fashion industry is looking for ways to reuse, repurpose, and recycle textile fibers and materials. Finding a way to incorporate recycled materials can dramatically reduce the need to extract and produce new raw materials. This can also reduce the chemicals and water used to create new fabrics, which can range from bleaches and solvents to dyes and acids.
Source Sustainable Products
If recycled materials aren’t possible, consider opting for alternative, eco-friendly options such as bamboo material, natural wool, and chemical-free dyes. For example, bamboo is sometimes used as an alternative to cotton since it requires minimal water to grow and can regrow after harvesting, reducing water use and deforestation. There are various ways to process bamboo into a raw material, so be aware of eco-friendly versus non-eco-friendly methods.
Natural Dyes
It may not work for every clothing manufacturing operation, but natural dyes have been around for centuries and are a viable, eco-friendly way to dye certain fabrics. Plus, natural dyes from fruits and vegetables will not require the same harsh solvents as traditional dyes, thereby reducing harmful wastewater and pollution.
Incorporating more sustainable processes into your clothing line may not always be easy, but studies have shown that consumers are increasingly demanding and will pay a premium for environmentally and socially conscious products. If it’s feasible, consider ways that these sustainable practices can help boost your fashion line, both in terms of operations and branding.
About Indie Source
Indie Source is a full-service apparel manufacturer and fashion consultancy for upcoming and established brands. Based in Los Angeles, Indie Source is changing the way apparel comes to market by offering in-house experts across the development, production, digital design, and consultation phases. They are among the top clothing manufacturers in the USA and can help bring your vision to life with professional support throughout design, manufacturing, and marketing.
Learn more about manufacturing opportunities at Indiesource.com
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