Fashion industry ‘needs radical overhaul’

A new report from Swiss watchdog Public Eye calls for a radical overhaul of the fashion system to create a just and sustainable industry within planetary boundaries. It highlights the industry’s significant environmental impact, including high greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and reliance on unsustainable agricultural practices.

It also addresses the social injustices prevalent in the fashion supply chain, such as poverty wages, unsafe working conditions, and discrimination against workers and proposes 'several key shifts' including targets to reduce virgin material use by 40% and significantly increase the use of recycled materials.

The organisation also says a labour and knowledge shift is necessary, emphasising the importance of ensuring decent working conditions, fair wages, and meaningful opportunities for worker participation in decision-making processes.