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Why Aren’t Fashion Brands Doing More for Sustainability?
This critical question resonated throughout the Future Fabrics Expo 2024 in London in June, where the fashion industry’s impact on water usage and pollution took center stage. Despite the alarming reality that 4 billion people face water insecurity and 2.2 billion still lack access to clean water, many brands continue to overlook the urgency of reducing their water footprint.
At this event, Ioana Dobrescu, Managing Director of Water Footprint Implementation (WFI), led a panel discussion titled “Our Water Footprint: Tracking, Quantifying, and Implementing Water-Saving Initiatives.” The session highlighted the critical need for fashion brands to take action on water use and pollution, areas often neglected in sustainability conversations.
The Urgency for Action
The discussions were fueled by a Planet Tracker report, revealing that 90% of fashion brands fail to disclose water-related risks. With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) being introduced in the EU this year, brands will face increasing pressure to report on their water consumption and environmental impacts.
A particularly heated discussion centered on the lack of action from big fashion brands, especially luxury labels, whose massive profit margins often exclude the cost of fair wages and sustainable practices. If even luxury brands fall short, what hope is there for fast fashion companies to make real changes!
Panelists, including Phil Mansour from MTIX Ltd and Graham Stewart from Fibre52, showcased technologies with immense potential to reduce water usage in fashion. Their contributions demonstrated that solutions exist—what’s missing is widespread commitment from the industry.
As Ioana pointed out during the session, “With so many innovations in fabrics and textile processing technologies, there is simply no excuse for business-as-usual in the textile and apparel industry.”
WFI’s Tools for Change
For companies ready to take responsibility for their water footprint, WFI offers practical solutions. Through the REWAFT project and in collaboration with the Water Footprint Network, WFI has developed a Water Footprint Calculator. This tool empowers businesses in the textile industry to measure, track, and reduce their water use and environmental impact.
The Path Forward
The Future Fabrics Expo made it clear: fashion brands have the tools and knowledge to make a difference, but time is running out. With water scarcity intensifying, the fashion industry can no longer afford to ignore its impact.
WFI remains committed to helping brands in the textile sector adopt water-saving practices, achieve CSRD compliance, and contribute to a water-secure future.