Fast Fashion is a sector that presents significant challenges in terms of environmental impact and circular economy. Let’s explore what it entails and what its main characteristics are.
The Emergence of Fast Fashion
Fast Fashion is often discussed for its potential as a form of entrepreneurial investment. Conceptually, it is a distinct segment of fashion characterized by three main features: low garment quality, reduced selling prices, and the launch of multiple collections throughout the year. Therefore, it is a practice mainly based on quantity, as the profit per item is minimal. It may seem like a step towards the future considering that the world population has increased by about 20% in the last 20 years. Today, there is a greater demand for clothing compared to the past, and not everyone can afford the prices of the most important fashion brands. Unfortunately, this business concept has significant repercussions in terms of sustainability and the circular economy. Notably, an association, the Green Consumption Pledge, has been established, with major global brands joining forces to minimize their environmental impact. The clothing sector imposes significant challenges such as the Carbon Footprint issue and the production of waste destined for landfills and disposal, with related costs for the community.
The Concept of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion refers to a production and distribution model based on rapid and economical production of trendy clothing. Fast fashion companies produce fashion collections closely following the latest trends, continuously pushing new products onto the market at an accelerated pace. This model allows companies to respond quickly to consumer demands and keep the product offering fresh and appealing. From an economic perspective, fast fashion has had a significant impact on the textile industry and the globalization of the economy. It has made fashion more accessible to a wider audience by lowering prices and democratizing the sector. However, it has also led to increased market volatility and fierce competition among companies. Fast fashion companies are constantly seeking new ways to differentiate themselves and attract consumers, often at the expense of quality and sustainability.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
Despite the economic benefits, fast fashion has raised concerns about its social and environmental impact. Working conditions in textile factories are often precarious, with low wages and long working hours. Moreover, the fast fashion’s fast consumption model has contributed to an increase in textile waste and environmental destruction. The fashion sector has become one of the world’s leading pollutants, with clothing production significantly contributing to the global environmental crisis.
The Fast Fashion System
The fast fashion system has revolutionized the entire value chain of the fashion industry. Fast fashion companies rely on a combination of large-scale production, international outsourcing, and efficient distribution to keep costs low and maximize profits. This approach has led to constant pressure on suppliers to reduce costs and speed up production times, often at the expense of working conditions and business ethics.
The Environmental and Cost Differences of Natural and Synthetic Fibres
The environmental impact and circular economy repercussions of the fast fashion sector may, at first glance, be influenced by the type of materials used to make garments. In particular, the question arises: are there differences between natural and synthetic fibres? In reality, both are detrimental to the environment. Articles made from natural fibres are produced with raw materials such as cotton, which require enormous resource wastage for production. Cotton fields require high water usage and account for 16% of all pesticides used in agriculture. For synthetic fibres, a distinction must be made between semi-synthetic and completely synthetic fibres. The former are natural materials treated with chemical processes that involve the use of high-impact substances such as sulfuric acid. The issue is not so much related to the chemical transformation that occurs during processing but to the deforestation process it requires. Synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are derived from petroleum, necessitating crude oil extraction processes. There is also the issue of water consumption due to the need for thorough washing. In short, the clothing sector requires significant wastage of environmental and economic resources.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the challenges, the fast fashion sector also offers opportunities for innovation and positive change. Many companies are adopting more sustainable and transparent policies, seeking to reduce environmental impact and improve working conditions along the supply chain. At the same time, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of ethical and sustainable fashion, pushing companies to respond with more responsible products and practices.
The fast fashion system has had a profound impact on the fashion industry and the global economy as a whole. It has changed the way we produce, consume, and think about fashion, bringing with it a series of economic, social, and environmental implications. While fast fashion continues to thrive, it is essential to address the challenges it presents and work towards a more sustainable and ethical future for the fashion industry and the world as a whole.
Ig – @fairness_mag
