Good for us, good for you, good for posterity
Did you know that 5.8 million tons of garments are disposed of or incinerated throughout Europe every year? Even in the German textile industry there are a lot of renowned trusts which dispose of unworn garments and exchange them for new collections. In order to set a statement in this growing industry we have decided to produce high quality and modern customised and ready-made garments by hand. Nevertheless we feel obliged to educate you about the textile industry and its working methods.
There are hard facts which underpin the textile industry and which are unknown in our society to a large extent. Nevertheless we would not like to withhold anything from you and to reveal some details of a lot of successful trusts:
- Most fashion chains do not pay textile workers a wage that would secure their livelihood and make the workers work in inhumane conditions. Occupational safety is lacking, especially when bleaching and dyeing the garments.
- The textile industry is the third largest manufacturing industry after the automotive and technology industry and contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping taken together.
- 3 out of 5 fast fashion articles will end up in a landfill.
- Detergents, solvents and dyes which are applied in production are responsible for 1/5 of industrial water pollution.
- Fashion accounts for 20 to 35 % of the micro plastic flows in the oceans.
And if you think that this is already the whole story, you are unfortunately mistaken. There are many more frightening facts that we could list here. Anyhow we do not want to frighten you completely.
However, keep distance from dark and bleached textiles as well as from huge designs and worn-out looks. They specifically contain a lot of harmful substances and can cause skin irritations. You should rather look out for eco-certifications such as GOTS, IVN and Fairtrade on your next shopping tour. These certificates usually indicate fair cultivation and trade and guarantee social and ecological standards. The IVN Best seal even guarantees minimum wages and core working standards as well as 100 % ecological natural fibres.
After all, it is you making the decision how long your garments will remain in circulation. If you avoid cheap suppliers and pay attention to the mentioned seals when buying then you have already contributed a great deal. Furthermore, you can even take second hand garments and have small traces of wear and tear modified in a tailor’s workshop. As soon as you no longer need a garment, do not throw it away, but try to give it to organisations or sell it. We will appreciate your contribution to sustainability!
Source: Fashion Checker, House of Common Environmental Audit Committee, The State of Fashion, McKinsey, Clean Clothes Campaign (2018/2020).