How To Make Your Clothing Brand More Sustainable

Julie Starr • February 22, 2023



It may surprise you to know that the fashion industry alone contributes 10% of annual global carbon emissions, according to experts. And this has a significant toll on the environment. 

Making your clothing brand more sustainable can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to preserving the planet’s natural resources. And as sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, making this shift in your apparel manufacturing business can immensely benefit your business’s bottom line. Here are five tips to make your clothing brand more sustainable .

Use eco-friendly materials 

Using eco-friendly materials is essential to making your apparel brand more sustainable. Start sourcing eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled polyester. By choosing these materials, you can reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Consider implementing a closed-loop supply chain that promotes the recycling and upcycling of materials. This approach helps reduce your brand’s waste while contributing to a more circular economy. 

You can also consider partnering with companies experienced in recycling or upcycling fabrics and materials. For example, while entrepreneurs in the apparel manufacturing business like ThirdLove’s David Spector focus on perfect fit and comfort, they also recognize the importance of keeping their businesses sustainable. Therefore, they work with an upcycling partner to help make the company’s textile solutions more sustainable. 

Embrace circular fashion

The traditional linear model of fashion production, where clothing is created, worn, and discarded, is unsustainable. To create a more sustainable model, you can embrace circular fashion , where products are designed to be reused, recycled, or repurposed. That may include using recycled materials, creating rental or resale programs, and encouraging consumers to recycle or upcycle their clothing.

Reduce waste

Reducing waste is another crucial aspect of sustainability. You can do this by minimizing the waste generated during production and creating designs that use fewer materials. You can also create durable products so they last longer, reducing the need for consumers to replace them frequently. Doing this can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your products.

Optimize transportation

By reducing transportation-related emissions, you can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your apparel brand and contribute to a more sustainable future. Start by sourcing materials from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions. If you need to import materials, consider using low-carbon transportation options like sea or rail. Use data analytics and logistics optimization software to optimize transportation routes and reduce the carbon footprint of your supply chain. Finally, choose sustainable packaging materials and use efficient packaging designs to reduce the weight and volume of your shipments.

Communicate your sustainability efforts

Finally, communicate your sustainability efforts to your customers. Consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability, and by sharing your efforts, you can create brand loyalty and differentiate your products from competitors. You can also provide information about how your products were made and how they can be cared for sustainably. And with the increase in demand for sustainable products, you can attract more customers when prospects know about your sustainability investment. 

 

Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Sure, at this most most industries, yes, even the most unsustainable industries have this general idea, right? Well, you’re always going to find some businesses in some niches (and yes, industries too) who think that it doesn’t apply to them. But no, it applies to all niches and all industries, and yes, it’s a business requirement. Now, across every industry, the companies that are embracing green practices are the ones that are thriving. Why? Well, because customers, investors, and employees are all paying attention. If a business isn’t making an effort to be sustainable, it’s not just falling behind, it’s losing out. Overall, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving your business. Yes, this needs to be hammered in, so industry leaders, here’s why you’re just not excused. Green Practices Mean Growth Yep, it’s that plain and simple, So, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Businesses that prioritize green practices are cutting costs, staying competitive, and building trust with their audiences. So, reducing waste, switching to renewable energy, and sourcing materials ethically aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for the bottom line. Simple enough, right? Well, take packaging, for example. Cutting down on unnecessary plastics doesn’t just make customers happy; it slashes production and disposal costs. So, switching to energy-efficient operations isn’t just environmentally friendly, rather, it saves a fortune on utilities. There don’t need to be roadblocks seen, rather they should be opportunities! There’s Plenty to Gain Okay, so sustainability isn’t just for industries with obvious environmental impact, it’s critical in healthcare too. Again, no excuses here. Hospitals and clinics use massive amounts of energy, and the waste from single-use supplies piles up fast. The same can be said for labs, and pharmacies too. Actually, go ahead and take specialty drugs as an example. Now, most people know that these life-changing treatments are for serious conditions, but they often come with sky-high costs. But why? Well, the production and distribution processes can be incredibly resource-heavy. But even sustainable practices can help lower prices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing or even cutting down on excess packaging. It might be hard to see, but little changes can make massive impacts on costs (and what’s being spent on both ends). Tech Easily Shows How Sustainability Drives Innovation The tech industry has been leading the charge when it comes to sustainability, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, companies like Google and Apple are proving that being green isn’t just possible, but this can actually be pretty profitable! If tech companies can do this, then yeah, all industries are capable. So above, medicine was mentioned, but data centers are also a great example ( since they use a lot of energy). Well, nowadays, most companies are now powering these centers with renewable energy, cutting costs and emissions at the same time. No Industry Gets a Free Pass It doesn’t matter if it’s healthcare, tech, retail, or manufacturing, basically, every industry has something to gain by going green. There are small examples like retailers ditching plastic bags for reusable ones. Then there are bigger examples like factories rethinking supply chains to cut emissions and save costs. But the reality is that businesses sticking to wasteful, outdated practices are falling behind. Besides, governments are rolling out stricter regulations.
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