The fashion industry is fast-paced, and while it shines brightly and sparkles in the foreground, problems are growing in the background. In addition to exploitative working conditions, one of the long-term issues is ongoing overproduction. Collections change monthly, if not weekly. This is accompanied by shortened production cycles and huge quantities of unsold garments. Fast fashion generates millions in sales, but the price is paid by the environment, resources and, last but not least, society.
The problem of overproduction in the fashion industry
It is not uncommon for fashion companies to produce significantly more than they can realistically sell. The reasons for this lie in the goal of maximum availability and responding quickly to trends. When converted to a single item of clothing, mass production is cheap, so companies often prefer to have full warehouses rather than miss out on sales opportunities. The fact that storage and resale or destruction also incur costs is often not taken into account – nor is the massive environmental pollution that goes with it.
A large part of this overproduction consists of short-lived, trendy clothing in the wake of fast fashion. Because what is ‘in’ today is often already outdated tomorrow. This means that sometimes unworn clothing ends up straight back in the bin. This form of waste in the fashion industry stands in stark contrast to the responsible use of resources.
The road to landfill sites and beyond: from must-have to textile waste
This results in millions of tonnes of textile waste every year – most of which is textiles that have never been worn and come from fast manufacturing processes. What happens to these textiles? They often end up in landfills, are incinerated or exported. As a result, their entire ‘life cycle’ is accompanied by greenhouse gas emissions, which add up to enormous quantities. The associated environmental impact affects water, soil and air.
Many of the materials are also not recyclable. Recycling is not possible with every blended fabric or after certain chemical treatments. As a result, the fashion industry has become a cycle of producing, consuming and discarding clothing, some of which has never been worn. From an ecological and ethical point of view, this is unacceptable.
Sustainable alternative: a change in thinking is needed
Many small steps taken by each individual help to reduce the burden on our planet. Even your own wardrobe has an impact on the bigger picture. By choosing brands that focus on fair working conditions, sustainable manufacturing methods, timeless designs and high quality, you can help break the negative cycle of mass production. Responsible brands do not rely on fast production cycles, but limit their production. In some cases, clothing is even only produced on demand. This may lead to slightly longer waiting times, but you can rest assured that you are helping to combat overproduction.
If only limited quantities are manufactured, or even produced on demand, this reduces overproduction. This minimises the number of unsold items and reduces textile waste. This in turn leads to a lower environmental impact and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. What's more, it encourages a renewed appreciation for clothing. A secret recipe for enjoying jumpers, trousers and other items for a long time is to choose timeless classics.
Added value through knowledge and transparency
Only those who are aware of the problem can respond appropriately. Many people are unaware of what can be behind a cheap T-shirt. In some countries, the destruction of new goods is still common practice and there is often a lack of binding regulations to prevent overproduction. Fashion companies should therefore be transparent so that consumers have the opportunity to make informed decisions. Ideally, for sustainable brands.
Change your perspective in style with Faedah Collection
Whether you've been interested in sustainable fashion for a long time or are just discovering it for yourself, at Faedah Collection you'll find a wonderful selection of clothing and accessories from brands with a sense of responsibility. Sustainability is not a trend, but a necessity, especially in view of the climate situation. Less is often more, and our trusted brands are at your disposal for new clothing or oga accessoiriesWe offer a range that combines style, quality and responsibility.
Back to the title: the transformation of slow-moving items into an environmental problem is not a law of nature, but the result of established business models. By questioning overproduction and promoting circular concepts, we can bring about lasting change in the fashion industry.