The eco-design approach in fashion

Eco-conception is defined by the European Commission (Directive 2019/125/EC) as the “integration of environmental characteristics into the design of the product with a view to improving the environmental performance of the product throughout its life cycle”

We can define the eco-desing concept as: Methodology for product design in which environmental impacts are considered at all stages of the product design and development process to achieve products that generate the least possible environmental impact throughout their life cycle.

The objective is, therefore, to reduce environmental burdens by increasing efficiency and including the product life cycle concept.

We can make a simple definition of the product life cycle as the consecutive and interrelated stages of a product system: from the acquisition of raw material or its generation from natural resources, its production, distribution, and use, until ceases to be used.

We are going to talk a little about Eco-design strategies from the point of view of 5 basic concepts:

• Design-Product conceptualization
• Production
• Distribution
• Use/consumption
• End of life (useful)

Source: https://www.domestika.org/en/blog/7060-what-is-eco-design-and-how-to-apply-it-to-your-products

Hélène Allouard (2022) proposes guidelines to the eco-conception approach applied to the fashion industry, starting with the concept: strategy/management, design/style. At this stage, you can wonder if your management and teams received training in eco-conception. Also, if a version of the eco-design approach is already present in the collection. Then, she proposes the following steps

1. Materials: specifications, origin/type, quality. Has a reference document has already been drawn up? Is the traceability of the raw material ensured? Is local fibre sourcing preferred? Are the selected materials subject to solidity criteria?
2. Weight/volume: product, sizing/production/sales forecast, logistics. Has the composition of the product been simplified? Have unsold management measures been taken? Are stocks and deliveries optimized?
3. Production: environmental management, process, localization, quality management, human rights/animal welfare. Are actions to reduce the environmental impact implemented on the production site? Are process innovations used (patronage, 3D prototyping, on-demand production, etc.)? Has a social audit of the production sites been carried out?
4. Distribution: shops, distances, means of transport, packaging. Is the transport distance to the shops reduced to a minimum? Are less CO2-emitting modes of transport used? Has the minimization of the impact of packaging been studied?
5. Use: adapted products, consumer messages, frequency, temperature, pollution. Are the textile products easy to maintain, durable? Are the maintenance instructions sufficiently educational and transparent? Is the release of microparticles limited?
6. Optimized life cycle: impact analysis, adaptability, sustainability, new services. Is the identification of environmental risks complete? Are the products adaptable to meet the needs of several seasons? Are they repairable?
7. End of life: circularity, sector. Were the textile products designed in a logic of circular economy? Are there outlets for recycling?

There are many solutions, she says, for a cleaner textile production (lifespan of the garment, reduction of chemical, local resources, etc.). Thus, after deciding the aesthetic, the choice of raw material is fundamental, and for this, company should carefully analyse the type of resources they use (conventional, organic, etc), the process implemented (traceability) and the social approach (working conditions).

We can suggest the following tips about eco-desing in the different areas of your fashion company:

Source: developed by MEUS