Can fast fashion really be sustainable? Zara says it can.
Zara’s parent company, Inditex, announced that all of its collections will soon be made from 100% sustainable fabrics.
Inditex said they’ll only use cotton, linen and polyester that is organic, sustainable or recycled by 2025. The use of these materials, along with viscose, make up 90% of the raw materials they purchase. Inditex said all of the viscose they use will be sustainable by 2023.
Zara has already eliminated single-use plastic shopping bags from all of its stores. By 2023, they plan to completely eliminate single-use plastics for customer sales.
“Sustainability is a never-ending task in which everyone here at Inditex is involved and in which we are successfully engaging all of our suppliers; we aspire to playing a transformational role in the industry,” said Inditex chairman and CEO Pablo Isla.
Sustainability is a trend Zara has been familiar with for some time. Previously, the brand launched a clothing recycling program to help address fashion’s waste problem. Customers can drop off used clothing, shoes and accessories at more than 1,300 stores in 24 markets worldwide.
“By 2020, 100% of our stores in the world will have an active garment collection scheme,” the Inditex website says.
And Zara isn’t the only brand making moves to become more sustainable.
Adidas made a pledge to eliminate virgin plastic and only use recycled plastic by 2024. They company has made strides by teaming up with Parley for the Oceans to raise awareness about ocean pollution. Together, they’re upcycling the plastic waste pulled from the ocean and making it into new apparel and footwear.
Patagonia and H&M are among other retailers that have been vocal about their green initiatives. There are even options for sustainable swimwear. Vitamin A developed EcoLux™—a premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon fibers.
Remember, when it comes to fashion, the best way to reduce waste is by rewearing the clothes you already have. But if you’re in the market for something new, you can head to a local thrift shop and buy something that’s new to you. Not only is vintage clothing trendy, it’s also eco-friendly!