FSC to Reverse Fashion’s Hidden Costs
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to significant biodiversity loss and climate change. With all-year-round demand for new product lines, the production of textiles is in constant motion. The future of the industry remains a threat to nature without proper actionable steps to lead the way to fashion circularity. However, true fashion circularity does not only begin post-production but well before it too.
Recent efforts to introduce more sustainable textiles have only contradicted their purpose in sustainability. This is where the forest and textile industries have a lot in common and FSC plays a big part in harmonising their collaboration. As one of the fastest-growing fibres, man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF) are becoming increasingly used internationally as a more environmentally friendly alternative, primarily sourced from wood. While the exponential spike in MMCF production is a step in the right direction, it also poses the question: Where is it all being sourced?
The uncertainty of fibre production widens the potential of forest vulnerability, contributing to a number of grave circumstances: deforestation, unsafe work environments, and the violation of indigenous peoples’ rights. If current production practices aren’t optimised appropriately, there is no guarantee that any changes are being made at all to protect these ecosystems from such damage. Without management systems in place enacting as protection, environmental and social threats will continue to rule over any efforts towards sustainability.
Although seemingly simple, the protective management and certification of forests have an enormous impact on the availability and accessibility of sustainable textiles such as MMCFs. When brands and manufacturers pledge to responsible procurement policies and honor FSC labeling, supply chain integrity is maintained from forest to product. This ensures that each phase of the supply chain is optimised and committed to the standards set by FSC.
As consumers become more aware of their place in the supply chain, many seek out products making a conscious contribution to bettering ecosystems such as the forests FSC aims to protect. The marketing of such commitment enables a new foundation for consumers to purchase garments responsibly. FSC’s Check-Tree labeling and promotional licenses give brands the opportunity to promote their commitment. Without this tangible identification, there’s no medium for awareness.
FSC’s commitment to responsible forestry provides certainty that each certification and label implies a commitment to protection against fashion’s hidden costs. And while the industry continues to make significant changes, the capacity to dig deeper remains, promising the forest hope for generations to come.
Learn more about becoming a signatory of the Fashion Forever Green Pact and how you too can become a change maker