According to the 2019 update of the Pulse of Fashion Industry Report sustainability progress in the fashion industry has, worryingly, slowed by a third.  

The Pulse Score, which measures the fashion industry's environmental and social performance using the SAC Higg Index Brand and Retail module for its source data, is now 42 compared with 38 in 2018 and 32 in 2017.

There is some good news, however. The report shows that most of the growth has come from the small and medium sized  fashion companies sector. Not only that, it demonstrates that there is still plenty of opportunity for improvement.

This article takes a closer look at some of the recommendations from the report, and highlights the information and tools available on CO that can help you respond to them.

1. Increase your traceability

RECOMMENDATION: Increase supply chain traceability by tracing tier one and two manufacturers.

HOW: The CO 3D Business Suite has a great deal of information on traceability and transparency. In addition, our downloadable toolkit is an easy way to help you trace your manufacturers.

2. Tackle climate change

RECOMMENDATION: Combat climate change by implementing measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

HOW: The fashion industry has a huge environmental impact, but fashion businesses can also inspire climate action - understand more in this dedicated article. We also have this piece which demonstrates practical steps for brands who want to tackle climate change.

3. Become more efficient

RECOMMENDATION: Improve efficient use of water, energy and chemicals by implementing efficiency programmes in processing stages.

HOW: Learn more about how to become more efficient in your business’s use of Water, Energy and Chemicals in these specific articles which include practical actions you can take to implement improvement. We also have this feature by Vogue Australia’s Clare Press on why water is fashion’s next big topic.

4. Use sustainable fabrics

RECOMMENDATION: Establish a sustainable material mix by reducing the negative effects of existing fibres and developing new innovative, more responsible fibres

HOW: This is a huge and nuanced subject, which is why we have our CO Fibres and Fabrics hub packed with information on fashion’s most used textiles and their impact, as well as intelligence on the new and innovative fibres and suppliers of more sustainable fabrics that the report suggests we should be embracing.

We also have a guide to choosing the most eco-friendly fabrics for your garments that walks you through how best to use the different data sources for understanding environmental impact, and where to source them.

In terms of implementing it, the CO 3D Business Suite has practical tools to help you establish Objectives and Targets, including examples of how other fashion businesses have done it successfully.  

5. Adopt a living wage

RECOMMENDATION: Promote better wage systems by collaborating with industry stakeholders to explore opportunities to develop and implement better wage systems

HOW: Living wages aren’t a straightforward subject since it is advised that they are best negotiated between workers and employees, but it’s important to do as much as you can from where you are. Our living wages feature is a curation of tools and guides that will help.