Rebuilding the Apparel Industry
In our society, clothing serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, it communicates who we are and what we stand for. Yet, the convenience of clicking 'add to cart' masks a troubling reality beneath the fabric of our fashion choices. The apparel industry is now at a crossroads, it's time to confront the stark environmental and human costs embedded in our clothes.
Problem
Lack of Transparency
Many brands distance themselves from controlling their supply chains to avoid the possibility of unethical practices, inadvertently contributing to forced labor or environmental degradation. In fact, only 12% of brands disclose some raw material supplier information globally
Unethical Labor
The fast fashion industry employs approximately 75 million factory workers worldwide. Of those workers it is estimated that less than 2% of them make a living wage. Patagonia, a company known for doing good work, released in 2022 that only 34% of apparel-assembly factory workers were paid a living wage. Not to mention they can work up to 17 hours a day.
Overproduction
Anywhere from 80 to 150 billion garments are manufactured each year, with 10-40% left unsold, due to incorrect inventory casting and the low cost of buying in bulk. This means every year, a colossal 8 billion to 60 billion new garments are never purchased, ending up in a landfill somewhere around the world.
Overconsumption
According to the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, the average garment is worn seven to ten times before being discarded. With new trends on the rise, and the spread of social media, this is causing mass overproduction. This has led to Fast fashion companies creating 52 "micro-seasons", releasing thousands of new styles every day.
Solution
Producing on Demand
Businesses today grapple with managing a plethora of inventory, and any misstep in procurement can lead to overstocking and understocking. In fact, 78% of brands have goals to mitigate overproduction. Luckily, Know Your Clothing has a much-needed solution. As we broaden these apparel clusters, we will equip manufacturers with the means to replicate our success through a revolutionary model that maintains only white apparel in stock. Consider a company with 5 styles, 20 colors, and 6 sizes - a staggering 600 pieces of inventory to track. Our model reduces this down to a mere 30. By reserving color as the final choice, consumers can access a wider selection and brands are liberated from the guesswork of forecasting color trends.
Naturals Dyes and Apparel Circularity
The concept of transparency and accountability in the apparel supply chain are central to our vision. We believe that consumers have the right to know where their clothing comes from and how it is made. Know Your Clothing is working on the establishment of small, circular supply chains, that will empower individuals to make informed choices about their purchases, fostering a deeper connection between consumers and producers. We are not only ensuring that products are ethically sourced and sustainably made, but we are also building a sense of community and connection between those involved in the process. We want to empower individuals to understand the story behind their clothing, so that every piece they wear becomes a symbol of conscious consumerism and positive change in the fashion industry.
Supply Chain Transparency
Know Your Clothing invests in cutting-edge research and developmental efforts focused on natural dyes, fibers, and materials. We are actively exploring alternatives to synthetic fibers, such as hemp and wool, to address pervasive issues of microplastic pollution in the fashion industry. We are also doing research on Natural Dye Value Chains by identifying commonly wasted materials that can be used for dyeing, such as the black walnut. These products are 100% biodegradable, so at the end of life, they can be put back into the earth to grow into something new. By advocating for the development of sustainable alternatives, we aim to drive systemic change and promote a healthier planet for future generations.
Struggles for Farmers
In 2023, 75% of cotton was exported, traveling from country to country to become a finished product. This leaves farmers unaware of how their product is being manufactured. In addition to the lack of transparency, the price of fibers is decided by the market, giving the farmers little say in their earnings. In 2021, the average price of cotton was $0.914. Regardless of rising costs, in 2022, the average price of cotton was $0.733.
Local Farming and Manufacturing
Know Your Clothing has a goal to bring back domestic apparel manufacturing. In the 1960s, 95% of apparel sold in the US was made domestically. Supporting local farmers and manufacturers ensures that our communities are actively thriving. By sourcing fibers directly from the farmer, there is a negotiation to ensure they receive a premium payrate. In return, manufacturers get great quality, while doing it locally. We want see apparel manufacturers flourish in the United States, bringing job opportunities and banding together local communities. By working together, clusters like these can be created all around the world!
Environmental Harm
The textile business consumes 80% of produced synthetic dyes and generates about 70 billion tons of dye-containing wastewater annually. In 2021 alone, the industry released around 897 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents, about 1.8% of the world’s carbon emissions. Without significant interventions, these emissions could rise to nearly 1.3 billion metric tons by 2030.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic textiles are the biggest contributor to microplastics in the ocean, accounting for 35% of the total volume. Just 0.07% of overall synthetic fiber production is sustainable and an even smaller amount is used in apparel. About 60% of material in clothing is plastic. And if you’ve forgotten, the main ingredients of plastic are crude oil and natural gas.
Transportation
Over 97% of clothing sold in the United States is made overseas. An average t-shirt travels 20,000 to 40,000 miles to reach to the end consumer. Upwards of 90% of clothing is on a ship at some point during its manufacturing process.
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Know Your Clothing is a movement towards a more sustainable, equitable, and conscious future for the apparel industry. Together, we can redefine the way clothing is made, worn, and valued, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. Join us on this journey of transformation and discovery. Know your clothing, know your impact.