Sustainability in the fashion industry is becoming an increasingly important issue as the industry continues to grow and evolve. The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution and waste, with fast fashion and disposable clothing being major culprits. However, there are many initiatives being developed to address these issues and promote sustainability in the fashion industry.
These initiatives involve the use of materials, design, production and consumption of fashion products in an ethical and environmentally friendly way. This means considering the environmental, social and economic impacts of fashion products throughout their entire lifecycle, from raw material sourcing, through production, distribution, consumption and disposal. One of the most important steps in promoting sustainability in the fashion industry is the use of sustainable materials. By switching from traditional fabrics and materials to more eco-friendly options, such as organic cotton and bamboo, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, reduce water use and reduce the amount of pesticides and chemicals used during production. Sustainable materials can also be reused and recycled for other products, reducing the amount of waste created by the fashion industry.
Aligned to the aforementioned, the ReFashion project partnership has developed its training curricula, which aims to provide education and training on sustainable fashion practices to industry professionals. The curriculum has been validated to ensure that it meets the necessary standards and is effective in teaching sustainable fashion practices. In addition to the validation of the ReFashion training curricula, the development of educational material at an EQF 4 level (European Qualifications Framework) using interactive and innovative digital tools is also underway. This material is designed to be engaging and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals in the fashion industry.
To further promote sustainability in the fashion industry, the ReFashion e-learning platform is also being developed. This platform will allow professionals to access the educational material and complete the training program remotely, making it more convenient and accessible. Simultaneously, the ReFashion Job Profile, which is being developed to identify the skills and qualifications required for sustainable fashion jobs, is also being validated. This will help to ensure that professionals who have completed the ReFashion training curricula and have the required skills and qualifications are able to find sustainable fashion jobs.
Overall, sustainability in the fashion industry is a complex issue that will require the efforts of industry professionals, organizations, and consumers to address. However, with increasing awareness and commitment to sustainable practices, it is possible to create a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry for the future. Τhe ReFashion project, though, is an important step in promoting sustainability in the fashion industry by providing education and training to industry professionals applying at the same time to the circular economy model by reutilizing sustainable materials, as well as designing for repair, and recycling.
