Fashion plays a huge role when it comes to tackling the climate crisis, especially considering the industry alone is responsible for over 10% of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

However, despite the numerous conversations being held for fashion to be more sustainable, there's still a lot of work to be done.

“This is a critical year for the fashion industry and for humanity to make meaningful changes in their environmental and social impacts,” says Céline Semaan, CEO and co-founder of fashion non-profit Slow Factory.

Below are 3 key sustainability trends to pay attention to this year.

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Resale and rental is continuously growing. 

In 2021 we saw several popular brands like Gucci and Valentino take ownership of resale, while Jean Paul Gaultier and Burberry entered the rental market for the first time. This trend will continue in 2022, with repair being another major focus. By extending the lifetime of existing clothing, the sustainable fashion industry will move forward.

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Regenerative fashion

Regenerative fashion focuses on restoring and renewing the natural ecosystem and it will continue to take hold in 2022 as more clothing brands are trying to identify ways to have a positive effect on our planet. One way to do this is by addressing how materials are being sourced, and whether regenerative techniques are being used to produce fibres such as cotton and wool.

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Eco-friendly dyes

The dyeing process is incredibly water intensive and it involves harsh chemicals that pollute local waterways. This is why brands are starting to look for more eco-friendly alternatives.