4 days ago
Meeting the Demand for Sustainable & Ethical Fashion
Sustainability is no longer a niche concept; it has become a core priority for the fashion industry. From luxury houses to fast-fashion chains, brands are seeking materials and processes that reduce environmental impact, minimise carbon emissions, and uphold fair labour standards. While many labels now claim to be 'green', the reality is that authenticity and accountability matter more than ever.
One of the most concrete steps towards ethical fashion is choosing responsible raw materials. Not all fibres labelled 'sustainable' live up to their name if the overall sourcing and production processes are hidden from view.
Viscose and lyocell are two cellulose-based materials that have risen in popularity thanks to their balance of performance, renewable sourcing, and lower impact on the planet. They also offer traceability that can help brands strengthen their ethical credentials.
When responsibly sourced and produced, both fibres can form part of an ethical, low-impact supply chain. They also offer versatility across various garment categories, from casualwear to luxury, making them particularly appealing to brands seeking ethical solutions without compromising on quality or performance.
At Sappi Verve, we supply dissolving wood pulp for viscose and lyocell sourced from forests with recognised certifications. The journey to sustainable textiles starts in responsibly managed forests. These forests are not only vital for protecting biodiversity but also for regenerating ecosystems and reducing the risks associated with deforestation.
Making this commitment to transparent, ethical sourcing gives fashion brands and their customers confidence that the materials they use support both human well-being and environmental stewardship.
But to truly understand why we should consider these materials in a textile blend, we must first look at the broader framework of ethical fashion—and what it entails.
What is Ethical Fashion?
The phrase 'ethical fashion' gets used everywhere, yet its true meaning goes far deeper than a marketing slogan. At its core, ethical fashion is built on three interconnected pillars:
Sustainability : Prioritising environmentally sound methods, from responsible raw material sourcing to cleaner production processes and circular economy principles.
Fair Labour Practices : Ensuring just wages, safe working conditions, and genuine respect for workers' rights at every stage of the supply chain.
Transparency : Providing verifiable information on how and where materials are sourced, how garments are manufactured, and what impact they have on both people and planet.
An 'ethical' brand should demonstrate these three elements not just in its advertising but within its day-to-day operations. From publishing clear supplier guidelines to adhering to recognised certifications, ethical players go beyond surface-level claims.
Through certifications such as FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), woodfibre used in the production of Sappi Verve is both renewable and responsibly harvested. By maintaining high environmental standards, Verve ensures its supply chain minimises harm to natural resources while delivering sustainable wood-based fibre.
Transparency is more than a buzzword—it is a necessity for brands aiming to build loyalty and thrive in the sustainability-driven economy. Consumers want to know that the products they buy are made responsibly, and traceability provides the proof they need to trust a brand's commitments to sustainability and ethics.
Sappi Verve's dedication to transparency offers a roadmap for other textile suppliers. By leveraging tools like blockchain and adhering to globally recognised sustainability certifications, Verve ensures its fibre meet the highest standards. This approach not only supports brands in achieving their sustainability targets but also helps them foster trust with eco-conscious consumers.
How to make a difference?
It is up to each individual consumer to ensure they live a more sustainable life through their everyday choices and supporting responsible fashion.
Choose Sustainable Fabrics : Opt for clothing made from natural fibre and include viscose and lyocell instead of synthetic, petroleum-based fibres.
Support Ethical Brands : Look for brands that prioritise traceable, responsibly sourced fibres and follow fair trade practices.
Buy Less, Choose Well : Invest in high-quality, long-lasting clothing instead of fast fashion, which contributes to excessive waste.
Recycle and Repurpose : Donate or recycle old garments rather than throwing them away, keeping textiles in circulation longer.
Ethical fashion is not just a tick box, it is a holistic commitment to people and planet, reflected in how garments are designed, made and eventually returned to the earth. Viscose and lyocell backed by credible certifications and sourced from responsible suppliers are prime examples of fibres that can meet both environmental and social accountability standards. By embracing these materials, brands can stay true to their pledges—and by choosing transparent and accountable labels, consumers help propel the entire fashion world towards an ethical culture.
