Fashion and pollution

Fashion and Pollution at the 2019 G7 Summit

As the leaders of the free world met at the 2019 G7 Summit to discuss many of our world’s problems, something near & dear to our hearts was happening. Big names in the fashion world came together to help make a more sustainable fashion industry, knowing that it’s one of the largest polluting communities in the world.

G7 summit flags

The Fashion Pact

Known as The Fashion Pact, members include Zara, Gucci, H&M, and 29 other large brands. They are leading the pact to improve sustainability standards within the fashion industry and hopefully lead by example. Their long term goals will include stopping global warming, restoring biodiversity, and protecting the oceans. This meeting was just the start of this initiative, but hopefully, other manufacturers will soon follow suit and get on board. It will take the momentum of the large brands to help drive the innovation needed to clean up the industry, and provide better ways to produce the fibers we all wear today. In the fashion supply chain, the biggest instances of pollution occur during the production of raw materials. High concentrations of chemicals are used then dumped.

Closed-Loop Process

As a small startup apparel line, producing clothing with sustainability was a major rationale for Christopher J Apparel choosing Tencel as its main choice of material. Tencel is more eco-friendly than bamboo because of its closed-loop manufacturing process. (Closed-loop meaning the chemicals used to produce the fabric are used over and over rather than disposed of.) Tencel also has the same natural fiber properties as bamboo such as being super soft, antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and naturally elastic. This closed-loop process is the first line of defense against pollution in the fashion industry. We can’t say enough great things about Tencel and will be using it in as many of our products as possible.

Fashion Recycling and Innovation Underway

We are happy to be ahead of the curve and will keep pushing the trend to make the fashion industry itself more closed-loop so that our clothing can be reused for new products after we are done wearing them. We are looking for ways to turn your used CJA undershirts into new products, and even take your old t-shirts in return for discounts and find a new life for them. Stay tuned to find out how you can help too. Be part of the revolution and get your own eco-friendly CJA clothing today!
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