Every month, the Good On You team scours the internet to find you the ethical and sustainable fashion news that matters. Here’s everything you need to know in August 2024—from SHEIN’s questionable “circularity fund” to Lululemon’s greenwashing lawsuit and more.
Campaigners Urge UK Government to Block Shein’s London IPO (Reuters)
Last month we shared news that SHEIN had filed papers to kickstart an IPO listing on London’s Stock Exchange. Now, Reuters reports that there’s an online petition calling on the UK government to block the retailer from doing so. Launched by fair fashion campaigner Venetia La Manna, the “Say No to SHEIN” petition is backed by retail consultant Mary Portas and had over 40,000 signatures at the time of writing.
Can a 250-Million-Euro ‘Circularity Fund’ Make SHEIN Circular? (FashionUnited)
Yes, more SHEIN news, because the retailer has just launched a “circularity fund” to invest in initiatives throughout Europe and the UK that are developing circular solutions. “The fund barely disguises what SHEIN is aiming for: To further tap the lucrative European and UK market and its design talent pool,” says Fashion United. “Instead of cutting back on production and ceasing to drive consumption with ever more readily available styles, the clothing giant wants to ease consumer conscience by having them believe they are buying items made from circular materials.”
Bangladesh Garment Sector Rocked by Protest Crackdown (Financial Times)
“Bangladesh’s garments industry is reeling after authorities imposed a curfew and communications blackout as part of a deadly crackdown on student protesters,” reports the Financial Times. The restrictions—which have now been partially lifted—have had a major impact on the garment sector, forcing factories to close, impacting shipping costs, and causing supplier delays.
What Fashion Can Learn From Other Industries’ Supply Chains (Vogue Business)
In a fascinating article for Vogue Business, Maliha Shoaib argues that supply chains in other sectors are no less complex than fashion’s, but that there are some important differences in how they’re managed and integrated. Shoaib shares three key lessons that fashion can learn from the transport, food, and beauty industries.
Is Luxury Finally Set for a Sustainability Reckoning? (Business of Fashion)
Business of Fashion suggests that big questions over the luxury sector’s sustainability are imminent as Dior and Giorgio Armani have recently been linked to sweatshop labour. More issues are expected to be highlighted when Italy’s Competition Authority reveals the results of its current investigation into “whether the brands misled consumers with commitments to ethics and craftsmanship”.
Lululemon Accused of ‘Global Greenwashing’ Effort in New Lawsuit (The Fashion Law)
Lululemon is the subject of a new greenwashing lawsuit in Florida. The Fashion Law reports that the lawsuit alleges the retailer’s marketing campaigns and sustainability claims contradicted its true practices and business model, misleading customers into believing the brand is more sustainable than it really is.
PFAS-Busting Bacteria Discovered By California Environmental Engineers (Sourcing Journal)
Researchers from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have found a bacterial species that can destroy some of the PFAS “forever chemicals” usually found in waterproofing agents for outerwear and footwear, according to Sourcing Journal. It’s still early days in the research process, but the findings are interesting.
‘Good’ and ‘Great’ news
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Workers at Dawn Denim’s garment factory in Vietnam
Dawn Denim Collaborates With Tip Me to Help ‘Empower Craftsmanship’
In the spirit of gratitude, Dawn Denim has partnered with Tip Me to offer shoppers the opportunity to send a tip to the makers of its jeans in Vietnam. The brand highlights that it is not a salary substitute scheme and emphasises its commitment to paying living wages and ensuring workers are treated fairly. “Imagine purchasing a pair of jeans and having the unique ability to directly tip the person who made them, halfway across the world in Vietnam,” says the brand. “And on top of that, it’s a great sign of solidarity. Only together can we make the world a better place.”
