The Fashion Industry’s Green Promises: A Slow March to Sustainability
The fashion world is at a critical crossroads. While **net-zero pledges** have become the new mantra for many clothing brands, the journey toward sustainability is more sluggish than many had hoped. Despite ambitious commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the reality in major textile-producing countries remains bleak.
What’s the Context?
According to U.N. figures, the fashion industry is a significant player in our climate crisis, responsible for up to **8% of global greenhouse gas emissions**. Many fashion companies have vowed to combat this issue, aiming for **net-zero targets by 2050** or even sooner. However, seasoned researchers and industry insiders argue that action has been painfully slow, especially in critical manufacturing hubs like Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia.
“**Brands are moving far too slowly**,” says Todd Paglia, executive director of Stand.earth, an environmental non-profit. A recent report by Stand.earth revealed that by 2025, only about **one-third of surveyed brands** had managed to **cut their emissions by 10%** from their baseline years, while **40% saw an increase** in emissions.
Shockingly, only a small fraction of leading brands are investing in initiatives to lower emissions across their supply chains. This lack of financial support places a hefty burden on factories and suppliers, which often lack the means to transition to greener practices.
The Disconnect Between Promises and Action
This year, about **50% of major global fashion brands** have established **science-based targets** for emission reduction, according to a report by Fashion Revolution. However, a vast number of these brands lack the visibility of efforts necessary to fund climate initiatives effectively. Mohiuddin Rubel, a former director of Bangladesh’s garment manufacturers’ association, articulates, “**What we are witnessing is a dangerous disconnect**.” Brands are putting ambitious targets in place without providing the necessary funding. As a result, the financial burden of decarbonizing falls squarely on suppliers.
The Financing Gap: A Barrier to Change
Transitioning to sustainable practices is not merely an ethical imperative—it’s also an economic one. **Apparel manufacturers** can drastically reduce emissions through energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy, and low-emission transportation. However, a staggering **83%** of Bangladesh’s emissions stem from the on-site **burning of fossil fuels**, primarily natural gas. This has been highlighted in a report by consulting firm FSG.
Many suppliers hesitate to invest in cleaner technologies, such as heat pumps, due to the **high capital required** for replacements. The Apparel Impact Institute (AII) notes that Bangladeshi fashion suppliers face a colossal **investment gap of $4.8 billion** to halve emissions by 2030.
This challenge extends beyond Bangladesh, with clothing manufacturers in India and Vietnam also grappling with reliance on fossil fuels for fabric production processes. While **half of the brands surveyed by Stand.earth** offer some support, much of it consists of assessments and small pilot projects that address surface-level issues. Rubel emphasizes, “**This is a drop in the ocean and does not address the systemic transformation required.**”
For genuine impacts, suppliers need long-term purchase agreements and financial incentives from brands, as pointed out by Abhishek Bansal, head of sustainability at Arvind Limited.
Taking Action: The Need for Real Commitment
Among the brands surveyed, only six are actively providing project financing for suppliers’ decarbonization efforts. Notably, **H&M** has stepped up, supporting 23 smaller suppliers in investing in low-carbon technologies.
“**Brands need to understand that there will be costs associated with climate transition,**” says Kim Hellström, senior sustainability manager at H&M. The retailer is exploring energy-efficient thermal technologies in regions like **China, India, and Vietnam**, signaling a pivotal move toward sustainable practices.
“The technology is here; it’s about trying it out in the industry,” Hellström adds. By dedicating financial resources to sustainability goals, brands can cultivate stronger partnerships with suppliers. As **Kristina Elinder Liljas**, senior director of sustainable finance and engagement at AII, puts it, “**Everyone has skin in the game**. For brands, it’s about future-proofing their businesses; for suppliers, it’s about remaining relevant.”
True change in the fashion industry requires not just promises but action. The question remains: Will brands step up before it’s too late?
For more on sustainable fashion, visit [Fashion Revolution](https://www.fashionrevolution.org/) and [Stand.earth](https://stand.earth/fashion).
