Consumers have shown a keen interest in brands adopting more sustainable actions in their value chains post-Covid-19.
While Europe and the Americas have been quite reactive to this trend, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region still has a long way to go to achieve sustainability standards.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataUK retailers are undertaking appropriate initiatives to meet the Net Zero retail target by 2040, which means decarbonisation of the retail industry and supply chain operations.
To illustrate, in August 2020, Selfridges launched Project Earth, a scheme featuring resale, rental, refill and repair services across its fashion and beauty departments to enhance its sustainability credentials.
Similarly, in the Americas, Rent the Runway, a US-based apparel rental company, partnered with ThredUP to minimise fashion waste and increase the lifespan of dresses. These initiatives will help move towards a circular economy.
Loss of jobs and pay cuts due to the pandemic restricted splurging in apparel. The growing popularity of luxury re-commerce will satisfy consumer sentiments at an affordable price while recycling apparel will aid the reduction of carbon footprints in the manufacturing process, which is beneficial for retailers in addressing global sustainability concerns and targets.
On-demand production
Apparel manufacturing’s reliance on standard-specified items for mass production and storage is evolving with customer expectations, resulting in an on-demand production system. It is a method of producing things just when they are necessary and in the quantities required, and the good news is that it is progressively gaining traction among retailers.
On-demand production is a great way to curtail the loss of inventory. Disruption and closing of inventories with the pandemic led to the loss of inventory and resources on a large scale. Production based on demand will resolve this problem and be a move towards net-zero retail, however, the flip side is increased wait time for customers.
Apparel retailers are using Non-Fungible Token (NFT) to monetise value and exclusivity, by ensuring traceability through the supply chain and retail operations, thus serving as a proof of ownership for the customers. An NFT is a data unit stored in a blockchain that certifies a digital asset as special and therefore non-transferable.
The integration of NFTs in business will help retailers to maintain credibility and transparency for customers. This will particularly help luxury retailers beat the issue of counterfeiting, which is on the rise every day. This will also ensure smooth functioning of the supply chain, which benefits retailers that are trying hard to achieve efficiency in these times.
