SUSTAINABILITY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY: AN ANALYSIS OF REGULATION, MEASUREMENT TOOLS, AND APPLICATION

Abstract

In this document, I will be exploring the governing bodies, organizations, tools, and certifications for measuring and communicating sustainability in the fashion industry. I will then be applying what I have learned from that research to the business my team and I have created this past year, Thimbl Fashion. This document will wrap up with an in-depth look at the final business plan we have created for Thimbl Fashion.The first portion of the research paper will dive into governing bodies and organizations for sustainability in fashion. The fashion industry is a laggard when it comes to adopting ethical practices because, historically, it has proven to be more profitable to omit sustainability. However, taking a look at governing bodies and organizations will allow me to fully understand the direction of sustainability in the fashion industry, and perhaps it will enlighten me to the reason this industry has not observed more progressive action.The second portion will be an exploration of the current tools and certifications that are used to measure and compare sustainability across firms. This will assist me in both understanding the degree to which fashion firms are held accountable and in developing tangible and quantifiable goals for my own business.As the research portion of this document wraps up, I will explore the ways in which sustainability from my research fits into my career as a young entrepreneur. I will then conclude this document with the comprehensive business plan that I completed through the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship Association, in collaboration with Beth Hitchins and Shawn Sanchez.