Barriers & Bridges: Adapting to a Shifting Sustainability Landscape
The lines between voluntary and mandatory sustainability efforts are becoming increasingly blurred. Whilst we know that we must maintain momentum towards holistic sustainability, the challenges ahead are significant, particularly against a geopolitical backdrop that is anything but uniform. From the dichotomy of tightening regulations in some places to the deregulation policies elsewhere, the landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
While we must stay true to our core principles of sustainability, we must also be willing to evolve and change our course in response to new circumstances so that we can still ultimately meet our goals. As such, the need for unity and agility is greater than ever before.
Policy can understandably be a source of confusion for an industry that has transitioned from being largely unregulated to now facing a surge of legislative proposals (as well as rollbacks). It is, therefore, crucial to foster a productive dialogue between the fashion sector and policymakers which is centred upon creating positive impact that benefits all stakeholders. Voluntary action remains necessary but has so far proven insufficient to bring about the systemic change needed to meet sustainability targets.
From an ethical and business perspective, the cost of inaction far outweighs that of compliance. Economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, and the mounting impacts of climate change are already affecting the fashion sector. Action is essential to futureproof businesses, ensure resilience, and thrive in a system where sustainability will be a key competitive advantage.
Political climates in key regions are shifting in ways that feel that they could potentially derail current social and environmental agendas. The withdrawal from climate agreements, the loosening of emissions regulations, and the backing away from some sustainability efforts signal an unsettling trend. In the face of legislative complexity and confusion, the global nature of the fashion industry means that changes in one region can ripple across the supply chain, influencing practices, production, and sourcing strategies worldwide. This interconnectedness, however, also presents an opportunity to drive collective action, aligning brands and organisations across geographies towards shared goals.
These shifts and challenges should only serve to highlight the importance of international cooperation and the continued advocacy for supportive sustainability policies that are not just viable for businesses, but beneficial. It is a pervasive myth that sustainability and profitability are mutually exclusive. In reality, it can be a powerful growth strategy that drives innovation and resilience. Global Fashion Agenda’s Fashion on Climate report outlines that reducing the fashion sector’s annual emissions requires significant investment, however, 55% of these actions will actually save the industry money.
Consumers are also increasingly demanding and willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values. A 2024 Bain & Co. survey found that 75% of consumers globally consider sustainable lifestyles important, expecting brands to deliver on these commitments with transparency and accountability. As a result, businesses prioritising sustainability today will position themselves as leaders in the future economy.
Today, the ‘how’ of sustainability is complex. The fragmented landscape calls for bringing diverse voices to the table—across cultures, regions, and mindsets. Sustainability must be the thread that unites us all, but we must remain open to different routes and be adaptable in our approach. The way forward may not always be linear, and it requires continuous learning, open communication, and community. We must simplify complexity, ensuring that our mission for a net positive fashion industry remains at the heart of the conversation while taking pragmatic steps to drive meaningful change.
For over 15 years, Global Fashion Agenda has served as an agile platform for collaboration to shape our collective future. This work is more vital and relevant than ever before. The 2025 theme for Global Fashion Summit— ‘Barriers and Bridges’—aptly captures the spirit of this moment: the barriers posed by regulatory complexity, economic volatility, and global tensions, but also the bridges that can be built through cooperation, innovation, and collective action. At the Summit, we will explore these dualities, bringing together differing voices, offering practical case studies and collaborative solutions to help navigate these challenges, and demonstrating how fashion can align financial viability with the planet’s needs.
The urgency of both climate adaptation and mitigation for the fashion industry, and indeed for every industry, must now be embraced with bold leadership and a willingness to reimagine business models. The challenges ahead are immense, but the rewards are equally significant—not only for our businesses but for the planet and future generations who will inherit the world we leave behind. At Global Fashion Agenda, we remain committed to supporting this journey, even if we may have to adapt our path along the way, our end goal remains the same – to mobilise fashion industry transformation and pave the way towards a more ethical, equitable, and resilient future.
As we closely monitor fashion’s global legislative evolution, we zoom into GFA’s Policy Matrix: Americas and EU editions, offering clarity and updates on emerging and existing legislation.
As we mark International Women’s Day, it is important to reflect on the persistent gender inequalities embedded in the fashion industry—an industry powered predominantly by women yet largely led by men.
Welcome to the second edition of "The Policy Pulse" where we dive deep into discussions with some of the most relevant policymakers who are playing a key role in defining the future of the textile industry.
