Research Project
Research Project
By (Name)
Name of class
Professor
Date
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................3
1.0Research Question.........................................................................................................................3
1.1Research Hypothesis......................................................................................................................3
1.5 Limitations....................................................................................................................................4
2.5 Conclusion....................................................................................................................................8
3.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................................9
3.6 Fieldwork....................................................................................................................................14
4.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................15
4.1 Editing........................................................................................................................................15
4.2 Tabulation...................................................................................................................................15
4.3 Summarization............................................................................................................................16
5.1 Conclusions................................................................................................................................21
5.2 Recommendations......................................................................................................................21
Research project: New fashion and sustainability
1. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
The fashion business is the world's second most hazardous industry. This is the primary cause
for its transformation into a more sustainable one. As sustainability has grown increasingly crucial
for brands and fashion designers, customers are also becoming more aware of the significance of
ethical and environmentally friendly measures (Entwistle, 2014, p. 44). As a result, businesses are
shifting to upcycling strategies to reduce waste, such as recreating items from previous collections
and adopting sustainable materials like organic cotton instead of non-biodegradable materials.
Recycling has also grown in popularity as fashion brands invest in ecologically friendly
manufacturing practices and seek for carbon neutrality across their supply chains. However, such
efforts would be unproductive unless consumers are willing to make mindful choices to minimize
their carbon footprint (Joy, and Peña, 2017, p. 36). Although customers are responsible for 65-75%
of all direct and indirect emissions, they are becoming more cognizant of the impact of their
decisions and are seeking fashion brands who are making a concerted effort to lessen the ecological
sustainability looks to be a top priority for fashion designers and firms, as shoppers become more
1.0Research Question
2. What is the customers' perception of the adaptations of new fashions towards sustainability?
1.1Research Hypothesis
Implementing sustainable practices in the fashion industry can lead to economic benefits
Because of this, the research may need to be able to capture the impacts of new fashion on different
cultures and the environment, both of which are important aspects of sustainability.
contribute for between 5% and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (Lazzarotti et al., 2011, p.
220). While the global fashion sector emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases, recent
approaches have resolved at sustainability approaches. The goal of this research is to investigate how
the textile industry might achieve sustainable practices that are economically friendly and
environmentally feasible. The study will employ a qualitative approach, combining interviews with
fashion industry executives and customers, as well as data analysis of prominent fashion firms'
sustainability plans. The findings will shed light on the ecological and financial advantages of
sustainable fashion practices, as well as highlight hurdles and opportunities for the industry to move
1.5 Limitations
The research has one shortcoming in that it implies that implementing sustainable practices in
the fashion sector will automatically result in economic gains. While there is evidence to support this
assertion, such as lower resource consumption costs and higher customer demand for sustainable
items, it is crucial to remember that the fashion business is complex and diverse, with numerous
elements that can affect its economic performance. Furthermore, the hypothesis fails to address
second most polluting industry. Their findings demonstrate that is the fashion industry is the primary
cause for its transformation into a more sustainable one. Fashion sustainability is a complicated
issue with three equally significant components: ecological, social, and commercial. The
environmental aspect takes into account the development of ecological value as well as resource
conservation. The social aspect seeks to guarantee that customers are satisfied (Kim and Kim, 2020,
p. 508). Aesthetic and cultural considerations are also important. In a related study, Niinimäki,
(2015) discovered that the economic side examines the profit of the enterprise or trading company.
Therefore, to ensure knowledge of fashion sustainable practices, all areas must be covered, including
regulation and laws, interfunctional partnership, scientific and technological investments, and
coordination across the diverse fields as well as among parties involved in the creation of
environmentally conscious goods and delivery systems. Therefore, fashion sustainability should not
be employed as a primary tool in the development of a fashion company's story or marketing plan.
Otherwise, customers may be forced to spend more or choose a specific product. As a result,
using environmentally friendly methods with a focus on decreasing waste and environmental effect.
The findings demonstrated that Ethical and fair labor standards, as well as the use of organic and
recycled materials, are frequently associated with sustainable fashion. The purpose of sustainable
fashion is to lessen the industry's environmental impact while also providing economic prospects to
individuals (Pero et al., 2020, p. 5843). The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a group of
fashion industry executives who have banded together to make the fashion business more
sustainable. The SAC created the Higg Index, a system that enables fashion companies to assess and
improve their environmental and social impact. The Higg Index assesses the ecological
consequences of a company's operations, including water consumption, energy consumption, and
trash generation. The tool also assesses the social impact of employment practices and worker
protections.
According to Gonçalves et al. (2020) Textile fibers and coatings used in material manufacture
must be environmentally friendly and biodegradable, or easily recyclable. The heightened use of
naturally produced organic traditional cellulose fibers like cotton and linen, protein fibers like silk
and wool, and commonly mentioned cellulose fibers like hemp and bamboo that permit the
eradication of harmful toxins has a lower adverse environmental impact and helps textile companies
increase their sustainable development (Gonçalves et al.,2020, p.420). When it comes to increasing
textile sustainability, novel biopolymers derived from improved Kombucha bacterial cellulose with
qualities similar to those of garment materials have gained prominence. Novel cellulose-based fibers,
recycled fibers, and reused components reduce the usage of virgin resources. The utilization of
Karell and Niinimäki, K., 2020 conducted a mixed-method study of design practices and
designers’ roles in sustainable-minded clothing companies. The findings regarding fiber, material,
and finishing technology sustainability demonstrated that modern textile technologies need to
increase the adoption of recyclable and ecological approaches while decreasing the number of
microfibre release by more than 75% during synthetic textile washing (Karell, and Niinimäki, 2020,
p. 4680). To that end, electrofluidodynamic (EFD) coatings with two biodegradable polymers, poly
(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA), were proposed for use
on polyamide fabrics. Later in this review of the literature, the difficulties associated with the
that the fashion industry has in developing sustainable practices. Sustainable methods can necessitate
considerable investment, which might be problematic for smaller businesses or those with limited
means. Yet, when organizations cut waste and enhance efficiency, sustainable practices can lead to
long-term cost benefits (Gazzola et al., 2020, p. 2809). Circular fashion is one example of a
financially successful sustainable technique. (Feng, and Ngai, 2020, p. 2477). Circular fashion is a
fashion paradigm in which clothing is manufactured, worn, and then reused or repurposed rather than
discarded. Circular fashion has the potential to minimize waste while also providing economic
opportunities for people in the waste and recyclable industries. The use of renewable energy in
garment manufacture is another example of a commercially sustainable approach (Feng, and Ngai,
2020, p. 2477). Renewable energy sources like sunlight and wind can minimize the industry's
situations. The findings indicated that developing sustainable methods in the fashion sector
necessitates an emphasis on environmental effect. The clothing and accessory sector contributes
significantly to environmental degradation and global warming, with the manufacture and dispose of
clothing and accessories adding to the release of greenhouse gases and waste In a related study
Thorisdottir and Johannsdottir, (2019) recommended that reducing waste is one way the fashion
business can become more ecologically friendly. This can be accomplished by using recycled
materials and designing goods that are long-lasting and durable. Businesses can also develop take-
back initiatives which enable customers to recycle or upcycle their used clothing. Other way the
fashion business may become more ecologically friendly is to reduce water use. Accessories and
clothing demand a lot of water, which can result in water scarcity and degradation. Businesses can
save water by utilizing more sustainable production processes and installing water recycling
initiatives.
the social dimension of sustainable fashion. The first is a lack of consumer knowledge and
information regarding the fashion things they purchase. The second is related to sustainability
education, which could assist raise consumer awareness. Because of the recent popularity of quick
fashion, consumers readily decide not to wear outmoded apparel and replace it with new ones. Many
cotton shirts and pants are discarded rather than recycled, repurposed, or recreated. Fernandes et al.
(2020) was consistent with Peleg Mizrachi, and 2022 findings which demonstrated that with the
expansion of the concept of sustainability, consumers are frequently encouraged to embrace the
ideals of timeless fashion (slow fashion) rather than strictly adhering to impending fashion
trends. Slow fashion commodities are related with "durables, classic production practices, or
seasonless design ideals." Shoppers are urged to buy smaller, but more lasting, environmental, or
2.5 Conclusion
The fashion industry has a tremendous environmental and societal influence, but it also has the
capacity to effect positive change. Stöckigt et al. (2018) argued that sustainable methods in the
fashion industry can lead to economic prospects for workers, financial savings for businesses, and a
lower environmental effect. , Fernandes et al. (2020) recommended that the key to developing
sustainable fashion methods is to prioritize both commercial viability and environmental friendliness.
Kim and Kim, (2020) also added that while collaborating together, executives in the fashion industry
can develop a more prosperous economy for the industry and the globe.
economically feasible and ecologically beneficial practices in the fashion business. It is suggested
that a qualitative data research approach be used. Qualitative research will evaluate the data from
case studies, focus groups, and interviews, for data analysis. Research should be performed from a
multidisciplinary standpoint, taking into account environmental, economic, and social elements. A
and consumers can provide useful insights into developing sustainable fashion practices.
2. To identify any possible ways the fashion industry can become more sustainable.
increased responsiveness on the need for sustainable practices. The increased concern on
sustainability has fuelled researchers to investigate how the fashion industry can create sustainable
practices that are both economically friendly and environmentally viable. A qualitative research
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify and analyze existing sustainable
practices in the fashion industry. Also, a survey questionnaire was be developed and administered to
key stakeholders in the fashion industry, such as designers, manufacturers, and retailers, to determine
their perceptions and attitudes towards sustainability and its economic viability. Thirdly, case studies
of successful sustainable fashion practices were be analyzed to determine the factors that contribute
to their success.
Furthermore, open-ended interviews were conducted with selected participants to gain a deeper
insight of their experiences and insights on creating sustainable practices that are both economically
viable and environmentally friendly. The findings of this research can inform policy
industry.
Exploratory research was rejected for this project topic because it focuses on identifying and defining
research challenges rather than testing hypotheses or making conclusions. Because the issue of
sustainable fashion practices is well-established, doing exploratory research would yield no new
Informal research was also rejected for this project topic since it focuses primarily on determining
cause-and-effect links between variables. The topic of sustainable fashion practices, on the other
hand, is complicated and varied, making it impossible to isolate specific elements and their impacts
on the industry. Furthermore, this method would not provide a thorough grasp of the problem or
effective remedies.
Instead, a more suitable research approach for this topic would be a mixed-methods research design
that employs qualitative to gather in-depth insights various economic and environmental factors
affecting sustainable fashion practices. This approach would allow for a comprehensive analysis of
the issue and offer practical recommendations for creating economically viable and environmentally
the fashion industry. Secondary data refers to data that has been collected and analyzed by someone
else, such as published reports, academic articles, or government statistics. By reviewing secondary
data, researchers can gain a broader perspective on the issue, examine trends over time, and identify
existing practices that have been successful in promoting sustainable fashion. Secondary data can
provide valuable insights into the economic and environmental impacts of various practices within
the fashion industry. For example, it may reveal the costs and benefits of using recycled materials in
clothing production or the environmental impacts of different dyeing and finishing processes. It may
also highlight the consumer demand for sustainable fashion and the success of certain brands that
design, and manufacturing methods when evaluating sustainable practices in the fashion business.
Companies can obtain data regarding customer preferences for sustainable products, as well as their
thoughts and actions toward environmental responsibility, through surveys, participant observations,
and interviews. This information may then be used to help design and manufacture sustainable goods
that satisfy consumer wants while remaining economically viable and ecologically friendly.
Furthermore, primary data collecting can assist textile companies in understanding the environmental
impact of their existing production techniques and identifying opportunities for development.
Therefore, primary data collecting is critical for fashion companies striving to develop economically
viable and ecologically favourable sustainable practices. Companies may make educated decisions
that help both the earth and their business by acquiring firsthand information.
experimentation, surveys, observation, and interviews. Data collection offers various benefits,
including useful insights into client behavior, the identification of trends and patterns, and the ability
to make informed decisions. It assists businesses in optimizing their operations and improving their
products or services. However, data collection might present significant weaknesses, such as
potential imprecisions, bias, and confidentiality complications. The quality of the tools used to gather
data, the accuracy and honesty of respondents, and the size and proportion of the population all
contribute to data accuracy. Additionally, data collection can be costly and time-consuming, and
interviews, and observations. While investigating sustainable practices in the fashion sector,
qualitative research might be a useful technique for learning about the experiences, opinions, and
Consumer attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable fashion: Qualitative research might be
Consumer attitudes and behaviors toward sustainable fashion: Qualitative approaches such
as group discussions and in-depth interviews may be employed to analyse customer values,
Designer and manufacturer perspectives on sustainable fashion: Interviews and case studies
may be applied to investigate how designers and manufacturers incorporate sustainability into their
operations, the obstacles they experience, and the techniques they employ to overcome these
challenges.
Insights from policymakers and industry experts: Expert interviews and document analysis
can be used to explore policies, legislation, and initiatives that support sustainable practices in the
fashion sector.
It is feasible to get a comprehensive knowledge of the intricate details and trade-offs involved
in designing methods that are ecologically friendly and economically successful and by conducting
qualitative research in the fashion sector. Such an insight may aid in the formulation of effective and
long-term plans that address the needs of all stakeholders in the fashion business.
opinions, and behaviors regarding sustainable practices in the fashion industry. They allow for in-
depth discussions with participants who share similar characteristics or experiences, providing rich
data for analysis. Researchers can gain insight into how consumers view sustainability in fashion and
what trade-offs they are willing to make through adoption of focus groups. The results can update the
fashion industry's efforts to improve environmentally friendly and economically viable practices that
and opinions on sustainable fashion practices. They enable participants to engage in detailed and
complex discussions, offering significant insights into their opinions, behaviors, and motives.
Researchers can acquire a thorough grasp of how customers interpret sustainability in fashion and
what factors impact their decisions by conducting in-depth interviews. This data can help the fashion
industry design sustainable methods that are both commercially viable and ecologically friendly,
of the fashion industry's efforts to create sustainable practices that balance economic viability and
environmental friendliness. These techniques help to identify key stakeholders, explore their
perspectives and experiences, and uncover potential barriers and solutions for achieving
series of questions delivered to a representative sample of people. Surveys can help determine how
representative individual perspectives and experiences are. When executed properly, surveys provide
actual numbers about people's attitudes and actions that can be utilized to make crucial decisions.
This approach is cost-effective and efficient allowing for the collecting of vast amounts of data that
Should translate the information needed into questions that the respondent can answer
Questionnaire must motivate and encourage the respondent to co-operate & complete the
interview
Personal Interview – This is a face-to-face method. The interviewer directly asks the
respondent questions
Telephone interview – The interviewer phones respondents and asks them questions over
the phone
Postal Interview – Respondents send their answers to questions through the post
administered on the internet. Electronic surveys are becoming increasingly popular due to
new technologies
3.6 Fieldwork
Electronic Questionnaires were chosen as the approach. Given the nature of the research
issue, it was determined that the questionnaires should be distributed through a social media
platform. This enabled quick access to responses. Facebook was chosen as the social media platform.
The study was conducted in March 2023. The questionnaires were distributed via personal
messaging. Quick Surveys was used to develop the questionnaire. This software allows for a
limitless number of questions. The questionnaire contained a total of twenty-two questions, all of
Time: 2022
converting, and modelling data in order to get relevant insights and conclusions. Researchers must
undertake many tasks such as editing, coding, tabulation, and summary in order to conduct data
analysis.
4.1 Editing
Editing entails analysing data to discover and correct flaws or inconsistencies. This phase is
critical for ensuring data accuracy and dependability. Researchers must code the data once it has
been altered. This entails assigning numerical values or categories to the data in order to facilitate
analysis. For example, if the data includes survey replies, researchers could assign a numerical value
4.2 Tabulation
Tabulation is the process of organizing data into tables, graphs, or charts to visually portray patterns
or trends.
4.3 Summarization
Summarization- This is the final phase of data analysis which entails a brief discussion of the
important results and conclusions based on the data analysis. Identifying correlations, generating
predictions, or making judgements about the study question or hypothesis are all examples of this.
Besides these duties, scholars must select appropriate statistical methods for data analysis. This
may entail using descriptive statistics to summarize data or inferential statistics to make predictions
based on data. Generally, data analysis is a complex process that necessitates careful oversight and
Q1.Have you ever interacted with current fashion trends related to sustainability?
reported having interacted with current fashion trends related to sustainability, while a
minority (19%) had not. This information aligns with secondary research data suggesting that
there is a growing awareness and interest in sustainable fashion among consumers. The
findings from the primary research show that this is still relevant. However, further
investigation is required to understand the nature and extent of their interaction with
0 10 20 30 40
00
05
When the respondents were asked to explain their answers, the results were as
follows:
18% said that they had never interacted with current fashions related to sustainability
10% said that they had liked or followed a fashion brand on social media but
avail of a service
37% said that they interact with fashion brands on social media to get information
35% said that they interact with fashion brands aimed at sustainability on social
follows: To identify any possible ways the fashion industry can become more sustainable.
Q2. Please rate how each of the following statement affects your intention to purchase the
current fashion brands you follow on social media.
Customers are likely to appreciate fashion designs that encourage sustainability based on the
criteria provided. Personal expression can be achieved through one-of-a-kind and environmentally
friendly designs that reflect the customer's ideals. Products with an emphasis on sustainability can set
themselves apart from competition, raising purchasing intent. Brands that embrace sustainability
boost customer satisfaction, as consumers become more aware of their environmental impact.
Negative comments/feedback from other
consumers
5%
7% 19%
14% Would probably not
bwould not buy
Probably would not buy
55%
Might or might not buy
Probably would buy
Definitely would buy
40%
1
1
20%
6
0% 7
would definitely fail to buyProbably would not buy
Might or might not buyprobably would buy
Definitely would buy
Q3. Have you ever used social media to search for information on a current
fashion brand before considering buying that brand? (Please explain your
answer)
13
12
10
7
No Viewed at otherConsideredConsidered for consumers’
deals/special offersinformation comments/ reviews
availability
comments/reviewsprices, availability etc.
When the respondents were asked if they had ever used social media to search for
information on sustainable brands before buying a product, the results were as follows:
27% said they have never used social media to search for information
31% said that they have looked at other consumers’ comments or reviews for
information regarding sustainable fashion trends
26% said they have checked social media for deals and special offered by sustainable
fashion brands
19% said that they have used social media to check for information on sustainable
brands such as prices and availability
Q4. Are there any other elements of social media which may encourage you to
purchase a brand?
methods that are both commercially viable and environmentally responsive to lessen its
negative environmental impact. To do so, the sector must adopt sustainable resources,
decrease waste, and prioritize ethical manufacturing procedures. Companies should work
with suppliers, consumers, and legislators to develop a circular economy in which items are
sustainable production processes will not only save long-term costs but will also attract eco-
conscious consumers prepared to pay a premium for ecologically friendly items. The fashion
industry has a vital role to play in promoting sustainability, and it is time for businesses to
take responsibility and embrace sustainable practices that line with their CSR aims.
5.2 Recommendations
The fashion business is well-known for having a substantial environmental impact,
including carbon emissions, water pollution, and textile waste. To overcome this challenge,
sustainable processes. These practices may include the use of sustainable materials such as
that reduce waste and energy consumption, and the incorporation of circular business models
that promote clothing reuse, repair, and recycling. Companies should also promote supply
chain transparency to ensure ethical and sustainable practices across the entire manufacturing
process. Eventually, the fashion industry must change toward more ethical and sustainable
Feng, P. and Ngai, C.S.B., 2020. Doing more on the corporate sustainability front: A
companies. Sustainability, 12(6), p.2477.
Fernandes, S., Honã, I.D. and Cruchinho, A., 2020. Fashion Revolution as Promoter Of
Incaltaminte, 20(1), p.51.
Gazzola, P., Pavione, E., Pezzetti, R. and Grechi, D., 2020. Trends in the fashion industry.
Gonçalves, T., Gaio, C. and Costa, E., 2020. Committed vs opportunistic corporate and social
Joy, A. and Peña, C., 2017. Sustainability and the fashion industry: Conceptualizing nature
Karell, E. and Niinimäki, K., 2020. A mixed-method study of design practices and designers’
Kim, K.H. and Kim, E.Y., 2020. Fashion marketing trends in social media and sustainability
Lazzarotti, V., Manzini, R. and Mari, L., 2011. A model for R&D performance
Sustainability, 1, pp.1-11.
Peleg Mizrachi, M. and Tal, A., 2022. Regulation for promoting sustainable, fair and circular
fashion. Sustainability, 14(1), p.502.
brands. Sustainability, 12(14), p.5843.
brands. Sustainability, 12(14), p.5843.
Stöckigt, G., Schiebener, J. and Brand, M., 2018. Providing sustainability information in
pp.188-199.
Thorisdottir, T.S. and Johannsdottir, L., 2019. Sustainability within fashion business models: