Images magazine Digital Edition April 2018

T he newly published Measuring Fashion: Insights from the Environmental Impact of the Global Apparel and Footwear Industries Study claims to be the first in-depth, scientific study investigating the environmental impact of the apparel and footwear sectors. It makes for sobering reading. The study’s data suggests that these industries are responsible for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions – almost as much as the total carbon impact of the EU. Furthermore, it notes that if the industry continues as it is, apparel’s climate impact is likely to increase by 49% by 2030 – equal to today’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions in the US. (For more details go to page 20.) Whatever the industry, whatever the issue and whatever the challenge, there are always those that worry, those that moan and those that get on and do something about it. Prama Bhardwaj, of Mantis World, unquestionably falls into the latter camp. She has already committed Mantis to being part of the solution by signing up to the Sustainable Cotton Communiqué, (the first and only printwear brand to do so), which requires signatories to use 100% sustainable cotton by 2025. Mantis has then gone a step further by pledging to use only organic or recycled cotton by 2021 whilst increasing its use of recycled polyester (rPET) over the next 12 months. Now Prama is calling for decorators to help ensure a sustainable future for our industry by encouraging all their suppliers to make garments in a sustainable way (page 44). What does that mean? Quite simply, operating in ways that minimise their harmful effects on the planet, as measured against five environmental indicators: climate change, resources, freshwater withdrawal, ecosystem quality and human health. Mantis aren’t the only ones who are advancing a more sustainable approach. Neutral, which entered the UK market at the start of the year, is a garment label that has always positioned sustainability at the heart of its operations. We spoke to founder and owner Lars Bech about his ‘Okay’ ethos and the green furrow that Neutral has been ploughing for more than a decade (page 48). Likewise, the new Écologie label from AWDis, which has introduced gar- ments in fabrics produced from scrap fibres that would otherwise have ended up in landfill, represents a step forward in terms of sustainable blank garment choices. You can read about the label’s approach in more detail on page 46. Images columnist Marshall Atkinson is a longtime proponent of the business benefits of adopting sustainable practices. This month Marshall reports on the ThreadX conference, organised by the SGIA in February (page 38). One of the speakers at the event was Ryan Moor, of Ryonet, who explained in detail why sweeping environmental changes in our industry are essential. His challenge to all garment decorators: ‘Are you talking about it, or part of it?’ Jonathan Vince Working towards a sustainable future Published by: 360 Communications Ltd images magazine, 360 Communications Ltd, 58a Livingstone Road, Lioncare House, Hove, BN3 3WL, UK 01273 748482 | www.images-magazine.com Advertising: advertising@images-magazine.com Editorial: editorial@images-magazine.com Subscriptions: subscriptions@images-magazine.com | images is available free of charge to UK subscribers | Subscribe / unsubscribe / update contact details online: www.images-magazine.com Publisher/advertising: Jonathan Vince | jonathan@images-magazine.com Features editor: Rachael Glazier | rachael@images-magazine.com Design/Production: ATG Media | production@atgraphicsuk.com Printing: Stephens & George Ltd | Goat Mill Road,Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD ( issn 0966 7512) Follow images on social media: ImagesMagUK Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the Publisher. Editorial contributions are invited, on the understanding that the Publisher has the right to alter or abridge all such material as he sees fit. While the greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the Publisher accepts no liability for either errors or omissions. APRIL 2018 | VOL.27 NO.4 ST EDITORIAL www.images-magazine.com APRIL 2018 images 05 APRIL 18-19, 2018 Newtech Glasgow 2018 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Strathclyde, Phoenix Crescent, Bellshill ML4 3JQ coactiveevents.com APRIL 24-26, 2018 Sign & Digital 2018 Halls 17 & 18, NEC, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT signuk.com [FEBRUARY 9] - MAY 6, 2018 T-Shirt: Cult - Culture- Subversion Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF ftmlondon.org MAY 15, 2018 Print & Stitch Exeter Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XS printandstitch.org MAY 15-18, 2018 Fespa 2018 Messe Berlin, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, Germany fespa.com MAY 23-24, 2018 Newtech London West 2018 Hotel Novotel London Heathrow Airport, Cherry Lane, Heathrow UB7 9HJ coactiveevents.com JUNE 27-30, 2018 New Designers - Part 1 Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH newdesigners.com SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 Merchandise World: Peak Season Event Farnborough International, Show Centre, Hall 1, ETPS Road, Farnborough GU14 6FD merchandiseworld.co.uk SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2018 The Print Show NEC, Hall 9, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT theprintshow.co.uk OCTOBER 18-20, 2018 SGIA 2018 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA sgia.org JUNE 20-26, 2019 ITMA 2019 Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain itma.com DIARY