Sustainable fashion isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials or reducing waste; it’s also about financial stewardship. When discussing various sustainability issues of the fashion industry, the financial concerns are easier neglected than environmental and social ones. This is understandable, since climate change, decrease in biodiversity and inhumane working conditions (just to name a few) are real and we are seeing evidence of those through different mediums every day.
Sustainable fashion isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials or reducing waste; it’s also about financial stewardship.
In the last couple of years, the Finnish media has reported on several textile and fashion businesses that are struggling financially or have filed for bankruptcy. That touches also upon many companies who have invested in responsible practices and alternative business models. By adopting practices that are economically, environmentally, and socially responsible, fashion businesses can attain long-term success.
In this teachers’ series blog post on sustainability in education, we explore the question: How can we, as teachers in a university of applied sciences, equip students in fashion and clothing programs with the green skills and knowledge needed for sustainable practices that enable their future businesses to grow without harming the environment or society?
Essential green skills in textile and clothing sector
The question about the most essential green skills in the textile and clothing sector in the future was addressed in the recent SusTexEdu project. The main outcome was, that a more critical and holistic understanding of sustainability is needed from future professionals. It is not enough to focus on environmentally friendly materials and technologies or factory audits, but one should also understand the basics of running a business (SusTexEdu, forthcoming).
A more critical and holistic understanding of sustainability is needed from future professionals.
Topics that should be covered more in textile and clothing education from sustainable business point of view include:
-
- knowledge of the circular economy business (and their scalability)
- setting and monitoring sustainability goals
- price formation of sustainable products
- consumer behaviour, marketing and communication.
This is based on the analysis of 68 survey responses and 17 thematic interviews that involved company representatives from five European countries (Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Hungary and Sweden) in 2022-2023 (SusTexEdu, forthcoming). Green skills in the context of textiles and clothing can include, for example, knowledge of sustainable production processes, eco-design, environmental impact assessments, latest standards or legislation (Euratex, 2021). In the SusTexEdu research, these aspects were also mentioned by the research participants as important future competences (SusTexEdu, forthcoming).
As stated in the SusTexEdu report: “There are already highly qualified people who master different sustainability topics, but they lack the business know-how, even if that would be extremely important for companies. It is crucial that those people who have the knowledge on durability, responsibility and ethical and moral motivation, can also convert that knowledge into business.”
Sustainability in Fashion and Clothing Degree Programmes
The textile and clothing sector is making progress towards a circular economy. It is a transformative concept that has the potential to alleviate the financial concerns of business owners while promoting sustainability. For the fashion industry this can mean designing clothes that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. It involves creating systems for returning and repurposing garments, thus reducing waste and creating new revenue streams. Through innovative research and educational programs, universities of applied sciences can equip students and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement circular practices effectively.
Circular economy not only addresses environmental challenges but also opens up new avenues for economic growth and competitive advantage.
By focusing on the principles of reducing waste, extending product lifecycles, and regenerating natural systems, the universities’ initiatives help businesses transition from a linear to a circular model. This not only addresses environmental challenges but also opens up new avenues for economic growth and competitive advantage. The integration of circular economy principles into the curriculum and partnerships with industry leaders ensures that graduates are prepared to lead the transformation towards a more sustainable and profitable future in the textile and clothing sector.
Key components of the sustainability-focused fashion and clothing education should include:
-
- Sustainable Design Practices: Students learn about eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient production techniques, and sustainable fashion design principles.
- Circular Systems: Courses cover the principles of the circular economy, teaching students how to design for longevity, reuse, and recyclability.
- Financial Stewardship: An emphasis on the importance of financial stewardship, helping students to critically think how sustainable practices can enhance profitability and business resilience.
- Industry Collaboration: Partnerships (incl. internships, thesis projects) with sustainable brands and organizations provide students with real-world experience and insights into sustainable business practices.
Sustainability competence is for example at the core of Metropolia University of Applied Science Fashion and Clothing Degree Programmes. After completing the Bachelor’s degree, the student understands the main principles of circular economy and how their individual choices impact sustainable development within the textile value chain. The Master’s Degree equips the students with an even more holistic understanding of various sustainability challenges, circular businesses and the ability to manage processes and projects while creating a new kind of operating culture in the field.
Even when sustainability and circularity are already well considered in the fashion and clothing education, the curricula should be regularly reviewed from those perspectives. Following the trends and different phenomena that impact the textile and clothing industry is crucial here. Sharing views and experiences with other educational institutions is equally important. Here are two examples of international projects that aim to study and enhance the sustainability education.
- SusTexEdu – Nordic and Baltic Educational Roadmap for Sustainability in the Textile and Clothing Sector, funded by Nordplus (2021-2022)
- SusTexEdu – Education Partnership of Textile and Clothing Sector Materials & Sustainability, funded by Erasmus+ (2022-2024)
Business Understanding as a Core Sustainability Competence
Integrating sustainability into teaching is not just about imparting environmental awareness but also about equipping students with the ability to apply sustainable practices in a business context. Therefore, it is essential for educators to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical business applications. By doing so, they will enable students to leverage their expertise in sustainability to drive innovative, responsible, and profitable business strategies.
Integrating sustainability into teaching is also about equipping students with the ability to apply sustainable practices in a business context.
This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in sustainability principles but also capable of implementing them effectively within the corporate world, thereby meeting the increasing demand for sustainable business practices in the industry.
This blog post is part of a series for teachers focusing on sustainability in education. Previously published posts in the series include: Ensuring Sustainable Wellbeing and Work for Teachers in a Changing World, Exploring the Intersection: AI and Sustainability in Higher Education and the introduction to the series Stories in Education for Sustainability: A Teachers’ Series.
Writers
Essi Karell serves as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Master’s Degree Programme in Fashion and Clothing at Metropolia. She has worked in the industry as a sportswear designer, but nowadays aims to train the future fashion professionals with a sustainable and circular mindset. She holds a PhD in Art and Design. Her research addresses sustainable clothing design practices and future competences in the textile and clothing sector. She is also a member of the Metropolia Sustainability in Education team.
Tricia Cleland Silva serves as the coordinator for the Metropolia Sustainability in Education team. She is a senior lecturer in the master degrees of Health Business Management and Leadership and Development in Nursing. She holds a PhD in Management and Organization. Her co-created method of Collaborative Story Craft and Story Mediation inspires her roles in sustainable development and inclusion within higher education and various communities of practice. She is also a parent, owns and runs a family business with her partner and an immigrant professional from Canada.
References
Euratex (2021). Pact for Skills for the EU TCLF industries.
SusTexEdu (forthcoming). Sustainability in the Textile and Clothing Sector (TCS): Competence Requirements Identified in the SusTexEdu Partner Countries. WP1 report / 2024.
Ei kommentteja