Ethics and Sustainability

This chapter examines the critical and intertwined roles of ethics and sustainability within the fashion industry. Adopting a systems approach, it deconstructs the complex global supply chain, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life, to identify inherent vulnerabilities and opportunities for responsible practice. The chapter defines core principles, including the Triple Bottom Line, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the circular economy, presenting the “R-Imperatives” as a practical framework for action while also critically assessing the limitations of efficiency through the concepts of the rebound effect and the sufficiency model. Key challenges are addressed, such as human and animal ethics, the role and limitations of third-party certifications, the pervasive threat of greenwashing, and the necessity of active production management through supplier codes of conduct and robust quality control. Ultimately, the chapter argues that a holistic integration of ethical and sustainable practices is no longer optional but fundamental to building a resilient, transparent and commercially viable fashion brand for the future.