6 November 2025
Sunlight and colour: the hidden drivers of microfiber pollution in the ocean
- Plastics
My last year’s new year wishes are more relevant than ever. But just when you think 2021 greenwashing stories couldn’t have been topped, it got worse. We are really in sustainable fashion chaos now.
These are the stories that took the sustainable fashion world by storm:
Greenwashing will now finally be fined. The Higg Index was proven to be unreliable for materials’ LCA’s and condemned by several European countries. Recycled polyester from PET Bottles shreds twice the microplastics (and is to be avoided for clothing which needs washing). Lyocell is offered as a sustainable alternative to cotton, but its high flammability was responsible for forest fires in Spain and Portugal. But not to worry, Lenzing reassures its use of eucalyptus for their Tencel production. Both animal leather and vegan leathers have downsides, so one needs to purchase leather goods wisely, opting for timeless pieces to be treasured forever. Many ‘organic’ cotton certificates aren’t what they seem and are blatant forms of greenwashing.
Higg and PETA have set up many initiatives denouncing wool, only considering part of its lifecycle, undermining cultural heritage and local communities in favour of using recycled or virgin polyester, and fueling wars. Luckily the most sustainable brands resort to vegan and plastic-free alternatives for wool. While focusing on base materials, the world almost forgot PFAS forever toxic chemicals used for our raincoats and skiwear. Strangely enough, Patagonia, C&A and Textile Exchange, followed by H&M, Boohoo, Bestseller and many other SAC members, are consistently named as giving birth to new green initiatives that turned out to be a flop.
We eagerly anticipate the five-year report of making the world your shareholder. Rich families are not paying taxes or contributing to fighting poverty and injustice on a local level. Are you wondering how to find sustainable fashion while navigating all this, excuse us, bullshit? Our new COSH! Index will be released in 2023. Until then, you can find sustainable stores, thrift shops and repair centres, and the best circular upcycling brands here on COSH!.
With all this news, we haven’t even touched on the individual greenwashing headlines, kicking off with- Boohoo’s horrendous working conditions uncovered in the UK while naming Kourtney Kardashian as their sustainability ambassador.
- H&M, C&A and Zara’s flawed recycling schemes were unveiled
- Balenciaga released its shameful ad campaign connecting children to SM
- Adidas still owes wages to their garment workers
- Shein still tops the list of unethical brands
- Hugo Boss was linked to Xianjiang slave labour.
The list seems endless.
Besides all the bad news, there is plenty of good news to share. We are super grateful for all the increased interest by governments and cities in COSH!
Are you wondering how to find sustainable fashion while navigating all this bullshit? Our new COSH! Index will be released in 2023. For the time being you can find sustainable stores, thrift shops and repair centers and the best circular upcycling brands here on COSH!.
