The Fashion Highlights of 2024: A Year of Impact and Innovation

As we look back at 2024, the fashion industry has seen some truly inspiring developments, with brands and designers stepping up their commitment to sustainability, social impact, and circular innovation. From groundbreaking projects to community-driven initiatives, the year has been a testament to how creativity and responsibility can go hand-in-hand.

2024: an important year for EU legislation & sustainability

The year 2024 has proven to be a defining moment for both EU legislation and sustainability efforts, with key developments shaping the future of environmental policies. Giving shape to the ambitious sustainability goals of the EU Green Deal, this year has set the stage for some significant changes. 

An overview of the legal highlights regarding sustainability in the fashion industry:

• February: final approval of the Directive to empower consumers for the green transition.
• March: Council and Parliament strike a deal to make packaging more sustainable and reduce packaging waste in the EU
• May: European Council gives final approval on:
  • The Net-zero Industry Act
  • The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
  • Right-to-repair Directive
• July: Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) enters into force

Success of the Bangladesh and Pakistan Accords

Back in January, over 100 brands and retailers signed the Bangladesh Safety Agreement, a significant milestone in improving workplace safety for garment workers in Bangladesh. The agreement builds on the progress of the original Accord, ensuring that factories adhere to rigorous safety inspections and standards to protect workers.

Additionally, 100 global brands and retailers committed to the Pakistan Accord, marking a crucial step forward for the safety and rights of garment workers in Pakistan. The Accord addresses critical workplace safety issues, including building integrity and fire safety, aiming to replicate the successes seen in Bangladesh.

Both agreements represent a major achievement in holding global fashion brands accountable while prioritising the safety and dignity of garment workers.

Green Claims Directive (GCD) and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) move forward

The EU Green Claims Directive marked a major step forward in tackling greenwashing within the industry. In 2024 the European Parliament adopted its first-reading position in March 2024 the Council approved a general approach in June 2024.

Apart from this, several high-profile companies in The Netherlands, such as KLM, Shell and Primark, faced scrutiny for misleading sustainability claims and misleading consumers, prompting greater accountability and more accurate communication around sustainability efforts. 

In January 2025, final negotiations between EU legislators on the Green Claims Directive and the PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) regarding textiles, clothing, and footwear will take place. 
This seems like a good step forward! However, according to several experts in the sector, there are some issues within the Product Environmental Footprint that need attention. The methodology and associated rules need to be improved because they currently do not reflect environmental impacts accurately enough. For example, according to the current PEF methodology, polyester is the most sustainable raw material textile after linen, while wool is the least sustainable version.

Both the European Commission and the European Parliament recognise these shortcomings and do not yet want to introduce the PEF, but the European Council is keen to go public with the directive. This would mean that the PEF will from then on be used in many other policies as the independent and reliable benchmark to label sustainability in textiles.

Evolution of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

The CSRD officially came into effect in January 2024, requiring large (+500 employees) and listed companies to disclose detailed information on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. This includes supply chain transparency, climate risks, and circular economy strategies. These companies will have to report about the fiscal year of 2024, the reports will be published in 2025.

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) into effect

On 18 July 2024 the ESPR came into effect, the Commission will adopt the first ESPR working plan in the first half of 2025. The Regulation encourages brands to prioritise eco-conscious design and reduce fast fashion practices, improving product durability, reusability, upgradability and repairability.

• Digital Wardrobe app: COSH! measures longevity of clothes

The fashion sector has seen a drastic decline in product durability and longevity in the last two decades, resulting in landfills overflowing with cheap, low-quality garments. 
COSH! Strives to accelerate the transition into a more sustainable, ethical and circular fashion industry. And we have not been sitting still! As you may have noticed, we launched the Digital Wardrobe app! Thanks to the COSH! app, you can track how many times you’ve worn an item and how long it lasts. The app also provides repair shops in your area to increase the lifespan of your clothes.

COSH! members Wolvis, Spica Lifestyle, Chlues and Abelone Wilhelmsen are among the first brands connected to the app. This way, they get valuable insights about the life of the garments after they leave the store!

• The first Digital Product Passports (DPP) are in use

Digital Product Passports are an important part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. In 2024 there was a public consultation and call for evidence, so in 2025 the Act will be drafted and adopted by the Commission. Although the technical requirements and essential components of the DPP are not clear yet, the main goal is: establishing a tool to provide easy access to digital information on products’ sustainability, circularity and legal compliance. 

While not yet mandatory, many companies are already implementing DPP’s to provide detailed product information, such as material composition, production locations, recycling potential, and lifecycle data to the consumer. 

This increase in transparency and traceability is a huge win for the fashion industry and for consumers. COSH! aims to accelerate this change by providing a trustworthy and accessible platform where consumers can easily consult Digital Product Passports from any provider.

The best initiatives in the COSH! community

Here are some of the most impactful highlights from the COSH! retailers community in 2024, showcasing meaningful change and setting the stage for a brighter, more responsible future.

MUD Jeans: community-driven business in circular denim

In 2024, MUD Jeans, led by CEO Jolanda Brink, embarked on a bold new journey, inviting fans of their eco-friendly denim to become part of the brand’s growth. Through this innovative crowdfunding initiative, supporters can buy shares in the company, gaining exclusive benefits such as welcome gifts, discounts, and jeans, with the potential for dividends after a few years.

The campaign has raised an impressive sum of almost €800,00, totalling 93% of the target. ​“Within just two weeks, we raised more than half of our goal from fans, retailers, and customers,” said Bert from MUD Jeans, highlighting the brand’s deep connection with its loyal community. This groundbreaking move not only demonstrates the power of community-driven business but also reinforces MUD Jeans’ commitment to sustainable fashion and innovative brand building.

Iris Nijenhuis: Empowering communities through design

In 2024, Iris Nijenhuis, known for her innovative modular jewellery designs, launched a crowdfunding campaign to expand her sustainable work through her Take Part research project. What truly set her apart was her commitment to social impact. Over the past year, she has worked closely with local care centre Abrona and social enterprises I‑did and OPNIEUW! to explore socially responsible, local production methods for her accessory collection. This research project explores consumer values around local and social economy. Her efforts not only brought people together but also highlighted how design can serve as a tool for positive societal change.

Design for Resilience festival: Fais-le toi même

The​“Fais-le toi même” festival of Design for Resilience, brought citizens, activists, artists, associations, and leaders together. The event showcased collections and creations built around principles of circular design, durability, and resilience. Focussing on discussing the major challenges of this transitional period and promoting collective change, the event created a platform for sharing ideas and perspectives to develop new ways of connecting everyone with nature and the community. 

Achilles & the Tortoise: Expanding the brand

Achilles & the Tortoise is expanding their unique streetwear into sweaters. Crowdfunding through the launch of their pre-order collection. Designed to be more easily recyclable, made in Europe and following their signature style. By combining natural materials with a clear focus on circularity, the brand perseveres with slow-fashion principles in urban fashion.

Ecoso: Residual streams become circular interior design concepts for rent

In December 2024 the circular project COllectibles takes off! In this project Architect Eva Gheysen and cabinetmaker Rikkert Maes are transforming waste items from the Ecoso second-hand stores into unique circular interior concepts. Thanks to grants from Flanders Circular / OVAM, the project will be a forerunner in circular rental interiors for companies.

Patagonia’s Continued Commitment to Transparency

In an industry where greenwashing remains a concern, Patagonia keeps striving to raise the bar for the whole sector. After naming earth as it’s only stakeholder back in 2022, they keep marching on. In 2024 Patagonia developed one of the first end-of-life solutions for wetsuits, launched a crowdfunding to protect the ecosystems and environment of the Chilean Patagonia, and launched the Lone Planet Fund to support local and Indigenous communities. 
In 2024 they also had the Worn Wear Tour, a repair service that toured around to repair your gear for free. Isabel from COSH! member De Naaierij took part in the project.
Thanks to the persistent campaigns and communication, Patagonia’s initiatives keep drawing worldwide attention to environmental and social issues.

Looking to 2025: A Future Rooted in Innovation and Impact

As we move into 2025, the future of fashion looks increasingly positive. The industry’s focus on circularity, transparency, and ethical practices continues to gain momentum. Exciting innovations, such as bioengineered fabrics, carbon-captured textiles, and next-generation recycling technologies, are set to redefine how fashion is created and consumed.

From small community-driven initiatives to large-scale innovations, the fashion community has proven its resilience and creativity in 2024. As we step into 2025, one thing is clear: fashion is no longer just about style — it’s about impact, innovation, and leaving a positive legacy for the future.

However, as our wish for 2025, we are hoping that the concerns raised in the industry will lead to a re-evaluation of the current Product Environmental Footprint. This important piece of legislation will set the standard for years to come, so it should not have this many shortcomings!

Here’s to a year when fashion becomes a true force for good.