Every year, the fashion industry churns through an overwhelming 62 million tones of textiles globally*, with the average American discarding around 81 pounds of clothing.

March 29th marks the International Day of Zero Waste—a reminder that despite growing efforts, the world is still generating vast amounts of waste, with a truly zero-waste system still far from reality.

The date was established by the UN General Assembly in 2022 to encourage sustainable consumption and production, prompting us to reflect on how the fashion industry, one of the largest contributors to global waste, is addressing waste within its own operations.

Outside the industry, it’s clear where to look when we talk about waste: overconsumption and the excessive disposal of pieces, as highlighted in the data shared in the beginning.

But when we turn the lens inward, especially when it comes to brands, there’s much more that can be done. Small actions and decisions brands make can significantly reduce waste across the entire production and retail chain.

And it all starts with doing one thing differently at the base of your supply chain: sourcing differently. Let’s break it down.

How Smart Sourcing Helps Your Brand Cut Waste and Boost Value

When thinking of smarter sourcing, it may probably come to mind having more cheap alternatives or perhaps opting for materials that are easily accessible.

However, these thought lines often overlook the true meaning of sustainable sourcing, which is prioritizing quality, thinking of durability, and the long-term environmental impact of the materials.

Focusing on sourcing better-quality materials helps your brand avoid:

Excess textile waste & overproduction

Over time, this strategy frees up resources, allowing your brand to invest more in innovation and design, rather than constantly replenishing stock.

By choosing durable, long-lasting fabrics, you reduce the frequency of production cycles and avoid overproduction.

This will also low manufacturing costs and help you manage inventory more effectively, leading to advantages like fewer unsold items.

Fast fashion cycle

Elevating your brand's offering by selecting materials that stand the test of time will reduce the reliance on disposable trends.

Instead of relying on those trends that quickly go out of style, your brand can create timeless pieces that are sustainable and aligned with long-term consumer value, reinforcing quality over quantity.

From a business perspective, this approach can definitely bring selling advantages. According to PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey, more than four-fifths of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainability, even amid cost of living pressures.

Supply Chain Inefficiencies

Sourcing high-quality, responsibly produced materials helps streamline your supply chain by reducing defects, returns, and last-minute production issues.

When your materials are consistent and reliable, you avoid excess costs and wasted resources caused by poor-quality fabrics that don’t meet production standards.

A smoother, more efficient supply chain not only lowers operational costs but also ensures a more predictable and sustainable production process.

These are just a few of the advantages. But of course, the “why's“ are always easier to understand than the “how’s“.

Changing the textile sourcing of your supply chain can certainly come with challenges, especially when we consider constant policy and tariff changes in the world and all the bureaucracy that can create a whole world of confusion.

So mapping out some strategies is fundamental.

The Road to Smarter Sourcing

It's commonly known now that technology has become a powerful enabler for small brands looking to compete in the sustainable fashion market, but its rarely put out as a tool for waste reducing and sustainable efforts.

That's why integrating technology and digitizing your sourcing process is our top recommendation for brands looking to build a more efficient, sustainable, and high-quality sourcing for textiles and other materials.

One of the most impactful ways to do this is by investing in centralized digital platforms.

This digital transformation empowers your brand to:

✅ Access a broader range of sustainable textiles → Centralized platforms give you year-round access to a diverse selection of certified, innovative materials from suppliers across the globe.

✅ Make informed sourcing decisions → Compare suppliers based on real-time data, including certifications, sustainability metrics, pricing, and reliability. This ensures you’re choosing partners who align with your brand's values and quality standards.

✅ Track supply chain transparency and traceability → Easily track the origin and production details of materials. Digital platforms help you ensure that every textile meets your expectations, offering full traceability from source to final product.

✅ Build stronger, long-term supplier relationships → Streamline communication and collaboration with trusted suppliers. With digital tools, you can negotiate better terms, improve efficiency, and foster lasting partnerships.

This is what we’re aiming at with World Collective Solutions.

We view technology as more than just a tool, but as a key driver for developing an industry that is more interconnected, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

World Collective’s Marketplace is a powerful platform that connects brands and suppliers committed to sustainability and ethical practices.

Here’s how it works with the WC Marketplace:

• Find Sustainable Suppliers with Ease: Browse the WC Marketplace from any device and connect with suppliers who share your sustainability values. Our platform is a hub for ethically driven suppliers, ensuring your materials are responsibly sourced.

  
  

• Access a Global Supplier Network: Discover sustainable textiles from around the world, giving your brand the flexibility to source unique and qualified materials across diverse regions.

  
  

• Full Transparency on Supplier Standards: Gain insight into each supplier’s practices, including key certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX. With this in-depth information at your fingertips, you can confidently assess each textile’s quality, performance, and sourcing background, ensuring it aligns with your vision for long-lasting, durable pieces.

  
  

• Flexible Pricing for Every Budget: Explore a range of price points to find high-standard materials that align with your financial goals—without compromising on quality or ethics.

An Inspirational Brand to Keep in Mind This Zero Waste International Day

For brands aiming to significantly reduce waste in their supply chains, gaining insights from those who are already leading the way can be invaluable.

One such brand is péro, an innovative brand that skillfully combines craftsmanship, tradition, and sustainability, demonstrating that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of mass production or excessive collections.

With a history spanning over 15 years, péro has built a model rooted in eco-friendly local sourcing and 100% handmade creations.

Credit: https://www.behance.net/gallery/134847889/Pero-Brand-Study-Marketing-Collection

____

Their commitment goes beyond eco-friendly local sourcing and fully handmade creations—it’s about using every material with purpose, leaving no waste behind. Here’s what sets them apart in waste reduction:

• Avoiding mass production: Every piece is carefully crafted, prioritizing quality and craftsmanship over volume.

  
  

• Two thoughtfully curated collections per year: A commitment to intentional design, creating enduring pieces rather than chasing trends.

  
  

• Rooted in local materials and craftsmanship: Celebrating artisanal techniques and sustainably sourced materials, ensuring cultural integrity.

  
  

• Infusing cultural heritage into every piece: Each design tells a story, preserving and honoring India’s rich textile traditions.

  
  

• Infusing cultural heritage into every piece: Each design tells a story, preserving and honoring India’s rich textile traditions.

  
  

Another important element of their success in achieving less-waste production is their thorough documentation system.

Every fabric, button, and detail is carefully recorded and stored in books and portfolios, all neatly categorized and numbered. This system helps them track their work, revisit past collections, and manage production efficiently.

A documentation process helps reduce waste by keeping track of every material used—fabrics, buttons, trims—so nothing is overlooked or discarded unnecessarily.

By maintaining organized records, brands can repurpose leftover materials, optimize sourcing decisions, and create more intentional designs, ensuring resources are used efficiently instead of wasted.

Picture by the World Collective team during a visit to péro's physical store in New Delhi, India.

___

World Collective’s team had the incredible opportunity to visit péro’s studio in India and dive into the heart of their beautiful, purpose-driven work. You can see how our full experience went here!

If you admire brands like péro and aspire to build a brand that stands for quality and waste reduction, take the next step with World Collective’s marketplace.

Source sustainable textiles that will help you create high-quality collections, while embracing a more responsible and sustainable approach.

Achieving waste reduction goals like brands such as péro starts with assessing the foundation of your supply chain.

Ask yourself: how can the textiles I source impact my waste reduction goals?

Having a trusted marketplace to source sustainable materials seamlessly is a key step in making this vision a reality.

If you are ready to source materials that don't just look good, but do good, click here to join us and transform your supply chain.

_____

*Data sourced from: https://www.wastemanaged.co.uk/our-news/retail/fashion-waste-facts-and-statistics/

Written By Maria Eugênia Lima, Content & Marketing Intern at World Collective