Textile Insight

Shoes made from materials such as recycled plastic bottles, old shoes, or tires are considered sustainable because they do not require new raw materials to be produced. Sustainable footwear should also minimize negative environmental impacts during their design, manufacturing, and maintenance life cycles. Female 36 A company that offsets its carbon footprint. Items made from renewable or recycled materials. Female 56 Recyclable materials or re-useable materials. Male 28 Products that are made out of materials will not be harmful in any given environment if pieces are le behind. As well as the materials it is made of are not too water-intensive and can be gathered or created without depleting any resources that can't be replaced once gone. Male 32 Sustainable apparel and footwear are products made from materials like cotton and hemp, that are able to be produced naturally. Male 40 Fewer emissions in the production process, made from materials that are farmed, gathered or produced in ethical and environmentally friendly methods. Female 24 Products that use materials that have little impact on the environment, are recyclable/ renewable, and animal free. Male 47 Natural materials, high quality execution and design, good stitching. Female 32 Using biodegradable products. Male 24 Long lasting, not from "fast fashion" companies, ethical/eco friendly business practices. Female 33 Sources which can be replenished as fast as they are used. Male 50 A product made of biodegradable materials, locally sourced materials, made from recycled or repurposed items, made with sustainable practices, small batch and fair wage. Female 40 Something that is recycled, able to withstand the weather, holds up against rugged outings, is easy to wash and reuse. Female 32 Something made from renewable sources, with a lower carbon footprint for the manufacturing and shipping process. Male 42 A product made with quality materials and will last for multiple years. Male 30 Something that is ethically sourced, something that won't damage the environment while being made, and when it's thrown away, won't damage the environment. Female 33 Low use of plastics or recycled, low emission company, donates to environmental charities. Male 31 Products produced in a way to minimize the environmental impact. is includes local production in order to reduce shipping. Male 42 One that either is made of sustainable materials, or through sustainable processes, or even one whose maker compensates by giving back to nature (planting, etc). Male 42 A product that is made from materials that don't harm the environment or area where the materials are grown, and which more items can safely be made without taking from the environment. Materials are easily grown and replenished aer being harvested. Female 41 Not produced with child labor or disadvantaged working conditions. Female 31 I'm assuming that they're using plant-based materials that would break down easier in a landfill than plastic. Male 44 Materials that will disintegrate and that are good for the environment. Female 32 A high quality product that lasts a sufficient amount of time without deteriorating and is also good for the environment. Female 28 Vegan leather and products like bamboo or hemp. Female 54 I honestly don't have a clear definition in my head - typically rely on accreditation bodies to designate sustainability. Male 37 Either using recycled plastics or natural textiles. Natural or waterless dyes. Female 46 One that can be endlessly recycled or repurposed into future footwear or apparel. Female 51 Recycled materials, the company has a trade in program and the company supports the environment. Male 32 A sustainable footwear or apparel product means that the company is producing the products in a minimal waste fashion, as well as treating the workers and space around the factories well. Female 19 Not fast fashion, durable, locally made or from a smaller business. Something that minimizes the resources needed to make it and get it to me. Female 30 One that is produced in a healthy environment and the production site causes no harm to the environment. en, once the shoe has lived its life, it is healthy to the environment aer. Female 22 Brands that use ethically sourced fabrics and materials that are made to last and be recycled. If they used recycled fabrics or ways that allow a user to return used garments for discounts are also appreciated. Brands that promote long term wear are especially important. Female 25 It is a type of material made with fewer materials or ones that are environmentally friendly and can be reused or recycled. Sustainable materials such as natural and recycled rubber, castor beans, coconut husk and recycled water bottles. Male 52 Apparel that can be reused or recycled into something else. Also clothing and footwear that is made from plants and that can break down easily when no longer wearable. Female 60 Using every piece of material, reusing old material, no to low pollutants. Male 36 Non-animal products, sustainable factory, made locally. Male 44 Something that lasts longer than a few wears. Female 42 I don't think it means anything since there is no universally- accepted standard or certification. Male 38 Having a scientifically backed approach to the claim. Ideally offsetting virgin materials or having an end-of-life plan whether regrind or product disassembly for recycling. Male 33 Material, process, and life-cycle. If it is something that was made locally, great! If it was made with a material that is built to last or even has a positive effect on the environment, amazing! if the product can be reused or upcycled or even fixed, even better! Male 31 TRENDINSIGHT What is your definition of a sustainable apparel or footwear product? 40 • Textile Insight ~ Spring 2023 textileinsight.com SELECTED COMMENTS

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