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Everything you need to know

Glossary

A
Adaptive Clothing refers to garments designed for people with physical disabilities and the elderly who may experience difficulty dressing themselves due to an inability to manipulate closures, such as buttons and zippers, or a need for more comfortable clothing that accommodates medical devices and aids. Adaptive clothing often includes features like magnetic closures, velcro, adjustable details, and stretchable fabrics, enhancing both functionality and comfort without sacrificing style. This category is increasingly included in discussions about inclusivity within the fashion industry.
Anthropogenic Impact refers to effects on natural systems and the environment that are caused directly or indirectly by human activities. In the context of fashion, it involves assessing how textile production, fashion waste, and other industry practices contribute to environmental degradation.
Auditing in the context of sustainability involves the systematic review of a company's adherence to regulatory standards and ethical commitments, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
B
Biodegradable refers to materials that can break down and return to nature, decomposing by the action of living organisms, typically bacteria, without harming the environment.
Biodiversity Conservation in fashion involves practices and strategies that protect the variety and variability of life on Earth, particularly by preserving the natural habitats and species that are used directly or indirectly in clothing production. This can include sourcing materials that promote the health of ecosystems, supporting wildlife conservation projects, and avoiding practices that endanger species diversity. In sustainable fashion, maintaining biodiversity ensures that natural resources are available for future generations while supporting the balance of the ecosystems we rely on.
Biophilic Design is an approach that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. In fashion, biophilic design principles can be integrated into retail spaces to create environments that increase visitor well-being and connectivity to the ecological world through the use of natural materials and elements.
C
Carbon Offsetting involves compensating for emissions of CO2 or other greenhouse gases made by industrial or human activity by participating in or funding projects aimed at making equivalent reductions of CO2 in the atmosphere.
A circular economy is a regenerative system in which resource input, waste, emission, and energy leakage are minimized by slowing, closing, and narrowing material and energy loops. This can be achieved through long-lasting design, maintenance, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recycling. Momentum helps fashion companies integrate circular economy principles into their operations, fostering a shift from linear production models to more sustainable, circular practices.
Circularity Score is a metric used to evaluate how well a product or company adheres to circular economy principles, including resource efficiency, waste reduction, and lifecycle extension. This score helps fashion companies assess their progress towards becoming more sustainable.
D
Due diligence in sustainability involves a comprehensive appraisal of a business or its practices, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and ethical standards.
Durable Goods in fashion are items designed with longevity in mind, encouraging less frequent replacement due to wear and tear. Promoting durable goods is essential for reducing the industry’s environmental footprint by decreasing consumption rates.
Dye Effluent refers to waste water produced in the manufacture of colored fabrics, which often contains toxic chemicals and dyes that must be treated to prevent environmental damage.
E
Eco-labeling involves marking products with specific labels that certify them as environmentally friendly based on predefined criteria. This practice helps consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase based on sustainability factors.
ESG refers to the three central factors measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of a company or business. Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. Social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities where it operates. Governance deals with a company’s leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights. Momentum leverages technology to simplify the collection, management, and reporting of ESG data, helping fashion brands improve their sustainability practices.
Ethical Sourcing is the process of ensuring the materials and products being sourced are obtained in a responsible and sustainable way, that the workers involved are safe and treated fairly.
F
Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers.
Fashion Footprint is a measure of the environmental impact caused by the production and disposal of clothing and accessories. This includes water usage, chemical pollution, carbon emissions, and waste generation throughout the lifecycle of fashion products.
Fast Fashion refers to the rapid production of high volumes of clothing, emulating current fashion trends and making them available to consumers at low cost. This practice emphasizes speed and low costs, often at the expense of environmental and social factors. It typically results in excessive consumption, high waste generation, exploitation of labor, and significant environmental degradation due to the use of cheap materials and unsustainable manufacturing processes. Awareness and criticism of fast fashion's impacts have spurred the growth of sustainable fashion movements that advocate for higher quality production, ethical labor practices, and environmental conservation.
G
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the world's leading textile processing standards for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. This standard ensures the organic status of textiles from the harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling, in order to provide credible assurance to the consumer.
Greenhouse Gas Protocols provide the world's most widely used greenhouse gas accounting standards for governments and businesses to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Procurement is the practice of acquiring goods and services with a minimal environmental footprint. It involves selecting materials and products with low environmental impacts and encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable practices.
H
The Higg Index is a suite of tools that enables brands, retailers, and facilities of all sizes, at every stage in their sustainability journey, to accurately measure and score a company or product’s sustainability performance.
Holistic Sustainability in fashion involves considering all aspects of sustainability — environmental, social, and economic — to create comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development.
Human rights in the context of fashion involve ensuring that workers throughout the supply chain are treated ethically, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom from exploitation.
I
Impact Measurement in the fashion industry refers to the process of evaluating and quantifying the social and environmental effects of a company’s operations. This method helps businesses understand the ramifications of their practices on ecosystems and communities and aids in making informed decisions to enhance their sustainability efforts. Through robust impact measurement, companies can align their strategies with global sustainability goals, improve transparency, and enhance their corporate social responsibility profiles.
Impact Investing refers to investments made into companies, organizations, and funds with the intention to generate a measurable, beneficial social or environmental impact alongside a financial return.
Impact Transparency is the practice of openly sharing information about the social and environmental impacts of a company’s operations, products, or services. This transparency is critical for building trust and accountability in sustainable fashion.
J
Just-in-Time is an inventory strategy companies employ to increase efficiency and decrease waste by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process, thereby reducing inventory costs.
Just Transition is a framework for ensuring that transitions toward sustainability are fair and inclusive, minimizing the impact on workers and communities and ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from economic and environmental changes.
Jacquard Weaving is a textile production technique that allows for intricate patterns and designs to be woven directly into fabric through the use of Jacquard looms. Named after its inventor, Joseph Marie Jacquard, this method uses a series of punched cards to control the loom’s weaving actions, enabling the production of elaborate, detailed fabrics like brocades, damasks, and tapestries. In sustainable fashion, Jacquard weaving can enhance the value and longevity of garments by creating high-quality, durable textiles that contribute to reduced waste and prolonged product life cycles.
K
Kinetic Energy Recycling in fashion involves capturing the energy expended in retail environments (e.g., from foot traffic) and converting it into usable power, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Knit-to-Shape technology involves knitting garment pieces to exact sizes and shapes. This advanced manufacturing method reduces fabric waste, enhancing sustainability.
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.
L
Life Cycle Assessment is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling. By offering tools that support LCA, Momentum aids fashion brands in understanding the total environmental impact of their products, promoting more informed decision-making for sustainability.
Life Cycle Extension strategies involve extending the usable life of a product through design, maintenance, repair, and upcycling, thereby reducing waste and the need for resource-intensive production of new items.
Low-Impact Dyeing refers to dyeing processes that use less water, energy, and chemicals compared to traditional methods. This approach aims to minimize the environmental footprint of textile production by reducing pollution and conserving resources. Low-impact dyes often avoid the use of heavy metals, carcinogens, and other toxic substances commonly found in conventional dyes. They also typically require less rinse water, further decreasing the water usage and wastewater produced during the dyeing process. Adopting low-impact dyeing is crucial for sustainable fashion brands seeking to enhance their eco-friendly practices.
M
Material sourcing in sustainable fashion focuses on obtaining raw materials in a responsible and ethical manner, prioritizing renewable, recycled, and low-impact textiles.
Microfiber Pollution refers to the small synthetic fibers that shed from fabric during washing, which can pollute water systems and contribute to broader environmental issues.
Microplastic Management refers to efforts to reduce the release of microplastics into the environment. In fashion, this includes designing synthetic fabrics that shed fewer fibers and implementing filters in washing machines.
N
Natural Capital Accounting is a method of valuing the environmental resources (natural capital) that businesses depend on to operate. This accounting helps companies understand the true cost of resource depletion and encourages more sustainable practices.
Natural resources in the fashion industry refer to raw materials sourced from the earth, such as cotton, wool, and leather, used in the production of clothing.
A Niche Market in the context of fashion refers to a specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service. These markets are often characterized by specific, unique demands and a dedicated customer base. In sustainable fashion, niche markets might focus on eco-friendly materials, ethical production processes, or specialized products like vegan clothing or zero-waste designs. Catering to niche markets allows brands to meet the needs of conscious consumers looking for products that align with their values regarding environmental conservation and social responsibility. This targeted approach often leads to more engaged customer relationships and sustainable business practices.
O
Offsetting Initiatives in the fashion industry involve actions or programs designed to counterbalance the environmental impact of various operations, such as carbon emissions and water use, by investing in environmental projects. These projects can include reforestation, renewable energy installations, or water conservation programs, helping fashion brands achieve sustainability goals by compensating for their unavoidable impacts.
Organic Certification ensures that textiles or other products have been manufactured using methods that adhere to the standards set by organic farming. This includes using no synthetic agrochemicals and conserving soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
Organic materials in fashion are derived from crops grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms, ensuring sustainability and reducing environmental damage.
P
Pollutant Release Inventories are databases that track the release of pollutants to air, water, and soil by industries. These inventories are used in fashion to monitor and manage the environmental impacts of manufacturing processes.
Pollution reduction involves strategies and practices aimed at minimizing environmental contamination from chemicals, waste, and other harmful materials typically produced by the fashion industry.
Post-Consumer Waste is material discarded after someone has used it, which is then recycled into new products, reducing the need for fresh raw materials and the amount of waste going to landfills.
Q
Quality assurance in sustainable fashion ensures that products meet specific sustainability standards and are produced under ethical working conditions.
Quality Over Quantity is a principle promoting the purchase and production of fewer but higher-quality items. In sustainable fashion, this concept encourages consumers to buy less by choosing better-made, more durable products.
Quilted Fabrics are textiles that consist of two layers of fabric joined together with padding in between, stitched in specific patterns or lines. This technique not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides extra insulation and durability. Quilted fabrics are often used in outerwear, accessories, and home decor. In sustainable fashion, quilted fabrics can be produced using recycled materials or organic fibers, enhancing the product's eco-friendliness while maintaining functionality and style. This method of fabric production aligns with sustainable principles by potentially reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials.
R
Regenerative Agriculture involves farming practices that restore soil health, improve water retention, and capture carbon dioxide. When applied in the production of natural fibers like cotton, it enhances the sustainability of textile materials.
Regenerative fashion goes beyond sustainability by adopting practices that help restore and rejuvenate the environment and society. This involves techniques that not only minimize harm but actively improve resources, such as regenerative agriculture practices that increase biodiversity, enhance ecosystems, and restore soil. Momentum supports fashion companies in implementing and tracking such practices, making it easier to manage and report on their regenerative impacts through efficient ESG data solutions.
Renewable Resources are natural resources which can replenish with the passage of time, either through biological reproduction or other naturally recurring processes. Sustainable fashion often relies on such resources to minimize environmental impact.
S
Supply Chain Management in the context of sustainable fashion involves the management of the flow of goods and services and includes all processes that transform raw materials into final products. It is implemented in a way that maximizes value and sustainability throughout the chain.
Supply Chain Optimization in fashion involves refining the supply chain process to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. This includes adopting more sustainable logistics, energy-efficient manufacturing, and ethical sourcing practices.
Sustainable fashion refers to clothing, shoes, and other fashion products that are designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly and ethical. This approach often involves using eco-friendly materials, promoting the longevity of products through higher quality, and implementing recycling programs to minimize waste. Momentum's mission aligns with these principles by providing innovative solutions that enable brands and suppliers to easily navigate the complex landscape of sustainable fashion compliance and impact measurement.
T
Textile Recycling involves recovering old clothing and other textiles for reuse or material recovery. It is an essential part of reducing the fashion industry’s waste and promoting circular economy principles.
Traceability in the fashion industry refers to the capability to track every step of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to the final product, ensuring all processes meet ethical and environmental standards.
Transparency in Supply Chain refers to the extent to which a company openly communicates the details of its supply chain practices to the public, including where and how products are made. This transparency is crucial for verifying ethical practices, such as fair labor conditions and environmental stewardship, at each stage of production. In sustainable fashion, transparency helps build trust with consumers who are increasingly concerned about the social and environmental impacts of their purchases. It also holds brands accountable for their supply chain choices, encouraging improvements and fostering a more sustainable fashion industry.
U
Upcycling in fashion is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value.
Upstream Emissions refer to greenhouse gases emitted during the production and processing of raw materials. In fashion, managing upstream emissions is crucial for reducing the overall carbon footprint of clothing items.
Upstream Processes in the fashion industry refer to the early stages of the supply chain, including the extraction of raw materials and the manufacturing of textiles. These processes are critical for sustainability efforts, as they often involve significant environmental and social impacts. Understanding and improving upstream processes can lead to more sustainable product outcomes, reducing waste, pollution, and resource use at the very start of a product's lifecycle.
V
Value Chain Analysis in the fashion industry involves examining the full range of activities required to create a product, from design through production to final sale and beyond, to identify opportunities for improving sustainability and efficiency. This analysis helps companies understand where they can reduce costs, enhance product value, improve environmental performance, and strengthen supplier relationships to better meet consumer demands for responsible products.
Vegan materials are alternatives to animal-derived materials such as leather and silk, made without animal products, often using synthetic or plant-based substances.
Vintage Fashion refers to garments and accessories that are at least 20 years old, representing high-quality, time-tested pieces from previous fashion eras. Vintage fashion has become an important part of sustainable fashion as it promotes the reuse and recycling of clothing, reducing the demand for new resources and decreasing waste. It also offers a unique, eclectic style that is both environmentally friendly and fashionable.
W
Waste Reduction in the fashion industry involves strategies and practices designed to minimize the waste generated during the production and consumption of clothing. This includes designing for durability, using cutting techniques that minimize fabric remnants, and creating recycling programs for post-consumer garments. Waste reduction is a key goal of sustainable fashion, aiming to decrease landfill use and resource depletion.
Water conservation in fashion involves strategies and practices that reduce water usage in the production of clothing and textiles, a critical aspect of reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
Water Footprint is a measure of the amount of water used in the production and supply chain of a product. In fashion, reducing the water footprint involves using less water-intensive materials.
X
X-efficiency in the fashion industry refers to the effectiveness with which firms utilize their available inputs and resources to minimize waste and maximize output, often under conditions of imperfect competition. In sustainable fashion, X-efficiency becomes crucial as it involves not only economic efficiency but also the integration of environmental and social considerations into production processes. This approach encourages brands to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and enhance operational efficiency, thereby supporting more sustainable practices.
Xenobiotic Resistance in the fashion industry refers to the ability of organisms to withstand exposure to synthetic chemical compounds that are foreign to their natural environment. These xenobiotics, which include certain dyes and finishes used in textile production, can cause environmental damage and affect the health of ecosystems. By understanding and addressing xenobiotic resistance, the fashion industry can develop safer, more sustainable chemical practices that reduce the impact on wildlife and ecosystems, aligning with broader environmental protection goals.
While less common in fashion, xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation, promoting more sustainable practices in corporate facilities.
Y
Yarn Forward Rule is a regulation that requires the yarn used to make clothing and other textiles to originate from a free trade agreement (FTA) partner country to qualify for FTA benefits. This rule is significant in sustainable fashion as it encourages local sourcing and production, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with long supply chains and supporting local industries.
Yarn Dyeing is the process of dyeing yarns before they are woven or knitted into fabrics. This method can be optimized to enhance sustainability in fashion by using natural or low-impact dyes, reducing water usage, and improving wastewater management. Sustainable yarn dyeing practices help reduce the environmental footprint of textile production.
Yield optimization in the fashion industry involves maximizing fabric usage during the pattern cutting process to minimize.
Z
Z-Twist Yarn is a type of yarn that is twisted in a direction resembling the letter 'Z'. This twist direction is opposite to the more common S-twist and affects the fabric's feel, appearance, and durability. In sustainable fashion, the choice between Z-twist and S-twist can influence the textile's production process and end-use. Utilizing specific twist types can optimize fabric performance and longevity, which are crucial for reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus minimizing environmental impact.
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) is an initiative by major apparel and footwear brands and retailers to eliminate the use of priority chemicals in the textile and footwear value chain. The ZDHC’s guidelines and tools aim to improve the environmental and human health impacts of the industry by driving widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry and best practices in the production process, moving the industry towards more responsible manufacturing methods.
Zero Waste Design is a sustainable fashion practice that involves designing patterns that make efficient use of fabric, leaving no textile waste. This approach challenges designers to rethink traditional garment construction methods to maximize fabric use and minimize environmental impact. Zero Waste Design not only reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills but also promotes creativity and innovation in the fashion industry, aligning with broader efforts to achieve sustainability in apparel production.

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