Blog

21.07.2017

CUT-UP discusses the factors influencing the acceptance of sustainable clothing

At the seventh event in the CUT-UP discussion series, Lisa Jaspers (founder of Folkdays) and Dörte Meyer (founder of DFM Hamburg) discussed the factors influencing the acceptance of sustainable fashion with moderator Frauke von Jaruntowski at the DFM Hamburg studio.

It became clear that, for the vast majority of consumers today, sustainability is not a primary factor influencing their purchasing decisions. Traditional factors such as design, quality and price are still regarded as the decisive motivations for making a purchase. In this context, according to Lisa Jaspers, it is important to recognise that sufficient change (in terms of sustainability-oriented consumer behaviour) cannot be brought about by consumer self-determination alone. Rather, the creation and establishment of sustainable solutions within the textile and clothing industry must be rooted in political and social change.

The CUT-UP discussion series is a collaboration between Bridge&Tunnel, designxport, Frauke von Jaruntowski and the Hamburger Stiftung für Wirtschaftsethik. Over a two-year period running until the end of 2018, the series of events will discuss topics ranging from sustainability and fair trade to supply chain transparency, amongst others.

The Hamburger Stiftung für Wirtschaftsethik addresses ethical risks in the textile sector through initiatives such as its ‘Water Stewardship in the Clothing Industry’ project.