Sustainability in Sportswear: Beyond Fabric Choices in the supply chain

Sustainability in Sportswear: Beyond Fabric Choices

While sustainable fabrics dominate conversations in sportswear, true environmental impact extends far beyond material selection. The entire supply chain—particularly sourcing decisions—often carries a greater ecological footprint than fabric choices alone. As highlighted in McKinsey & Company's research on "The Hidden Environmental Cost of Your Sportswear Supply Chain," material production represents only 38% of the industry's total emissions.

The Hidden Impact of Sourcing

The carbon footprint of sportswear encompasses multiple stages beyond materials: raw material production, material processing, manufacturing (CMT), transportation, and end-of-life disposal. Studies show transportation and manufacturing can represent up to 60% of a garment's total carbon emissions.

The location of Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) facilities significantly impacts sustainability through energy sources used for manufacturing, transportation distances between production stages, and varying environmental regulations across regions.

Upcoming Legislation and Strategy Shifts

New regulations will soon require sportswear brands to provide supply chain transparency, report comprehensive emissions, meet durability standards, and implement end-of-life responsibility programs. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation's guide on "Circular Design Principles for Sportswear Manufacturers" offers a framework for brands to prepare for these changes through circular economy approaches.

Forward-thinking brands are already rethinking their approach through nearshoring production, vertical integration, partnerships with sustainable manufacturers, digital production technologies, and circular design principles.

How Design Agencies Lead Change

Specialized design agencies can guide brands through this transition by mapping supply chain carbon footprints, identifying high-impact areas for reduction, redesigning products with comprehensive sustainability, developing balanced strategies, and preparing for regulatory changes. This is precisely why you should work with us if you want to start on the right foot or rework your existing sustainability plan—our expertise ensures you'll address the full spectrum of sustainability concerns rather than focusing solely on materials.

As the industry evolves, meaningful sustainability requires looking beyond fabrics to address the complex realities of global production. Brands taking a holistic approach to sourcing—considering emissions, manufacturing locations, and transportation alongside materials—will meet upcoming regulations while achieving genuine environmental progress.

Supporting Resources:

• McKinsey & Company: "The Hidden Environmental Cost of Your Sportswear Supply Chain"

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation: "Circular Design Principles for Sportswear Manufacturers"