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Impact Landscape

Impact Landscape

The Impact Landscape 2025 report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainability in the fashion industry, focusing on measuring, assessing, and managing environmental impacts. The report outlines key methodologies for impact assessment, introduces relevant frameworks and organisations driving change, and highlights significant programmes, reports, and events shaping the industry’s approach to sustainability.

Last updated: 11/02/2025

Introduction

The fashion industry is under increasing pressure to mitigate its environmental and social impacts. The Impact Landscape 2025 report underscores the critical role of impact measurement and life cycle assessments (LCA) in driving industry-wide sustainability. Impact, defined as any effect an organisation has on the economy, environment, or society, is multi-dimensional and complex. The report introduces the Triple Bottom Line framework—People, Profit, and Planet—as a guiding principle for sustainable development. It discusses why tracking impact is essential, including regulatory compliance, cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and attracting sustainable investments. It also explores various methods for tracking environmental impact, such as ESG reporting, quantitative assessments, and certifications.

Moreover, the document highlights the importance of following standardised methodologies, such as ISO 14040/44 for life cycle assessments, and identifies industry-wide efforts to accelerate progress towards net-zero emissions. By understanding and tracking their impacts, companies can align with broader sustainability goals, enhance transparency, and drive innovation within their supply chains.

Key Terms

  • Impact: The effect an organisation has on society, the environment, and the economy.
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A methodology for assessing environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life cycle.
  • Triple Bottom Line: A sustainability framework focusing on People, Profit, and Planet.
  • GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Emissions: Emissions from processes contributing to global warming.
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP): A metric for comparing the warming impact of different greenhouse gases.
  • ISO 14040/44: International standards for conducting life cycle assessments.
  • ESG Reporting: Disclosure of an organisation’s environmental, social, and governance practices.
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A global framework aimed at achieving sustainability by 2030.
  • Cradle to Gate: is a life cycle assessment (LCA) boundary that considers the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction (cradle) to the point it leaves the manufacturing facility (gate).
  • Cradle to Gate: is a life cycle assessment (LCA) boundary that considers the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction (cradle) to the point it leaves the manufacturing facility (gate).
  • Circularity: A sustainable approach where resources are reused, recycled, or regenerated to minimise waste.
  • Impact Ecosystem: Organisations, initiatives, programmes, and reports contributing to sustainability.
  • Decarbonisation: Reducing carbon emissions through process improvements and sustainable practices.
  • Screening LCA: A preliminary LCA to identify potential environmental hotspots.
  • Impact Categories: Metrics used to measure environmental impacts, such as water use, emissions, and land use.
  • Net Zero: Achieving a balance between emitted and absorbed carbon emissions.

Contents

  1. Confidentiality and Anti-Trust Statement
  2. How to Define Impact
    • Definitions and Dimensions of Impact
    • The Triple Bottom Line Framework
    • The importance of impact measurement
  3. The Impact of the Fashion Industry
    • Emission Statistics and Industry Challenges
    • Pathways to Net Zero
  4. Methods for Measuring Environmental Impact
    • Corporate and Product-Level Measurement
    • ESG Reporting and Global Standards
    • History of Impact Measurement
    • Life Cycle Assessment Methodologies (ISO 14040/44)
  5. Fashion for Good Impact Measurement Approach
    • Phases of Impact Measurement
    • Screening LCA Methodology
    • Challenges and Solutions in Data Collection
  6. Impact Ecosystem: Organisations and Initiatives
    • Key Organisations Driving Sustainability (e.g., Textile Exchange, Cascale, AII)
    • Partnerships and Industry Collaborations
  7. Appendices
    • Additional Resources and Detailed Data Analysis
    • References and Industry Guidelines