Fast fashion, the process of rapidly producing and distributing inexpensive, trendy clothing, often at the expense of quality and sustainability, has revolutionised the global clothing industry, offering affordable and trendy apparel to consumers. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost, particularly for garment workers in South Asia, including Bangladesh, who face exploitative working conditions and stark pay disparities (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).
In Scotland, the dominance of retail giants like Zara, H&M, and Primark highlight the disconnect between consumer habits and the realities of fast fashion production. The Journal for Global Business and Community has found that in the UK, this enormous retail industry is valued at approximately £10.9 billion as of 2024. Despite growing concerns about sustainability, the industry continues to thrive due to its accessibility and trend-driven nature.
Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest exporter of apparel, employs over four million workers in its garment industry, the majority of whom are women. Despite their critical role in the global supply chain, these workers often earn meagre wages, with some taking home as little as 50USD a month.
Protests for fair pay have intensified, as workers demand wages that reflect the rising cost of living and inflation. Unsafe working conditions, long hours, and limited labour protections further exacerbate their struggles.
The disparity between the lives of garment workers in South Asia and the thriving retail industry in Scotland underscores the need for greater awareness and accountability. Consumers in Scotland have the power to drive change by supporting sustainable and ethical fashion practices. Initiatives like Zero Waste Scotland’s promotion of second-hand shopping and slow fashion demonstrate a growing shift towards more responsible consumption.
As the chair of the Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh, I emphasise the importance of addressing these issues on a global scale. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between policymakers, retailers, and consumers, Scotland can play a pivotal role in advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions for garment workers in South Asia. Highlighting these disparities not only raises awareness but also encourages meaningful action to create a more equitable fashion industry.
To combat these issues and make real change, Scotland can further promote ethical supply chains, ensuring transparency and fair practices in procurement processes. By doing so, the country can support initiatives that guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally conscious production methods.
This approach aligns with Scotland’s commitment to being a good global citizen, prioritising social justice and environmental sustainability, with commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Scotland is also a founding member of the Wellbeing Economy Government’s Group (WEGo), aiming to restructure the economy towards a net-zero future and a nature-positive target.
The Scottish Government has interim targets of 56% reduction of carbon emissions by 2020, 75% by 2030, and 90% by 2040, relative to a 1990/1995 baseline making it a leader in advocating for global ethical standards.
Encouraging circular fashion presents another vital step toward sustainability. Scotland can champion initiatives such as clothing repair workshops, second-hand markets, and robust recycling programs, e.g. the Scotland Children’s Hospital Charity, alongside Nathans Wastesavers, who have several very successful clothing and textile recycling banks across Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders.
These efforts help reduce textile waste, extend the life cycle of garments, and foster a culture of reusing and repurposing materials. By embracing circularity, Scotland can significantly contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.
Additionally, Scotland has the potential to collaborate closely with South Asian countries on these issues, fostering partnerships that aim to improve working conditions and adopt innovative, sustainable technologies.
Such collaborations would not only benefit workers in South Asia but also serve as a blueprint for a global movement toward ethical fashion practices. By leveraging these partnerships, Scotland can make meaningful progress in creating a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry worldwide.