Studies have shown that the fashion industry produces tons of waste annually, which is now responsible for 10 percent of global carbon emissions on top of 1.92 million tons of textile waste per annum.
No wonder, all around the world, there's a loud call for the fashion industry to be more sustainable. But what does sustainable fashion mean, how can a fashion company answer the call, and how can shoppers benefit from supporting sustainable brands?
To answer these and a lot more, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle talks to Alyssa Lagon, branding and sustainability executive for Bayo Group. This 23-year-old executive is also the founder of Gen Z sustainable clothing brand Tela. With its holistic approach to circular fashion, Bayo Group received the 2023 Outstanding Filipino Retailer Award for Sustainability from the Philippine Retailers Association.
Alyssa, what is the meaning of sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion, to me, is a firm commitment that involves respect for the people and the environment and how collective decisions are made in order to create a meaningful and valuable relationship between the makers and the wearers. That relationship needs to be nurtured to positively affect not just today but, more importantly, the future.
How can consumers distinguish between fast fashion brands and sustainable ones?
Our company has been recognized for our sustainable programs and initiatives not only in the Philippines but in the Asia Pacific Region as well. In spite of the recognition, we still clearly communicate that we are in the midst of a journey with our sustainability program we call the “Journey to Zero” (JTZ), our circular pathway toward sustainability. We have been on a transformation, and the only way we can fully become a sustainable brand is when the consumers decide to take the same path. Consumers have the power to demand better from fashion makers like us. So far, we have been proudly engaging more and more consumers, which makes the journey more exciting.
As a piece of advice, look for brands that walk the talk. Choose those with integrity, and don't be fooled by marketing campaigns not supported by third-party validations.
How does choosing sustainable fashion benefit the shoppers in the long run?
Sustainable fashion is intentionally designed to be worn as many times as possible, ensuring that clothes transcend trends, endure the test of time, and possibly even be passed down through generations. Materials that use natural fibers also require more gentle caring, aligning with better environmental practices. For example, strong chemicals would easily damage natural fabrics and may cause skin irritants for sensitive people.
Opting for sustainable fashion empowers shoppers to actively support a more responsible and compassionate fashion industry that cares for the people and the environment.
Please share more details about the Bayo group’s 'JTZ' initiative.
I was told that the inspiration began from an innocent question from a girl when she was around 10. The question was asked to her mother during one of her visits to their garment production place. The girl would consider it as her playtime while she was surrounded by colorful fabrics. So one day she asked, “Mom, what happens with all the fabrics after making the clothes?” and her mom said in haste… “ hmmmm, a garbage collector comes and gets everything.” The girl was not satisfied and further asked…”Then what? Where do they go?” There was an awkward silence.
Armed with the memory of that innocent question and fueled by a passion to make a difference, the mother embarked on a journey. A journey that led her to explore the world of sustainability, uncover the truth behind textile waste, and discover innovative ways to breathe new life into discarded fabrics.
So that’s the whole truth behind the JTZ. That 10-year-old is me.
Since it started, how much fashion waste has been collected and recycled?
We were not collecting the data when the initiatives started, but as far as we have recorded, we used to have textile waste as high as 35 percent, and now we are managing around five to 10 percent. We are not throwing them. We have adopted several approaches so that we can still lower the percentage to less than five percent.
Who are your partner communities or weavers you are working with?
To mention a few, we have farmers, weavers, and crafters who make an entire ecosystem that supports our JTZ initiatives. Our communities are present in the areas of Bulacan, Aklan, Misamis Oriental, Benguet, and the Cordilleras.
How does opening the first Bayo Group concept store in Makati align with the group's vision for sustainability?
Opening our first concept store aligns seamlessly with the group's vision for sustainability as it provides a tangible embodiment of our commitment to responsible practices. This store showcases ethically produced products and repurposed store decor like our discarded mannequins wrapped in abaca. By creating a physical space that reflects our values, we can inspire others to adopt a more conscious approach to consumption, promoting a positive impact on both people and the planet. Additionally, the concept store ensures inclusivity by curating a diverse range of brands that cater to different generations. It widens the reach of sustainable fashion, making it relevant and appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers.
With all the company’s approach to sustainability, this will also cost a lot of money from the business side. How do you ensure that the product pricing will remain competitive behind sustainable efforts?
Certainly, a slight price adjustment was necessary due to our commitment to sourcing environmentally friendly and durable materials that provide comfort and better quality for our customers. Materials that feel good on the skin and that will last longer. More importantly, we prioritize fair treatment of the people behind the seams.
We ensure that we remain competitive by sacrificing marketing costs and profit margins not to make the price increase too steep and to make sustainability more accessible for consumers. Profits need not come 100 percent from financial gain. It can also result in increasing the brand value that comes with improving the quality of our business.
What’s your message to every shopper?
You're investing in quality, longevity, and a brighter future for our planet and the individuals behind the seams. Your mindful choices can spark a positive ripple effect, fostering a more compassionate and sustainable world.
Bayo Group’s first concept store is now open in Glorietta 2.This 200-square-meter concept store houses product from Bayo, Tela, and Viseversa.