Sustainable Fashion’s Next Chapter: Key Findings from the UK’s 2024 Fashion Innovation Report

The Council for Fashion Innovation (CFIN) has released its Interim Fashion Innovation Report for 2024, illuminating both the opportunities and challenges facing the fashion industry in its quest for sustainability and innovation. As part of the British Fashion Council’s (BFC) Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF), this report provides an overview of the current landscape of fashion’s positive change efforts, offering data-driven insights and recommendations aimed at advancing sustainable practices across the sector.
Key Findings from the UK’s 2024 Fashion Innovation Report, two models in front of a London street

Key Findings of the Report

The 2024 Interim Fashion Innovation Report showcases advancements within three main areas: innovation, sustainable development, and circularity. This document highlights critical milestones achieved since the report’s inception and sheds light on gaps that require immediate attention. The findings underscore the industry’s dedication to redefining business practices, particularly around sustainable production, new material innovations, and carbon footprint reduction.

1. Innovation and Emerging Technologies

A central theme in the report is the role of innovation, especially regarding material science and production technologies. The fashion industry, traditionally slow to embrace tech, is now accelerating its adoption of digital tools and circular manufacturing processes. With substantial investments in bio-based and recycled materials, several fashion brands have successfully reduced their environmental impact while enhancing product durability and quality. The report suggests that for continued progress, the industry must embrace innovations like digital product passports, blockchain technology, and regenerative farming practices to support transparent and accountable production.

2. Sustainability Targets: A Growing Responsibility

Sustainability targets have become a core focus, with brands setting ambitious goals for carbon neutrality and waste reduction. According to the report, consumer demand for ethical products is at an all-time high, pushing brands to align with sustainable development goals (SDGs) across their value chains. However, one of the report’s revelations is the uneven progress across brands, with smaller brands struggling to meet sustainability standards due to financial constraints and resource limitations. Larger brands are encouraged to mentor and support these smaller entities, enabling a more inclusive and industry-wide shift towards sustainable practices.

3. Embracing Circular Economy Models

Circularity is identified as a priority, with the report calling for the widespread adoption of circular economy principles. This approach advocates for designing out waste, prolonging product life, and creating systems for recycling and repurposing. According to the report, secondhand markets and rental models have grown substantially, creating viable alternatives to traditional ownership. Furthermore, brands are urged to adopt circular business models that incorporate repair, recycling, and upcycling services. The report highlights how such efforts could drastically reduce waste while offering consumers more sustainable choices.

Challenges on the Road to Sustainability

While the report celebrates progress, it doesn’t shy away from the challenges ahead. One significant barrier is the lack of standardised sustainability metrics, which makes it difficult for brands to compare progress and set benchmarks. The report calls for a unified approach to sustainability measurement, including the development of clear metrics that can be universally applied across the industry. Additionally, the financial burden of transitioning to sustainable practices remains a concern, especially for smaller businesses that struggle with the high costs associated with sustainable materials and technologies.

Recommendations for Future Development

The report lays out a series of recommendations to enhance sustainable development within the fashion industry. It encourages increased investment in research and development for sustainable materials, calling on governments to offer incentives that make sustainable practices more attainable for all businesses. Another recommendation focuses on the need for consumer education, advocating for transparency around production practices and material origins to foster a more informed and conscious consumer base.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts across the supply chain. Through initiatives that connect brands, manufacturers, and suppliers, the industry can work together to share resources and expertise, expediting the transition to sustainable practices. Finally, the report stresses the need for cross-industry support, calling on businesses outside of fashion, such as tech and finance, to contribute to the shift towards sustainability by investing in green technologies and sustainable solutions.

Looking Forward: A Unified Vision for Fashion’s Future

The CFIN Interim Report serves as both a progress tracker and a call to action. It underscores the need for collective effort, innovation, and a shift towards circularity to achieve the sustainability goals the fashion industry has set forth. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation, promotes responsible business practices, and champions circularity, the fashion sector has the potential to lead a global movement toward environmental stewardship.

This report highlights that while the path to sustainability is complex and fraught with challenges, it is also filled with promise and opportunity. As the industry moves forward, the insights and recommendations within the report serve as a critical roadmap for businesses to achieve a sustainable future, setting a benchmark for responsible fashion worldwide.

Northern Lights, Milky-way, Moonset, in Iceland Getty Images
Northern Lights, Milky-way, Moonset, in Iceland.
Image Credit Getty Images

Finland

Overview
Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland with regular Northern Lights displays. Rovaniemi is definitely more of a winter place to visit, but to view the Northern Lights, it is recommended. But be aware that many of the activities available are only offered in the wintertime or for larger groups. Getting around North of Rovaniemi often requires a car or a booked tourist bus tour. Santa Claus Village is the place where you can step over into the Arctic Circle and if you like dogs, you can spend time with Huskies in the Husky park next to Santa Claus Village. It’s easy to get the bus to the village from Rovaniemi and takes about twenty minutes, driving time.

Getting Around
Fly directly into Rovaniemi and get around with car rentals, or book guided excursions to Northern Lights hotspots. You can take the overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, and it’s well worth it. 

Places to Stay
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers luxury pods in nature with skylights for aurora viewing, and Santa Claus Holiday Village is a family-friendly option. The Village is also where you can step over into the Arctic Circle and spend time with huskies in the Husky Park.

Where to Eat
Sample Nordic flavours at Ravintola Nili and Restaurant Roka Street Bistro.

Getting Cosy
Enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine at Cafe Kauppayhtiö, a rustic spot in the heart of Rovaniemi.


Sweden

Overview
Nestled in Sweden’s Lapland, Abisko is famous for its clear skies and reliable auroras. The Abisko National Park even has what’s called a blue hole, which is an area often clear of clouds, perfect for Northern Lights sightings.

Getting Around
Fly to Kiruna, then take a train or drive to Abisko. The Aurora Sky Station offers guided night trips for enhanced viewing. You can also take the overnight train from Stockholm up to Kiruna, but book ahead as this train journey is quite popular.

Places to Stay
The Abisko Mountain Lodge and Aurora Village provide cosy cabins close to the best views.

Where to Eat
Try Restaurant Lapporten for local reindeer dishes and Swedish specialities.

Getting Cozy
STF Abisko Turiststation offers comfortable lounges where you can relax after a day out in the cold.

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern lights, putting on a show over Achmelvich beach, Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland, UK. Getty Images-2
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern lights, putting on a show over Achmelvich beach, Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland, UK.
Image Credit Getty Images

Scotland

Overview
Scotland’s rugged northern coastline and remote islands make for excellent Northern Lights sightings, known locally as the Mirrie Dancers. Cairngorms National Park, Isle of Skye, and the Orkney Islands are among the best places to view them.

Getting Around
Fly into Inverness Airport or Edinburgh Airport and rent a car to reach rural locations or join Northern Lights tours for expert-led experiences. The Scottish Highlands can be snowy, so winter-ready vehicles are recommended. You can take the overnight train from London to Inverness and other locations in Scotland.

Best Viewing Spots

Cairngorms National Park
Offers vast, clear skies in winter; try spots near Aviemore for convenient access to cozy accommodations and facilities.

Isle of Skye
Known for its dramatic landscapes and coastal views, spots like The Quiraing and Neist Point are popular for viewing auroras.

Orkney Islands
A Northern Lights hotspot due to minimal light pollution, Mainland Orkney near Kirkwall offers easy access and scenic backdrops.

Places to Stay

Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore for cozy, Highland charm with quick access to Cairngorms National Park.

Skeabost House Hotel on Isle of Skye, a historic mansion offering panoramic views.

Lynnfield Hotel in Orkney, a short drive from ideal Northern Lights vantage points.

Where to Eat

The Foveran in Orkney for local Scottish flavours like Orkney beef and seafood.

The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore for hearty, Scottish pub fare.

The Three Chimneys on Skye, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Scottish cuisine.

Getting Cosy
Warm up after a night out at The Highland Bothies in Skye or visit The Green Lady bar in Aviemore for locally crafted gin and cozy fires.

 

Northern Lights, Milky-way, Moonset, in Iceland Getty Images
Northern Lights, Milky-way, Moonset, in Iceland.
Image Credit Getty Images

Iceland

Overview
Iceland’s diverse landscape, from volcanoes and glaciers to waterfalls and black sand beaches—makes it a stunning backdrop for the Northern Lights. Thingvellir National Park offers clear skies near Reykjavik, while Vik, with its black sand beaches, is another fantastic viewing spot.

Getting Around
Fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and either rent a car or join a guided Northern Lights tour. Self-driving is popular but requires careful planning for winter conditions.

Places to Stay
Hotel Rangá in Hella, a countryside resort with outdoor hot tubs for stargazing, and Foss Hotel Glacier Lagoon near Vik, known for its modern design and scenic surroundings.

Where to Eat
Dill in Reykjavik for fine dining with a Nordic twist, and The Soup Company in Vik for hearty meals perfect after a chilly night.

Getting Cosy
Blue Lagoon Spa for geothermal relaxation under the stars, and Lava Show in Vik for an indoor experience showcasing Iceland’s volcanic side. Not far from Reykjavik is Laugarvatn Fontana, located next to a beautiful lake and comes highly recommended. 

Special Tips
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for beautiful iceberg-filled views and, if lucky, aurora reflections on the water.


Greenland

Overview
Greenland, with its expansive Arctic landscapes, offers some of the clearest skies for aurora viewing. Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq are both excellent locations, with the added allure of Greenland’s massive ice fjords and icy wilderness.

Getting Around
Fly into Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) for easier access to viewing spots. From there, local tour companies offer guided trips for Northern Lights viewing.

Places to Stay
Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat is known for its scenic views and cosy igloo pods, and Old Camp in Kangerlussuaq offers comfortable lodging and excellent aurora sightings.

Where to Eat
Cafe Iluliaq for local Greenlandic dishes, and Restaurant Roklubben in Kangerlussuaq for cosy, Nordic-inspired meals.

Getting Cosy
Nanoq Museum in Sisimiut for an indoor cultural experience, and Kaffemik experiences for authentic Greenlandic hospitality in locals’ homes.

Special Tips
Book a dog sledding or glacier walk tour for daytime adventure and unique photo ops.

Utakleiv Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway Getty Images
Utakleiv Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway Getty Images.
Image Credit Getty Images

What to Wear & Pack

Base Layers
Moisture-wicking thermals to keep you warm. Or woollen undergarments.

Insulating Layers
Fleece or down jackets.

Outer Layers
Waterproof and windproof coats and trousers.

Accessories
Insulated gloves, thick woollen socks, a warm hat, and sturdy, waterproof boots. Scotland’s terrain can be uneven and icy, so microspikes for boots are a good idea.

Bring a high-quality camera, tripod, extra batteries, a wide-angle lens, and a flashlight with red light mode (to avoid disturbing night vision). A thermos of warm tea or coffee can keep you cosy on long nights. You might be waiting a while, or have to move to different locations to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Photography Tips

Capturing the Northern Lights on film is not as easy as it seems. To prepare to stun yourself and your loved ones with your pictures of the Northern Lights, we have a few tips. There might be apps for phones to record the Aurora’s, but we haven’t found one yet that captures them like a good old fashion digital camera does. Best to prep your camera the night before if you can, so you don’t miss out enjoying the Northern Lights while you’re too busy adjusting your camera settings.

Manual Mode
Set your camera to manual to control exposure and focus.

Shutter Speed
Aim for 5-25 seconds, depending on the aurora’s brightness.

ISO
Start around 800 and adjust based on the light.

Aperture
Use a wide aperture, ideally f/2.8 or lower.

Focusing
Focus on a distant light source before setting the camera to manual focus.

Weather Apps
Download Aurora apps (like Aurora Forecast) and cloud cover apps to avoid cloudy areas.

Issues with Clouds

Cloud cover is the biggest challenge in seeing the Northern Lights. Abisko, thanks to its ‘blue hole,’ is a reliable spot to avoid cloud issues. For other locations, keep an eye on the aurora forecast and consider being flexible with your location to avoid clouds when possible.

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