Fashion Revolution’s second edition of their What Fuels Fashion? research has found that the world’s biggest brands are failing to provide transparent data on climate impacts, sustainability planning, and energy related practices. Furthermore, these companies remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels, despite clean alternatives being readily available.
The study analysed and ranked 200 of the world’s largest fashion brands (those with a turnover of more than $1 billion), with these businesses collectively accounting for a combined $2.7 trillion in annual turnover[i]. Brands were then scored on how transparent they are across five critical areas: accountability, decarbonisation, energy procurement, financing decarbonisation, and just transition & advocacy.
The research revealed a staggering lack of both transparency and action; taking together all five metrics, the average brand score was found to be just 14%. Looking at each metric individually, the highest average scores were seen in energy procurement (19%), accountability (18%), decarbonisation (16%), and financing decarbonisation (15%). The just transition & advocacy metric was far lower with brands scoring an average of just 6%[ii].
The key takeaway from the research relates to the clean energy transition, something the fashion industry is clearly failing to address, with the researchers highlighting that fossil-fuelled heat used in dyeing, finishing, and processing facilities accounts for the single largest source of supply chain emissions.
Yet even though clean alternatives already exist, most brands are failing to act, despite the fashion sector facing relatively low barriers to electrification (when compared with other sectors such as heavy industry). The report finds that just 6% of brands disclose any efforts to electrify high-heat processes, furthermore, only 10% of brands disclose supply chain renewable electricity targets, and just 6% disclose broader renewable energy targets.
The researchers claim that the fashion industry’s climate targets are falling dangerously out of step with reality, where less than a fifth of brands (18%) disclose coal phase-out targets in their material processing. Further, whilst 60% of brands disclose energy sourcing in their own operations, just 11% do so for their supply chains, leaving a considerable blind spot[iii].
The report notes that supplier visibility is vital, with a lack of traceability making it impossible to evaluate climate risks or to channel finance into credible decarbonisation. Even so, publicly listed fashion brands make up almost two-thirds (59%) of businesses scoring zero on traceability, this is despite these brands being accountable to shareholders. Fashion Revolution states that these brands are failing at the most basic level of transparency and exposing a glaring accountability gap in ESG oversight.
Looking ahead the report calls on fashion brands to make the transition to clean energy at scale, switching fossil fuel use with technologies such as heat pumps and electric boilers, pairing this with time-bound supply chain targets for 100% renewable power, full public disclosure, and prioritisation of truly renewable sources like wind and solar. Further, they call on brands to help finance supplier electrification, secure renewable power through Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs) or direct investment in new renewable projects and use their brand influence to advocate and co-fund systemic reforms that decarbonise factories and national grids[iv].
[i] What Fuels Fashion? 2025 : Fashion Revolution
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Ibid
[iv] Ibid
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
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