--- title: The 7 Biggest Sustainability Challenges Facing American Brands description: American brands are struggling to navigate modern commerce, with consumers and policymakers leading the charge for more accountability when it comes to sustainable fashion. With slow progress on all ends, brands and retailers are struggling to reconcile business growth with transparent environmental responsibility. image: https://blog.charmingtrim.com/hubfs/sustainable-1.png --- # CHARMING INSIGHTS ##### A blog from Charming dedicated to consumer preferences, retail, and technology ### SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER [Back To blog](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/) ###### 3 min read # [The 7 Biggest Sustainability Challenges Facing American Brands](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/the-7-biggest-sustainability-challenges-facing-american-brands) Oct 25, 2024 11:14:43 AM [** share ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.charmingtrim.com/the-7-biggest-sustainability-challenges-facing-american-brands&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [** share ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.charmingtrim.com/the-7-biggest-sustainability-challenges-facing-american-brands&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [** Tweet ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.charmingtrim.com/the-7-biggest-sustainability-challenges-facing-american-brands&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.charmingtrim.com/the-7-biggest-sustainability-challenges-facing-american-brands&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) American brands are struggling to navigate modern commerce, with consumers and policymakers leading the charge for more accountability when it comes to sustainable fashion. With slow progress on all ends, brands and retailers are struggling to reconcile business growth with transparent environmental responsibility. #### Sustainability Challenges  [Sustainability](https://www.charmingtrim.com/sustainability) is a top priority for American brands, but are they overcoming the fashion industry’s biggest sustainability challenges fast enough? From manufacturing costs to consumer demands, accessible sustainability remains just out of reach for American brands of all sizes.  ###### 1. Fast fashion trends  Fast fashion is one of the biggest sustainability challenges facing not only American brands but brands around the globe. Fast fashion prioritizes speed, a concept that doesn’t mesh well with ethical production models and durable materials. Brands must balance staying relevant with maintaining relationships with cost-effective manufacturers.      ###### 2. Sustainable packaging Customers value the unboxing experience, making well-designed, sustainable packaging a must for brands. The problem? Manufacturing sustainable packaging that customers aren’t reluctant to pay for. One way to solve this problem is to partner with Charming Trim. We offer custom, [eco-friendly packaging](https://www.charmingtrim.com/portfolio-item/packaging/) to e-commerce and retail companies that your customers will love while minimizing environmental impact.    ###### 3. Rising costs Raw materials like organic cotton are more expensive and harder to source than commonly used materials like polyester, making them more expensive from the start. Sustainable production methods like reduced water usage and non-toxic dyeing, labor, and transportation are also becoming more expensive. Cost increases are a trade-off for inaccessible sustainability practices that put a strain on American brands and their global markets.   ###### 4. Changing consumer demands The rise of e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic and Amazon’s free Prime shipping deals have consumers expecting to receive their products delivered to their door within two hours to two days of purchase. For brands prioritizing sustainability, staying competitive with quick turnaround times is a challenge.  ###### 5. Using synthetic textiles The Changing Markets Foundation report “[Fashion’s Plastic Paralysis](https://changingmarkets.org/report/fashions-plastic-paralysis/)” examines the fashion industry’s reliance on synthetic materials, a key contributor to environmental pollution. These materials, namely polyester, are also associated with health risks. Polyester microfibres shed during the wash, contaminating water and home surfaces. However, its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice for American brands focused on maximum production.   ###### 6. Lack of regulations Fashion remains one of the most unregulated sectors—but that’s changing quickly. New legislation from California, New York, and the European Union are leading the fight against fast fashion, making it more difficult for companies relying on cheap labor and materials to sell their clothing in Europe.  Supply chains from sizable American brands are impacted by these new regulations, requiring them to develop sustainability claims supported by substantive evidence to prevent the use of vague language, including terms such as “biodegradable” and “climate neutral,” that contribute to [greenwashing](https://sourcingjournal.com/sustainability/sustainability-compliance/uk-competition-markets-authority-cma-greenwashing-fashion-compliance-527947/). More regulation is on its way, so it’s time to get ahead of it. ###### 7. Underdeveloped recycling technologies  [Textile-to-textile](https://sourcingjournal.com/tag/textile-recycling/) recycled polyester, also known as fiber-to-fiber recycling, turns used polyester fibers into new polyester fibers to cut back on waste. However, commercial scaling of recycling technologies means these processes are uncommon. Clothing collection and sorting require additional labor and technology, and being able to sort out commonly used fiber combinations is not yet accurate enough to be automated.   #### Overcome Sustainability Challenges One Step at a Time with Charming Trim  Sustainability is more than a buzzword. At Charming Trim, we help brands simplify their sustainability process. Partnering with us means receiving knowledge and tailored help from our industry experts to meet your eco-friendly packaging needs.    Need help getting started? [Schedule your sustainability consultation](https://www.charmingtrim.com/contact-us) with us today, and we’ll answer all of your questions so you can upgrade your sustainability practices one step at a time. ###### Topics: [sustainability](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/topic/sustainability) ![Rich Ringeisen](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/507386/CLEAN-images/lazy-imgs/lazy-img-200x200.png) #### Written by [Rich Ringeisen](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/author/rich-ringeisen) ###### [** Previous Post](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/6-ways-rfid-can-improve-your-manufacturing-process) [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/507386/CLEAN-images/gfx/feat-img-temp.jpg)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/6-ways-rfid-can-improve-your-manufacturing-process) ###### [6 Ways RFID Can Improve Your Manufacturing Process](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/6-ways-rfid-can-improve-your-manufacturing-process) ###### [Next Post **](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/global-events-that-sparked-2024-supply-chain-disruptions) [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/507386/CLEAN-images/gfx/feat-img-temp.jpg)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/global-events-that-sparked-2024-supply-chain-disruptions) ###### [Global Events That Sparked 2024 Supply Chain Disruptions](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/global-events-that-sparked-2024-supply-chain-disruptions) ### Featured ### Posts by Tag - [sustainability (24)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/sustainability) - [DPP (20)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/dpp) - [RFID (14)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/rfid) - [digital product passport (DPP) (13)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/digital-product-passport-dpp) - [Charming.Digi (12)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/charming-digi) - [supply chain (7)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/supply-chain) - [Events (6)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/events) - [Labels (6)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/labels) - [Laws (6)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/laws) - [consumer insights (5)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/consumer-insights) - [circularity (4)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/circularity) - [Apparel (3)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/apparel) - [Certification (3)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/certification) - [PFAS (2)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/pfas) - [Tariffs (2)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/tariffs) - [brand (2)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/brand) - [digital labeling (2)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/digital-labeling) - [nfc (2)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/nfc) - [Cost Cutting (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/cost-cutting) - [Global Sourcing (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/global-sourcing) - [In Plant Printing (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/in-plant-printing) - [Nearshoring (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/nearshoring) - [QR (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/qr) - [Regulations (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/regulations) - [Smart Packaging (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/smart-packaging) - [Traceability (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/traceability) - [heat transfers (1)](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/tag/heat-transfers) [See all](https://blog.charmingtrim.com/the-7-biggest-sustainability-challenges-facing-american-brands#) ### Sign up for updates       [![](https://phosphor.utils.elfsightcdn.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.licdn.com%2Fdms%2Fimage%2FC560BAQEd_tlSQ08hRw%2Fcompany-logo_400_400%2F0%2F1630582539667%2Flowatag_logo%3Fe%3D1718236800%26v%3Dbeta%26t%3DZeKKPX2ZDL-3Ux9DxbsvPBBBtRRimqt-_glUlzjiTHY) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/charmingtrims/) [/CHARMING ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/charmingtrims/) 5 days ago Big news alert! CIRPASS - Digital Product Passport has just announced this week that the implementation of the DPP for apparel and retail is officially set for 2027. 👇Take a look at the roadmap document below, feel free to download and share it with your connections in the apparel and retail industry. There's important work ahead of us! [#dpp](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/dpp/) [#traceability](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/traceability/) [#circularity](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/circularity/) ‍‍‍‍ Read more ![Big news alert! CIRPASS - Digital Product Passport has just announced this week that the implemen...](https://phosphor.utils.elfsightcdn.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.licdn.com%2Fdms%2Fimage%2FD4E1FAQFPMsqPHqqdPQ%2Ffeedshare-document-cover-images_1920%2F0%2F1709886179396%3Fe%3D1710928800%26v%3Dbeta%26t%3DVjwku_vfYE4RNUJqUQ8KQviVxt-lJjcv-Cb8yqIIVNI)   [  17 ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/charmingtrims_roadmap-dpp-activity-7171784411384922113-GXK1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop)   Share [![](https://phosphor.utils.elfsightcdn.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.licdn.com%2Fdms%2Fimage%2FC4D0BAQHdBeqQFyaSAA%2Fcompany-logo_400_400%2F0%2F1668530079764%2Fcirpass_dpp_logo%3Fe%3D1718236800%26v%3Dbeta%26t%3DttDuHIpXb7ixWDtZkArJ3QTZBxu4hG6I822Qv-GT8Is) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cirpass-dpp/) [CIRPASS - Digital Product Passport ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cirpass-dpp/) March 1 The CIRPASS - Digital Product Passport final event is just around the corner! Have you registered already? No? 😱 Make sure to save your spot now > [https://lnkd.in/dVwEe2EZ](https://lnkd.in/dVwEe2EZ) 🗓The event will start at 9h30 CET - (5 March 2024) Consult the full event agenda > [https://lnkd.in/d-U3Zqra](https://lnkd.in/d-U3Zqra)  🔗 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: On the day of the event, you will be able to connect on this link > [https://lnkd.in/gEZs3XiX](https://lnkd.in/gEZs3XiX) ❓❓𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗤&𝗔 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗼 During the event, we will be conducting the Q&A sessions exclusively through Slido. Ask your questions to the experts on this link > [https://lnkd.in/gtgJ5bek](https://lnkd.in/gtgJ5bek) ------- Battery Pass Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, CEA-List, SLR Consulting, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Chalmers Industriteknik, VDE, DKE, +ImpaKT Luxembourg S.à.r.l, F6S Innovation, GS1 in Europe, Politecnico di Milano, circular.fashion, DIGITALEUROPE, EIT InnoEnergy, Delft University of Technology, TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology, Veltha, Energy Web, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung , SyncForce, Innovalia Association, Textile Exchange , Responsible Business Alliance, Worldline, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, iPoint Systems, Global Electronics Council, Avery Dennison, Global Battery Alliance, Global Textile Scheme GmbH Read more ![The CIRPASS - Digital Product Passport final event is just around the corner!Have you registered ...](https://phosphor.utils.elfsightcdn.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.licdn.com%2Fdms%2Fimage%2FD5622AQEV3zB6tmtO2w%2Ffeedshare-shrink_2048_1536%2F0%2F1709204357535%3Fe%3D1713398400%26v%3Dbeta%26t%3DhN0m0YNqMucwkHl8h5b911OBhB2H3ywNZaNCcIaNoV0)   [  11 ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/charmingtrims_the-cirpass-digital-product-passport-final-activity-7170689287410171904-qGbS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop)   Share