Blog3/3: What My Research Found From green claims to factory floors

After completing my systematic literature review, I wanted to reflect on the main findings from the eighteen studies

Before starting this research, I expected the main issue that companies are making sustainability claims without taking real action. However, the literature showed a more complex picture. The gap between sustainability promises and factory level practices is often connected to structural problems such cost pressure, fragmented outsourcing, and the unequal relationship between brands and suppliers. Many factories are not simply refusing to improve; they are operating within a system where speed, low costs, and production demands often come first.

I also discovered that certifications like GRS and RCS can support sustainability efforts but should not be viewed as a complete solution. They provide useful standards and transparency, but they may only cover certain parts of a product’s lifecycle. A certification label alone does not always show the full environmental impact behind a product.

The circular economy was another important finding. I initially saw it as a nearly complete solution for creating a more sustainable fashion industry. However, the research showed that many circular practices are still focused on recycling and reuse, while approaches like repair, eco-design, and longer product life cycles are less developed. This means circularity is often added after production rather than built into the design process from the beginning.

The biggest change in my perspective was realizing that sustainability challenges cannot be solved by blaming one group. The issue is connected to the way the entire industry is structured, from consumer expectations to supplier relationships and business models.

Overall, this research taught me that sustainability is not just about making better claims,  it is about creating deeper changes in how fashion is designed, produced, and managed. Real progress requires shared responsibility and a shift in the systems that shape the industry.