Did you know the global fashion industry consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industries combined? According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), clothing production contributes to around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to its long supply chains and energy-intensive processes.

"The fashion industry has been a major contributor to climate change and biodiversity loss. This makes sustainability efforts in fashion critical to our planet's health," says McKinsey & Company, a global management consultancy.

With climate change and environmental degradation becoming pressing concerns, Twyg, a South African non-profit organisation, has been hosting its annual Sustainable Fashion Awards for the past six years. A key feature of the awards is the public call for nominations, empowering people to voice their support for eco-friendly and ethical fashion practices.

Jackie May, founder of Twyg, explains:
"At Twyg, we celebrate fashion that is ecologically, socially, and culturally fit for the future. Supporting leaders, designers, and makers who champion sustainability is vital to creating the world our planet needs. Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about what we wear, how it’s made, and its impact on both the planet and people."

About the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards

Twyg, which operates at the intersection of fashion and sustainability, launched South Africa's first sustainable fashion awards. The programme honours local fashion changemakers, supporting both emerging and established designers. The awards include various categories across accessories, footwear, clothing, tastemakers, and activism.

The contest aims to spotlight designers who:

• Implement sustainable, circular, and regenerative design approaches
• Foster ethical practices in the fashion industry
• Build thriving communities and respect cultural and place-appropriate designs

By recognising and supporting these leaders, Twyg hopes to inspire a more responsible fashion industry.

How to Get Involved

"You can nominate someone, and we encourage designers to self-nominate. By raising our voices and making different choices, we can drive change," says May.

The 2024 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards opened for nominations on 28 August 2024, and submissions can be made via www.twyg.co.za. The nomination process was developed in collaboration with Eco Standard South Africa.

Nominations close on 27 September 2024, with judging to follow. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Cape Town on 22 November 2024, where the overall winner will receive a substantial prize.

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit twyg.co.za.

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