SUSTAINABILITY: WHERE DOES GREECE STAND COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES?

From Greece to the World (PART 2)

Tradition, Challenge & Perspective in a Changing Industry

In a world urgently seeking solutions to the climate crisis, fashion is far from unaffected. Sustainability — once a marginal idea — has become a business and ethical imperative. Greece, a country rich in cultural heritage and natural resources, but also facing real challenges, is now called to find its place in this new reality — all while observing global trends and the rising “green shift” in the international fashion landscape.

Sustainability made in Greece

Greece holds comparative advantages that can bring it to the forefront of sustainable creation:

Local production & natural materials Handcraftsmanship, small local workshops, the zero-waste logic of tradition, and a deep appreciation for quality offer an authentic model of slow fashion.

Solar & wind energy Greek islands are gradually transforming into “green islands” — a shining example of sustainable innovation.

Mediterranean diet & lifestyle Sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s part of the Greek DNA: local resources, seasonality, and a deep-rooted sense of balance and moderation.

Still, the country faces pressing challenges:

• Marine pollution from plastics

• Overtourism and island strain

• Insufficient recycling and circular economy infrastructure

• Need for green infrastructure and sustainable transportation

🌍 How are other countries responding?

🇩🇪 Germany A benchmark for ethical fashion, with consumers demanding traceability and certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX). Berlin stands as a hub for sustainable materials and fashion innovation.

🇫🇷 France Luxury houses (Gucci, Balenciaga) now implement ESG strategies. Since 2022, destruction of unsold clothing is banned. Investments are rising in recycling factories and circular marketplaces (e.g. Vestiaire Collective).

🇸🇪 Sweden A model of state support for textile recycling and bio-based fabrics (e.g. cellulose fibers). H&M has invested in new tech, though it often faces greenwashing accusations.

🇮🇹 Italy Haute couture embraces slow luxury. Family-run ateliers are shifting toward organic materials. Sustainable production pioneers like Candiani Denim lead by example.

Are there sustainable factories ?

Yes — fully dedicated sustainable production facilities are already operating in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Simultaneously, factories in Asia (India, Bangladesh, Vietnam) may be certified (GOTS, BSCI), though greenwashing concerns remain.

Material innovation is evolving faster than manufacturing itself:

• Fabrics made from fruit waste, mushrooms, seaweed, and recycled plastics are already in use.

• The term bio-fabricated materials is here to stay.

But sustainability isn’t just about “eco-friendly fabric.” It’s a holistic approach across every stage: design, sourcing, production, transportation, use, and recycling. It’s about people, communities, environments, and economies.

The Future: Sustainably Made in Greece

To make Greece a true reference point, we need:

• Support for local makers and small businesses

• Investments in circular production and clean infrastructure

• Education and awareness for both professionals and the public

• A connection between our cultural identity and a new, eco-conscious way of life

The label “Made in Greece” is no longer enough. The future belongs to “Sustainably Made in Greece” — with transparency, respect, and creative responsibility.

Is Greece consistent today?

The answer is multifaceted. Greece is in a state of transition toward a more responsible path in sustainable fashion — with notable steps in entrepreneurship and social action. However, full consistency has not yet been achieved: unclear claims, greenwashing, and hesitation at the public policy level still hinder true progress.