Yes, size really does matter. And fit too, of course. But why now more than ever?
The climate challenge is stark, and achieving the fashion industry’s sustainability goals in time will be difficult without addressing the industry’s waste problem. In 2025, many territories across Europe and the US are introducing legislation targeting industry waste—including returns, overproduction, and textile disposal—which could have a significant financial and operational impact on manufacturers and brands that are not prepared.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos 2025, global leaders reinforced a critical message: corporate sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a financial imperative. The discussions made it clear that businesses failing to address waste and emissions will face increasing regulatory, financial, and consumer pressures. One key takeaway was that brands integrating technology-driven circular solutions will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Legislation That Demands Action
The EU’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) shifts the burden of waste textiles and garments from local governments to manufacturers and brands. From now on, brands will be responsible for the sustainable management of these waste elements and will have to report on them. Similarly, the US has introduced EPR regulations, which have already been adopted by several states and are being considered by many more. These policies can have huge financial implications if brands do not have the right tools in place to support compliance and optimise operations.
Reducing Waste: The Role of Smart Sizing Technology
Two of the most effective ways to reduce waste and curb costs related to waste management are:
- Reducing returns
- Minimising garment overproduction
Currently, industry estimates suggest that between 30% and 40% of all manufactured garments end up as waste. Both issues—returns and overproduction—can be significantly reduced with the help of an accurate, tailored size-and-fit technology solution like Bodi.Me’s award-winning Size-Me tool.
Size-Me has been proven to help uniform manufacturers reduce return volumes by nearly 90%. Its highly accurate, non-intrusive size recommendation system ensures that wearers select the correct size and fit from the start, minimising the need for returns or exchanges.
Additionally, Size-Me’s data collection capabilities allow manufacturers to optimise production planning—helping them determine exactly how many garments of each size and style are needed rather than overproducing and generating excess stock. A great example of this in action is Bodi.Me’s collaboration with the Commonwealth Games’ volunteer kit manufacturer, where the tool helped significantly reduce overproduction.
The Uniform Industry’s Unique Waste Challenge
For uniform manufacturers, tackling waste is even more critical. Unlike general fashion brands, uniforms are branded and customised, making them difficult to resell or recycle. This means reducing waste at the source is the only truly effective solution. By supporting range optimisation and significantly reducing costly returns, Size-Me provides a practical and cost-effective way for businesses to adapt to new regulations while improving operational efficiency.
Size-Me is easy to integrate into existing business systems and, with its non-invasive measurement process, is simple for end users. This not only reduces waste but also enhances customer satisfaction—another key focus from Davos 2025, where business leaders stressed that companies prioritising sustainability and customer-centric innovation will gain a long-term competitive advantage.
Conclusion: Future-Proofing Businesses and the Planet
The latest legislation impacts us all, and it is here to stay. By incorporating climate tech solutions like Size-Me and tapping into the financial, environmental, and brand reputation benefits they bring, companies are making a strategic move towards future-proofing their businesses—and protecting our planet.