The garment industry is one of the biggest polluters on the planet, second only to oil. In fact it accounts for 10% of the world’s total global carbon emissions – a statistic few designers would decide to emblazon on a T-shirt. Sweatshop conditions haven’t got much better either.

Two years after the Rana Plaza disaster – in which a garment factory collapse resulted in the deaths of over a 1,000 workers – the Guardian reported that ‘forced overtime, unsanitary conditions, and denial of paid maternity leave’ are still rife. Ten years ago it was easy to ‘hide’ this dirty side of the business through crisis PR, and drown out bad press with slick advertising campaigns. But today’s consumers are more connected then ever before, and action happens at a grass roots level – Benetton recently awarded €1.1 million to the Rana Plaza compensation fund after pressure from a petition with over a million signatories on campaigning site Avaaz.

Members of the Protein Audience Network are clearly on the same wavelength. Given the chance a huge 93% would buy ethical products. There’s a change in attitude and mindset; hemp is no longer the preserve of hippies in Bristol or SanFrancisco. And, in addition, industry leaders like Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood are doing their best to raise more awareness.