The Impact of Consumer Demand on Ethical Production
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 05-27-2025
There was a time when most people didn’t ask how their clothes were made.
But today?
The questions are louder than ever: Where was this made? Who made it? What’s it made from?
And brands who ignore those questions are finding themselves left behind.
At FCE, we’ve seen a major shift. More and more businesses—not just global giants—are pushing for ethical production in their custom apparel. And it’s not just because it’s “the right thing to do” (although it is).
It’s because their customers demand it.
Shoppers, especially younger generations, want to buy from brands that align with their values. Transparency matters. Fair labor matters. Sustainable sourcing matters. It’s no longer a “nice to have”—it’s the new baseline.
That demand has pushed the entire custom apparel world to innovate.
More organic cotton. More recycled materials. More low-impact dyes and water-based inks. More supply chain transparency.
And honestly?
The merch is better for it.
One nonprofit we partnered with insisted on 100% fair trade-certified gear for their latest campaign. They didn’t just meet their fundraising goals—they shattered them.
Because their supporters felt proud to wear merch that stood for something bigger.
Ethical production isn't a trend. It’s the future.
And businesses that listen to their customers, align their values, and invest in better choices are the ones who will lead it.