As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

The global technical textiles market is set to be worth over $160 billion by 2018, and one fabric that’s proving popular, due to it’s softness and durability, is modal. While cotton may still reign supreme, Cheekfrills makes pants and nightwear from wood pulp for increased comfort and breathability.

Modern Meadow is looking to take on the might of the global leather industry with a lab-grown alternative that’s more environmentally friendly and sustainable than the traditionally produced material – all without harming an animal. But do people want anything other than the real thing?

Seitan and Fabanaise – that’s ‘wheat meat’ and mayonnaise made with chickpea water – might not have reached the shelves of the average Tesco yet, but veganism is infiltrating the mainstream. How can companies step up to meet the needs of more than half a million Brits who are vegan?

In 2015, Swedish fast fashion giant H&M was named one of the world’s most ethical companies thanks to its extensive sustainability efforts. But in an industry built on cheap thrills, can the rush of buying new stuff ever sit comfortably with the ethical responsibility to slow down consumption?