India, July 31 -- Sustainability has become fashion's favourite conversation. Brands proudly discuss organic cotton, recycled polyester, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, water conservation, carbon footprints and circularity. Industry conferences are filled with ambitious targets and inspiring presentations. Reports are published. Commitments are announced. Awards are presented. And meanwhile, somewhere in a garment factory, a small zipper is wondering why nobody has invited it to the discussion.

The reality is that sustainability in fashion often resembles a group photograph where everyone crowds around the fabric while the trims are accidentally cropped out of the frame.

Yet these seemingly insignificant components-buttons, ...