Textile Production: Transitioning to a Circular Industry
An estimated 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to the production of clothing and shoes - more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The industry is aware of this damage and has adopted a number of responses with the aim of creating sustainable business practices. However, many in the industry are often accused of greenwashing in an attempt to maintain their customer base, portraying their companies as much more climate-mindful than they truly are. As a result, it can often be difficult for customers to identify and access companies that are fully committed to actively participating in the transition to a completely sustainable industry.
Synthetic Fabrics
69% of clothing today is made out of synthetic fibres, and clothing companies have begun making the switch from producing new synthetics to those made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. While it is estimated that production of synthetic polyester uses 59% less energy and reduces carbon emissions by 32% compared to virgin polyester, such practices do not offer a permanent solution to the overall impact of the clothing industry on the environment. Synthetics made out of PET bottles still contribute to the dispersal of microplastics and it is estimated that 73% of microfiber pollution is from polyester fibres that resemble PET. It is common to see companies marketing these products as a sustainable option for its consumers, but these practices only serve to solve the aftermath of plastic-pollution and will not be a permanent solution to pollution generated by the clothing industry.
Promoting Clothing Recycling
Part of the clothing industry's environmental impact can be attributed to overproduction, with many brands destroying unsold goods as a way to maintain their value. Fewer than 1% of all clothing items are recycled to produce new clothes, with much being thrown away. Even in instances where the clothing is sent to facilities specializing in clothing recycling, the process of breaking down the textiles is underdeveloped, with no current technologies capable of detecting differences between natural and synthetic fabrics. The EU has taken note of this issue and by 2025, member countries will be required to separately collect textiles, the aim being to facilitate circular material and production processes, address the presence of hazardous chemicals, and assist consumers with making more sustainable purchases. The EU is hoping such measures will combat the challenges stemming from fast fashion and increased consumption by the population.
The textile industry represents a major threat within the climate crisis — there is an overall lack of technology and impactful action to address these issues, and the damage from the industry will affect the long term health of the environment. In order to effectively combat the issue in its entirety, the industry must look to scale down production of new clothing, in favour of developing a circular industry capable of operating ethically in a climate-mindful world.
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