The fashion industry is a significant contributor to global warming and pollution.
- The fashion industry accounts for 4-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, depending on the source and methodology (more than the emissions produced by aviation and maritime shipping combined)
- A large portion of the fashion industry’s emissions comes from fossil fuel-based energy used in manufacturing, especially in countries with coal-dependent energy grids (particularly polyester production)
- The fashion industry uses toxic dyes, pesticides, and other chemicals, many of which end up in ecosystems, harming wildlife and humans (azo dyes and heavy metals leach into soil and waterways)
- The fashion industry is responsible for around 20% of global wastewater due to dyeing and finishing processes (second-largest polluter of clean water)
- Non-biodegradable synthetic fibers like polyester shed microplastics, contributing to ocean pollution
- The fashion industry consumes 79 trillion liters of water annually – A single cotton shirt can require up to 2,700 liters of water to produce—equivalent to the amount one person drinks over 2.5 years.
- Approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year
- Less than 15% of clothing is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or incinerators
- Synthetic fibers like polyester can take 200+ years to decompose, releasing greenhouse gases like methane as they degrade
Sustainable fashion refers to the design, production, distribution, and consumption of clothing, accessories, and footwear in ways that minimize negative environmental and social impacts
- Sustainable fashion promotes ethical practices across the fashion value chain, ensuring long-term benefits for people, communities, and the planet
- Sustainable fashion addresses issues like resource conservation, waste reduction, ethical labor practices, and the promotion of circular economy principles
- The key principles of sustainable fashion include
- Use of eco-friendly materials
- Creating circular economies with existing fashion
- Ensuring ethical labor practices:
- Pursuing low environmental impact production:
- Active adoption of waste reduction (zero waste production methods)
- Promoting slow fashion movement with mindful consumption and creating timeless designs
- Ensuring transparency and traceability of products, including supply chain
- SABRN Circular has appointed Ms Jyoti Chandra, an internationally-experienced fashion-designer, stylist, visual merchandiser and makeup artist, to be the lead for the sustainable fashion arm of SABRN Circular