Sustainability is the new black: The global fashion industry and its impact on the environment

Abstract

Environmental pollution is one of the main concerns in the modern world. Almost all production of goods lead to the creation of environmental pollutants. The fashion and clothing industry is one of the largest contributors to the problem. The fashion and clothing industry is now consuming around twice as many fibers than it did 25 years ago (Source Founding Partners, Fairtrade & Global Organic Textile Standards [GOTS], 2017). Current practice of the industry is creating pressure on natural resources that cannot be recovered, and will threaten the growth of the industry in the near future (The Business of Fashion and Mckinsey & Company, 2016; Global Fashion Agenda & The Boston Consulting Group, 2017). This thesis is going to address the impact that the fashion and clothing industry has on the environment and society. The purpose is to look for realistic solutions to the problems. The focus will be on raw materials and textiles options. Although transportation and energy usage within the industry are major contributors to the environmental impacts, the discussion will be limited since it can be discussed as 3 separate industries. Polyester, cotton and viscose rayon are the most popular fabrics used in the fashion and clothing industry, but the process of creating the fabrics leaves polluted footprints on the environment, effecting eco-system and violate human rights. In addition, the concept of sustainability within the industry is very weak. Nonetheless the need for more sustainable production methods, which make the best use of natural resources and minimize pollution and chemical discharge is critical. More sustainable options such as Fairtrade cotton, organic cotton, Better cotton, lyocell, bamboo and other innovative fibers will make a difference. In addition, establishing closed-loop production system and waterless dyeing technique will result in significant reduction of waste, less energy usage and reduction of chemical wastewater