Fast fashion's hidden waste

The global fashion industry produces an estimated 100 billion garments per year. A growing share is cheap, trend-driven “fast fashion” designed to be worn a handful of times before disposal.

A linear model

Most clothing is made from polyester and other synthetic fibres derived from petroleum. Production is water- and energy-intensive: a single cotton T-shirt can require thousands of litres of water to grow and process. When trends shift, unsold stock is often incinerated or landfilled rather than recycled.

Microfibre pollution

Every wash of synthetic clothing releases thousands of microplastic fibres into wastewater. Treatment plants capture some, but billions reach rivers and oceans annually. Fashion is now a significant source of microplastic pollution alongside packaging.

Breaking the cycle

Buy fewer, higher-quality items. Extend garment life through repair and second-hand markets. Support brands with transparent supply chains and take-back programmes. Regulation — such as extended producer responsibility for textiles — is gaining traction in the EU and beyond.