PARTNER CONTENT – Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most critical environmental issues today, and the apparel industry plays a significant role in this challenge. According to recent research published in Nature Communications, the global apparel industry was responsible for generating an estimated 8.3 million tons of plastic leakage in 2019, contributing approximately 14 per cent of the 60 million tons of plastic leakage across all sectors.
Plastic leakage refers to the amount of macro-and microplastic waste that is not managed properly and ends up in the natural environment, rather than being recycled or properly disposed of.
For perspective, this amount of plastic weighs 820 times the Eiffel Tower, over 23 times the weight of the Empire State Building, and nearly 9 times the Golden Gate Bridge.
With growing awareness of plastic’s environmental impact, it is essential to understand how the apparel industry contributes and explore solutions for reducing its plastic footprint.
Synthetic fibres
Synthetic fibres, including polyester and nylon, are made from petroleum-based ingredients and are responsible for 7.4 million metric tons of plastic leakage annually. Most of this leakage occurs at the end of a garment’s life cycle, as macroplastic waste, while microplastics are released during every stage, such as transport, use and care.
These tiny particles infiltrate ecosystems, impacting aquatic life and potentially entering the food chain.
End-of-life synthetic apparel represents the largest portion of plastic leakage, accounting for 81 per cent of global apparel related plastic leakage.
In comparison, plastic leakage from cotton apparel is primarily due to packaging, with a smaller contribution from plastic mulching in certain regions. The plastic waste from other fibre value chains is almost entirely related to packaging.
The role of cotton and natural fibres
Cotton is a significant alternative to synthetic fibres, offering a biodegradable option with a fraction of the environmental impact. While synthetic apparel makes up 89 per cent of plastic leakage from the industry, cotton production’s contribution is less than 1 per cent. By prioritising natural fibres like cotton, the apparel industry can drastically reduce plastic leakage. Cotton’s biodegradability ensures that, if fragments appear, they do not remain in the environment like plastic, as cotton can break down naturally.
Transitioning to a circular economy
A key strategy for addressing plastic leakage in the apparel sector is adopting a circular economy model. This approach focuses on the reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal of textiles, creating a system where materials are continuously repurposed instead of ending up in landfills.
Cotton is an ideal material for a circular economy, as it is both reusable and biodegradable. Shifting from synthetic fibres to natural fibres like cotton can significantly reduce the industry’s plastic leakage.
The apparel industry also needs to focus on extending garment life cycles by designing for durability and reusability, moving away from the culture of fast consumption.
Improving waste management infrastructure – including sorting and composting – particularly in secondary markets, is crucial to the transition to a circular economy.
The challenge of plastic leakage in the apparel industry is complex, but not insurmountable. By adopting a circular economy model, prioritising natural materials like cotton, and improving packaging and disposal, the apparel industry can make significant strides in reducing its environmental impact.
This transition not only benefits the planet but also supports longterm economic and social benefits, particularly for cotton farmers and stakeholders in the natural fibre supply chain.
Cotton Incorporated is committed to developing and promoting solutions that foster sustainability within the industry.
Reducing plastic leakage will create a cleaner, more sustainable future for fashion, ensuring the garments of tomorrow are part.
For more information on this research and sustainable practices in the apparel industry, visit Cotton Incorporated’s CottonToday.com.
