Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The fashion industry accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions
The fashion industry produces approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year
Textile production contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined
Fashion is responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions
By 2030, fashion’s annual carbon emissions are projected to increase by 50% if no action is taken
The fashion sector’s greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reach nearly 2.7 billion tonnes a year by 2030
Around 87% of the total fiber input used for clothing is incinerated or disposed of in landfills
The apparel industry is responsible for 9% of annual microplastics in the ocean
Production of polyester releases nearly 3 times more carbon emissions than cotton
The average person buys 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago, generating more carbon emissions
In 2015, greenhouse gas emissions from textile production totaled 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Only 1% of clothing is recycled into new garments, contributing to unnecessary carbon output
Each year, the fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water, generating CO2 throughout its supply chain
Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- The fashion industry accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions
- The fashion industry produces approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year
- Textile production contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined
- By 2030, fashion’s annual carbon emissions are projected to increase by 50% if no action is taken
- The fashion sector’s greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reach nearly 2.7 billion tonnes a year by 2030
- Production of polyester releases nearly 3 times more carbon emissions than cotton
- In 2015, greenhouse gas emissions from textile production totaled 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
- The dyeing and finishing of textiles contributes about 3% of global CO2 emissions annually
- The fashion industry is responsible for 4% of the world’s total carbon emissions
- In 2018, Adidas reduced 40% of its carbon footprint from key suppliers through efficiency measures
- High fast fashion consumption leads to 400% more GHG emissions than low fashion consumption
- Producing one cotton shirt generates approximately 2.1 kg of CO2
- Producing a pair of jeans emits about 33.4 kg of CO2
- 52% of all textiles produced globally are polyester, a fossil fuel-based fiber with high CO2 emissions
- Apparel and footwear industries together account for more than 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- Producing polyester contributes to 706 billion kg of CO2 every year
- 45% of brands do not disclose their annual carbon footprint, hindering emissions reduction accountability
- One kilogram of textiles produces an average of 17 kg of CO2, depending on the fiber
- 90% of clothing sold in the US is imported, often from carbon-intensive manufacturing regions
- The life cycle of a T-shirt can emit up to 7 kg of CO2 equivalent
- The global luxury fashion sector generates about 2-3% of the fashion industry's emissions
- Recycling polyester reduces GHG emissions by 30-40% compared to virgin polyester
- Organic cotton emits 46% less CO2 compared to conventional cotton
- The garment sector in Bangladesh contributes 16.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually
- Transportation accounts for roughly 2% of emissions in fashion’s supply chain
- In Europe, 4–5 million tonnes of textiles are discarded yearly, often contributing to avoidable CO2 emissions
- Switching to renewable energy in textile mills could cut fashion emissions by 40%
- A circular fashion economy could reduce fashion’s GHG emissions by 39% by 2030
- Wool has a higher carbon footprint than cotton and polyester due to methane emissions from sheep
- Secondhand clothing could displace demand for new fashion by 33% by 2030, reducing related CO2 emissions
- Over 70% of textile emissions occur upstream, at fiber production and processing level
Interpretation
The fashion industry may dress us well, but with carbon emissions outpacing aviation and shipping combined and a projected 50% increase by 2030, it's clear that what's trending on the runway is climate disaster—unless we start tailoring for sustainability.
Consumer Behavior and Production Trends
- The average person buys 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago, generating more carbon emissions
- Clothing purchases doubled between 2000 and 2014, adding to carbon-intensive production cycles
Interpretation
Fast fashion may be trendy, but doubling our closets has also doubled down on carbon, turning style into a silent climate culprit.
Environmental Impact
- Fashion is responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions
- The apparel industry is responsible for 9% of annual microplastics in the ocean
- Each year, the fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water, generating CO2 throughout its supply chain
- Extending the life of clothes by just nine months reduces carbon, waste, and water footprints by around 20-30% each
- In lifecycle terms, 80% of a garment’s energy use comes from production and distribution
Interpretation
In a world where style changes by season, the fashion industry’s environmental footprint proves one trend that never goes out is pollution—unless we give our clothes (and conscience) a longer shelf life.
Waste and Recycling
- Around 87% of the total fiber input used for clothing is incinerated or disposed of in landfills
- Only 1% of clothing is recycled into new garments, contributing to unnecessary carbon output
- Only 15% of clothing donated to charities or textile recyclers is reused or resold, causing waste and increased production emissions
- The fashion industry generates approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste per year, indirectly increasing GHG emissions
- The US generates 16 million tons of textile waste annually, contributing to climate emissions through incineration and decomposition
Interpretation
The fashion industry may dress us up in style, but behind the seams it’s fast-tracking climate disaster—burning, burying, and barely recycling our clothes while leaving a carbon footprint fit for a giant.
Water and Chemical Pollution
- Around 5% of global industrial water pollution comes from the dyeing and treatment of textiles
- 35% of microplastics in the ocean originate from synthetic textiles
- Textile dyeing is the second-largest polluter of water globally and contributes significant CO2 emissions due to energy-intensive processes
Interpretation
Beneath fashion’s glossy runway lies a murky wake, where our thirst for fast trends dyes rivers, feeds oceans with plastic, and spins carbon into the air—proof that style shouldn't come at the planet’s expense.