The environmental impact of the textile and fashion sector is an issue that cannot be ignored. The contribution of this industry to climate change is alarming. According to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the global apparel and footwear industries accounted for 6.7% and 1.4% respectively of global greenhouse gas emissions. These figures reflect the significant impact this sector has on the environment.
Emissions are not only generated at the production stage, but are present throughout the entire life cycle of textiles and footwear, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, distribution and finally disposal. According to projections, if current trends continue, the EU could experience a 49% increase in emissions by 2030, underlining the urgency of implementing significant changes.
The main challenge facing the fashion industry is the unsustainability of its environmental impacts compared to its economic value. For decades, the sector has operated under a linear production model, characterised by the extraction of fossil materials, mass production, accelerated consumption and rapid product disposal.This approach is not only detrimental to the environment, but also has negative social consequences.
It is crucial that the textile and fashion industry transitions to a Circular Economy.This model seeks to redesign the production system to minimise waste and reuse materials in a sustainable way. Adopting Circular Economy practices will not only mitigate negative impacts on the environment, but will also contribute to improving people’s quality of life, promoting a more equitable and sustainable development.
From Textil4all we are going to start training in recycling processes in the textile sector in October. We will keep you informed!