The textile industry is one of the major contributors to environmental degradation and is among the most polluting industries on the planet. The business model is geared towards a fast-fashion market, leading to a scenario where many of the products end up being discarded.

We’ve transitioned from having a few garments in our closets that were repaired, passed down, and lasted for years, to buying a large amount of clothing that only lasts us a couple of seasons. This new way of consumption has made this industry one of the most polluting in the world. According to the World Bank, 20% of freshwater pollution is caused by textile processing, and a quarter of the world’s chemical resources are used in textiles.

But what are the main environmental effects of this sector?

• Estimates suggest that to produce a cotton T-shirt, approximately 2,700 liters of freshwater are needed, equivalent to meeting the drinking water needs of a person for 2 and a half years.
• This industry is believed to be responsible for about 20% of global freshwater pollution.
• Around 10% of global carbon emissions are attributed to the textile industry.
• The most common ways of discarding clothing are through incineration or landfill deposition.