The Overlooked Key Factor in Sustainable Fashion: Total Reduction of Textile Material

Sustainable fashion has made significant strides in recent years, with a focus on eco-friendly materials, sustainable packaging, and textile recycling. These efforts are welcomed and necessary steps towards a more environmentally conscious industry. However, there's one crucial aspect that often goes overlooked: the total reduction of textile material.

Statistics reveal a concerning trend: the volume of textiles produced globally has been steadily increasing. In 2000, 58 million tons of textile fibres were produced. By 2020, this number had increased to 109 million tons, and projections indicate a further rise to 145 million tons by 2030. Clothing accounts for over 60% of total textiles used, with production doubling in the last 15 years. This trend is largely attributed to the rise of 'fast fashion,' characterized by rapid turnover of styles, frequent new collections, and lower prices.

On top of the increase in production, clothing use has declined by almost 40%, with garments being worn, on average, just 10 times. This decline highlights a significant issue: the disposability of fashion. With low prices, poor quality and quick trends, consumers wear their clothes less and less.

Even in environmentally conscious countries like Sweden, textile consumption per person has risen steadily over the years. From 2000 to 2022, total textile consumption per person increased by 4.5 kg, reflecting a 40% rise in consumption when accounting for imports minus exports.

To address the environmental pressures associated with textile production, a fundamental shift is required: the total volume of textiles must decrease. It's not just about producing garments with sustainable materials or promoting responsible end-of-life practices. Instead, the focus should be on reducing the sheer quantity of clothing being produced.

Circularity, often touted as a solution, isn't without its drawbacks. While recycling and reusing materials are essential components of sustainability, they still require resources in terms of energy and materials. Thus, reducing volumes emerges as the most critical factor in mitigating climate and environmental pressures associated with the fashion industry.

However, transparency remains a significant challenge in the fashion world. According to the Fashion Transparency Index, a staggering 86% of brands do not disclose their production volumes, and 99% have no commitments to reducing the number of clothing items they produce.

Amidst this landscape, there are exemplars worth noting. Brands like Kapphal stand out for their commitment to transparency, disclosing their volumes and setting the stage for industry-wide change. Their sustainability reports serve as a source of inspiration for the broader fashion community.

In light of these challenges, it's imperative for global fashion companies to prioritize transparency and commit to reducing their production volumes and the number of collections and clothing items they release. This shift towards a more restrained approach to production is essential for the industry's long-term sustainability.

While sustainable fashion has made significant strides, the total reduction of textile material remains an overlooked yet crucial factor in achieving a truly responsible industry. By focusing on decreasing production volumes and promoting transparency, fashion brands can pave the way for a more environmentally responsible future.