A Sustainable Closet presents

Plastic, is it Fantastic?

Photos by: Patrick Saxe

Production: A Sustainable Closet

Stylist: Sophie Gripenberg

Models: Alexander Philmark, Jim Sandlund, Vibeke Saxe, Sarah Daleke and Sophie Gripenberg

Clothes: Revolv Vintage

More than 60% of global textiles are made of synthetic fibres. The most dominant fibres are nylon, polyester, acrylic and polyolefin. These synthetic fibres are produced from fossil fuel resources, such as oil and natural gas. They consume around 1% of the global crude oil production. Since the introduction of synthetic fibres, celebrated for their durability, they have now become more common than cotton.

The global consumption of synthetic fibres increased from a few thousand tonnes in 1940 to more than 60 million tonnes in 2018, and it continues to rise. The majority of these fibres are produced in Asia, but the EU is one of the largest importers when it comes to trade value and also produces and exports such fibres.

Over 70% of the synthetic fibres are used for household and clothing. The EU production of synthetic fibres totalled 2.24 million tonnes in 2018: 1.78 million tonnes were imported, 0.36 million tonnes were exported and 3.66 million tonnes were consumed.

A Sustainable Closet presents Plastic, is it Fantastic? to highlight the fossil dependence of our clothing production and consumption and the environmental harm and health issues synthetic fibres bring.

In the EU textile consumption has increased by 40% the last few decades. An average of about 26 kg of textiles are consumed per person and year. Some of these clothes are never worn and about 11 kg textiles per person and year are thrown away.

Textile waste is seldom recycled in the EU. Even though some (according to some sources about 50%) are reused, these clothes still - sooner or later - end up as traditional waste and at landfills either in the EU but also too often abroad.

An estimated 42 million tonnes of plastic textile waste was generated globally in 2015. This accounts for 13 % of all plastic waste, making textiles the third largest contributor to plastic waste generation.

Textile fibres ending at landfills don’t degrade easily, they are not biodegradable. They can stay, even though shredded over time, up to 200 years before decomposing, realising toxic chemicals and methane meanwhile.

Another deep concern when it comes to synthetic fibres is microplastics.

Microplastics are shed from synthetic textiles throughout their life cycles: from fibre and fabric manufacturing, through use and washing to their final disposal, whether by landfilling, incineration or recycling. It is estimated that between 200 000 and 500 000 tonnes of microplastic fibres from textiles enter the marine environment each year.

These microplastics have been found in wild land animals, fish, human embryos, lungs, human blood and so on. They might cause inflammation, damage to cells and other issues, but more research is needed to understand the long-term effects on humans, nature and animals.

To create a fossil fuel-independent fashion industry is essential which means facing out fossil fuel-based synthetic virgin fibres. We need to use what has already been produced, wash synthetic fibres mindfully, able markets for reuse and recycle what can’t be worn any more.

Let’s end the era of plastic being so fantastic.

We would like to thank:

European Parliament and the European Commission for the facts and report!

Revolv Vintage for some of the wonderful pre-loved clothes.

The models, family and friends, for their volunteering effort and compassion to spread awareness.

Patrick Saxe for being the most amazing husband helping his wife’s projects for a better world!

Support our work and be part of the change!