Due to the growing demand for clothing exacerbated by the proliferation of the fast fashion business model, a consistent throughput of natural resources is needed. Due to its complex supply chain vis-à-vis transportation of fabrics and garment from production points, usually in developing countries ( Chen et al., 2021) and energy-intensive production, the textile industry generates roughly 1.2 billion tonnes of CO 2 equivalent, or nearly 10% of world GHG emissions ( UNFCCC, 2018). Table 1 shows the top textile exporting countries in 2020.Ĭlimate change is the result of increased greenhouse gas emissions, subsequent global warming and the response of the climate system to this warming ( Masson-Delmotte et al., 2021). Clothing production has doubled since 2000 and shows no sign of abatement due to globalisation, urbanisation and population growth which fuel demand for more clothing ( Berg et al., 2021). Textiles’ ecological footprint has been exacerbated by the growth of fast fashion - cheaply manufactured, low quality clothing designed to be trendy and purchased frequently - which results in a waste of resources and greater textile waste as the clothing is more quickly discarded. Finally, the deterioration of textile waste in landfill and/or incineration causes hazardous chemicals and greenhouse gases (GHG) to be released into the environment ( Juanga-Labayen et al., 2022). Logistical requirements of transporting goods globally at the various stages of production and distribution contribute to textiles’ carbon footprint, alongside energy deployed in garment care such as washing, drying, pressing and dry-cleaning. Major textile production countries such as China, India and Bangladesh (see Table 1) still rely on coal. The production and manufacturing of natural and synthetic textiles continue to be the most ecologically damaging aspects of the industry. While textiles have various end uses, from interiors and automotive fit-outs to geo-textiles, agri-textiles and hygienic textiles, the sector is essentially fashion driven, as most global fibre production (60%) is destined for clothing ( Niinimäki et al., 2020). Textile production occurs through geographically long and complex supply chains that include growers and processors of raw fibres, yarns and textiles, weavers, knitters, dyers and finishers, product manufacturers and distributors. Furthermore, it has been estimated that up to 20% of industrial wastewater pollution is caused by textile dyeing and finishing ( Morlet et al., 2017). Due to lengthy supply chains and energy-intensive production methods, apparel and footwear industries generate 8–10% of global carbon emissions, superseding emissions from the aviation and shipping industries combined ( European Parliament, 2021). One of the most polluting industries is textiles and clothing its detrimental ecological footprint is caused by high energy, water and chemical use, the generation of textile waste and microfibre shedding into the environment during laundering ( Niinimäki et al., 2020). The ecological footprint of the textile sector Finally, it outlines several measures to reduce its carbon footprint. This article outlines the reasons for the textile industry’s contribution to climate change along with an overview of current trends. The textile industry is responsible for a significant amount of global CO2 emissions, exceeding those from several other sectors such as international aviation and shipping. 6NECE-UBI (Research Centre for Business Sciences), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal. 5Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), University of South Africa (UNISA), Johannesburg, South Africa.
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