This study comprehensively assesses the global apparel industry's contribution to plastic pollution, encompassing plastic leakage from packaging, end-of-life apparel waste, and fiber emissions during production and use. It estimates that the apparel industry generated 8.3 million tons of plastic pollution in 2019 (14% of the total estimated from all sectors). The primary source is identified as mismanaged synthetic clothing waste. A shift towards a circular economy and reduced synthetic apparel consumption is crucial to address this issue.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jun 12, 2024
Authors
Anna Kounina, Jesse Daystar, Sophie Chalumeau, Jon Devine, Roland Geyer, Steven T. Pires, Shreya Uday Sonar, Richard A. Venditti, Julien Boucher
Tags
plastic pollution
apparel industry
sustainable fashion
circular economy
synthetic clothing
environmental impact
waste management
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