Environmental Studies and Forestry

The global apparel industry is a significant yet overlooked source of plastic leakage

A. Kounina, J. Daystar, et al.

This study reveals the startling scale of plastic pollution linked to the global apparel industry, estimating a staggering 8.3 million tons contributed in 2019 alone. The research highlights the urgent need for a transition to a circular economy and less reliance on synthetic apparel to combat this pressing environmental issue. Conducted by a team of experts including Anna Kounina and Roland Geyer, this study is a wake-up call for the fashion industry.

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Index

Abstract

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

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