New report calls out fashion’s ‘addiction’ to fossil fuel fibres
14/12/2022
According to its latest research, the Dutch organisation that seeks to expose irresponsible corporate practices found a “near-complete lack of progress by the fashion industry in kicking its addiction to synthetic materials.”
The report bases its findings on the analysis of 55 fashion brands’ policies with regards to synthetic materials, recycling, climate targets and their position on key elements of the EU Textile Strategy. It said that a single brand, LA-based Reformation, has publicly committed to phasing out virgin synthetics by 2030 and reducing all synthetics (virgin and recycled) to less than 1% of total sourcing by 2025.
Many brands, the report found, mask their use of synthetic fibres by increasing the proportion of recycled polyester, mostly, and to a lesser extent recycled nylon. But while nearly all brands investigated (45 out of 55) have set targets to increase recycled synthetic content, few, the report stresses, are investing in fibre-to-fibre recycling.
Changing Markets has found a positive note in this update as fashion brands appear to view favourably the implementation of regulations to enact change. These could include measures laid out by the EU Textile Strategy (such as Extended Producer Responsibility) as well as a mandatory supply chain transparency. “Brands are signalling that it’s time to go beyond voluntary measures and the sector needs regulation,” the report concluded.
The Changing Markets Foundation partnered with Clean Clothes Campaign, Fashion Revolution, No Plastic in my Sea and Plastic Soup Foundation on this report.
The report can be downloaded here.
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