The topic of growth in the fashion, apparel, and textile industry, and the role it plays in climate, nature and human rights impacts

Textile materials are one of the primary sources of microplastic pollution. The washing procedure is by far the most significant way that textile products release microplastic fibers (MPFs). Therefore, in this study, the effects of various textile raw materials (A acrylic, PA polyamide, PET polyester, RPET recycled polyester and PP polypropylene), fabric construction properties (woven, knitted), thickness and basis weight values on MPFs release at different washing stages (pre-washing, soaping/rinsing) were examined separately.

This research critically reviewed the influence of textile characteristics, including textile content (fiber composition), yarn construction, material structure, and treatment type, on microplastic release from textile products during washing.

This report aims to establish a future vision for synthetic materials by promoting a greater understanding of the opportunities to replace the use of new virgin synthetics and reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuel extraction.

This study investigates the influence of various yarn characteristics on microfibre release from knitted fabrics as well as exploring the generation of microfibres during the knitting process.

This publication offers a perspective on the challenges and opportunities for fashion and apparel brands as they transition to low-climate-impact raw materials to enable compliance with upcoming regulations and to meet Scope 3 climate targets.

The Jeans Redesign aims to demonstrate how jeans can be designed and made for a circular economy. More than 100 organisations across the textile industry have redesigned and brought to market jeans that align with this ambition, by moving beyond theoretical discussions, learning by doing, testing new solutions, and overcoming innovation gaps. 

Building on research and consultations with over 140 textile value chain stakeholders, this report defines a common agenda of transformation towards sustainability and circularity.

Looking ahead to 2023, the drivers contributing to a broad state of global fragility are top of mind for fashion executives. In the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2023 Survey, 85 percent of fashion executives predict inflation will continue to challenge the market next year. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions, specifically around the ongoing war in Ukraine, have disrupted supply chains and created an energy crisis that 58 percent of executives also believe will weaken the fashion market.

This guide looks at the environmental impacts of the dyeing and finishing processes in the fabric production stage and highlights mechanical and chemical innovations that have less impact on the environment.

This guide, written by Textile recycling professionals, highlights the main problems encountered by the Sector when recycling Textiles and offers recommendations to improve the recyclability of products.

Textile recycling can turn Europe’s textile waste into value and build a sustainable and profitable new industry. Beyond the direct economic benefits, scaling textile recycling unlocks several environmental and social benefits. 

Microplastic fibers are shed from synthetic textiles during their user phase, primarily during washing. However, there is little known about their origin, except that they are likely embedded in textiles already since their production. Therefore, we systematically examined the presence of microplastic fibers during the process of yarn production..

In this second white paper, we further demonstrate that even the environmental impact of fashion is not being correctly assessed, neither broadly, nor narrowly.

This research identified six interventions that deliver over 60 percent of the necessary reductions to align with a 1.5°C scenario: maximizing material efficiency, scaling more sustainable materials and practices, accelerating the development of innovative materials, maximizing energy efficiency, eliminating coal in manufacturing, and shifting to 100 percent renewable electricity.

Circular business models represent a significant opportunity for new and better growth in the fashion industry. This study examines how businesses can seize the full economic and environmental opportunity, and highlights those already taking steps to do so.

The fashion industry has the potential to create positive impacts for business and society. In this initial white paper, we start with the foundation from which all sustainability initiatives must be derived.

All you need to know about hemp: the main properties of the material, the production process, the social and environmental impact of hemp and how to design a collection using this material.

In this paper, Kearney analyses the investment made by the Europe's 100 largest brand in their move to a more circular model and the potential impact of these circular strategies on the environment.

The main issues affecting the fashion industry and a range of possible responses.

This report provides an analysis of the environmental and socio-economic hotspots along the entire textile value chain and looks at a range of associated impacts, as well as at how different stages in the value chain are dominant in different impacts

Viscose is the third most used fibre in the world. Often considered as a vegetal alternative to silk owing to its properties, viscose can have serious consequences for forests, employees and local communities. Find out more about what needs to be considered when developing fashion collections using viscose.

All you need to know about cotton: the main properties of the material, the difference between conventional and organic cotton, and how to design a collection using this coveted material.

All you need to know about wool: the design of a collection using wool, the animal, social and environmental impacts, Woolmark Company certification and the latest wool innovations.

The environmental impact of polyester, the rPET process, the difference between virgin and recycled polyester and the elements to be taken into account during the design of a collection using polyester.

The main certifications and standards of the fashion industry supply chain which namely cover fair working practices, social concerns, the well-being of animals and environmental impacts.

The publication of the 5th Fashion Transparency Index, which assesses and classes 250 of the biggest fashion brands and retailers according to indicators which encompass a wide range of social and environmental topics.

This guide, drafted by denim experts, offers various advice on how to eco-design a pair of jeans: sustainability, recyclability, safety of materials and traceability.

The social and environmental impacts of clothing during their manufacturing, use and end-of-life.

A guide on material recycling to make new clothing: inspirations, circular approach and sustainable materials.

Worksheets on the best practices to put in place at every stage of the value chain: strategy, design, materials, production, end-of-life, communication …

A toolkit which proposes the necessary resources to develop a sustainable fashion strategy.

This report summarises the results and the conclusions of research into the fact that clothing labels are inexact and therefore harm clothing recycling potential.

Clothing industry materials and processes assessed using the Cradle to Cradle method.

A toolbox which orients brands towards reflecting on the circular economy during the development of collections.

Objectives and working methods for zero waste fashion design.

This report proposes a vision for a new textiles economy aligned with the principles of a circular economy: one that is restorative and regenerative by design and provides benefits for business, society, and the environment.

The environmental impact of the clothing industry in the United Kingdom, the successes of the sector, the opportunities and attitudes of consumers.

A guide to improve the sustainability and quality of products at various stages: design, cutting, raw materials, ennobling, manufacturing, quality checks, …

A guide to developing textile products according to the Cradle to Cradle principle : safety and reuse of materials, renewable energy, saving water and social equity.

A guide to zero waste design based on feedback from the fashion designer Angus Tsui.

A guide to upcycling based on feedback from the fashion designer Classics Anew’s Janko Lam using the example of denim.

The life cycle analysis of a pair of Levi's 501 jeans.

Recommendations to improve product life duration thanks to their design and according to product typology: children's wear, second-hand items, stitch type, suit, denim, sportswear, casualwear and underwear.