Why is there still so much plastic hidden in our clothing?

Although many try to limit the use of plastic as much as possible, there is an area of ​​our daily life that continues to contain an enormous amount of this problematic material: our clothing. Indeed, synthetic fibers such as polyester make up over 60% of the fibers produced globally. And while some brands are opting to use alternatives, a recent study revealed that, currently, 50% of fast fashion is made from virgin plastic, meaning the industry remains responsible for large quantities of new plastic. brand that becomes part of our environment.

It is important to remember that plastic comes from fossil fuels which are the main cause of climate change. “Synthetic fibers make up a big part of the business model of oil and gas companies,” Josie Warden, co-author of the essay entitled Fast Fashion’s Plastic Problem and head of regenerative design at the Royal Society for Arts (RSA) in London, told Vogue. London.

Following the publication in June of a new separate report that estimates that synthetic materials will make up nearly 75% of all fabrics by 2030, it is clear that the current approach is going in the wrong direction. “These materials are seen as a growing field of application for oil and gas companies, which is a problem as we know that we need to reduce the extraction of fossil fuels instead,” adds Warden.

In addition, during washing, synthetic fabrics release millions of microplastics into the oceans and waterways, seriously endangering marine life. Since these materials are not biodegradable, they remain in circulation for up to 200 years, continuing to disperse other harmful microfibers and potentially toxic chemical agents into the environment. According to a report published by the Global Fashion Agenda in 2017, 92 million tons of textile waste is produced every year and ends up in landfills or is incinerated. A fact that cannot fail to make us reflect on the gravity and urgency of the situation.