The fashion industry has experienced significant growth in the past few decades, with clothing production and consumption reaching unprecedented levels. However, this expansion has come at a cost, as the textile industry is now recognized as one of the most polluting industries in the world. The overproduction and disposal of textiles have led to a staggering amount of waste, causing severe environmental consequences. In this article, we will explore the various types of textile waste, their effect on the ecosystem, and the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
The Types of Textile Waste
Textile waste is generated at every stage of the manufacturing process, from spinning and weaving to dyeing, finishing, and garment manufacturing. It can also occur at the consumer end when clothing is discarded. There are two primary classifications of textile waste:
Pre-consumer textile waste: This type of waste, also known as production waste, is generated during the initial phases of the supply chain. It includes scraps, damaged or defective material samples, fabric selvages, and leftover fabric from the cutting process. On average, approximately 15% of fabric used in garment production is cut, discarded, and wasted. While fabrics made from 100% degradable materials like cotton, linen, silk, and hemp can be recycled or upcycled, synthetic textiles can be repurposed into composites and building blocks for construction or soundproofing applications.
Post-consumer textile waste: This category includes household articles or garments that consumers no longer require and discard. It encompasses out-of-fashion items, damaged clothes, and those with fitting issues. Traditionally, old textiles were repurposed for household activities such as mops or washcloths. However, the rise of disposable textiles has led to a throwaway culture, resulting in a significant increase in textile waste. Unfortunately, many consumers have lost the art of mending or repairing clothing, contributing to this harmful situation.
Factors Contributing to Textile Waste
Several factors contribute to the generation of textile waste in the fashion industry. Understanding these factors is crucial to finding sustainable solutions. Let's explore some of them:
Attitude towards textiles: Historically, there has been a sensible approach towards textiles in many cultures, including India, where textiles were reused to the maximum possible extent. However, modernization and the influence of Western lifestyles have led to a significant increase in landfill waste. Western goods are often over-packaged, contributing to even more waste in the fashion industry.
Fast fashion: The rise of fast fashion has revolutionized the industry in the last decade. Fast fashion focuses on producing low-cost, trendy clothing at a rapid pace. This culture of fast fashion often relies on synthetic materials and harmful dyes to cut costs and speed up production. As a result, massive amounts of clothes are churned out, leading to increased carbon emissions, global warming, and a significant increase in textile waste.
Frequency of shopping: The frequency at which people purchase clothing has increased drastically, driven by low prices and frequent discounts. The "fast fashion" business model encourages consumers to buy more and discard items quickly, leading to an accumulation of textile waste.
Lack of awareness on sustainability: Consumer behavior and awareness about the environment play a crucial role in reducing waste in the fashion industry. By reusing, recycling, or forwarding clothing for proper disposal, consumers can significantly reduce textile waste. However, many consumers lack awareness of sustainable practices.
Lack of eco-friendly practices: The textile industry generates waste during fiber production, particularly with natural fibers. Lack of awareness on handling fiber waste results in their disposal in large numbers. Additionally, the use of toxic dyes in dark-colored textiles contributes to water pollution. The textile industry often expels toxic materials like lead, chlorine, and formaldehyde into water bodies.
No strict government policies: Developed countries have implemented stringent environmental regulations and policies to streamline waste flow, promote consumer awareness, and enforce proper waste disposal. However, in developing countries like India, environmental legislation is often poorly enforced, leading to inadequate waste management practices.
Lack of quality materials: Clothing companies with mass production capabilities often prioritize speed and cost over quality. This disregard for quality can result in poor product durability and fit, leading to increased clothing waste.
Less popular second-hand clothing: Second-hand clothing is often considered a low-income alternative and is not widely appreciated as a sustainable option. The lack of popularity and accessibility of second-hand clothing markets contributes to the disposal of clothing that still has life left in it.
Consumer knowledge on textile care and maintenance: Many consumers use low-quality domestic products without eco-labels for washing garments. Proper maintenance of clothing is essential for prolonging their lifespan, and consumers should be aware of laboratory-based test results to ensure effective care.
Industrialization: The fashion industry offers various qualities of textiles to target different consumer groups, resulting in increased pre-consumer and post-consumer textile waste. The nature of fashion, with its ever-changing trends, also contributes to pollution. Consumers need to be mindful of their choices