Fashion and textile waste are among the most significant environmental challenges in 2024. With most clothing worn fewer than 10 times, the global textile industry faces a critical sustainability challenge. The numbers are staggering: the global fashion industry produces approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, with less than 15% being recycled.
Key issues include:
See emerging solutions and policy interventions such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Digital Product Passports and California’s SB-707. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has also recommended federal coordination to advance textile recycling and circularity.