Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue globally. One often overlooked contributor is the apparel industry, which annually releases a staggering 8.3 million tons of plastic into the environment₁. This accounts for 14% of the total plastic leakage, defined as the weight of plastic that ends up in the natural environment, annually and is primarily caused by inadequate collection and treatment of garments after disposal.
Cotton Incorporated collaborated with Quantis International and 35 scientific organizations, on The Plastic Leak Project, to create the first science-based methodology and map to measure plastic leakage. The groundbreaking research, published in Nature Communications, titled “The global apparel industry: a significant, yet overlooked source of plastic leakage.” explores the topic in depth – and offers recommendations for addressing the growing issue of plastic pollution.
Strategies to Address Plastic Leakage
As a naturally sustainable fiber, prioritizing the use of cotton is a key step in the global effort to reduce plastic leakage. Synthetic apparel contributes approximately 10 times more to plastic leakage than cotton garments across their life cycle. Unlike synthetic fibers, cotton is a natural fiber and does not shed microplastics₂.
Cotton’s renewable properties make it an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious consumers. By favoring cotton over synthetic alternatives, companies can encourage sustainable practices that align with industry circularity goals and foster a more environmentally-focused approach to textile production, consumption, and end-of-life possibilities.
At the end of cotton’s life cycle, textiles can be recycled into new products or composted, offering sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers that often end up in landfills. This versatility positions cotton as a key player in reducing plastic pollution and advancing circular economy practices within the apparel industry.
Geographical Variations in Plastic Leakage
Plastic leakage rates vary significantly across regions, influenced by local waste management capabilities. Secondary markets, often destinations for used clothing exports, experience higher rates of plastic leakage due to inadequate infrastructure for waste collection and treatment. This results in a geographical shift of plastic waste from regions with robust waste management systems to those with less developed capabilities. The 2024 study recommends tailoring the approach to reducing plastic leakage by location. In addition, it recommends that textile brands and governments consider these secondary markets when drafting sustainability strategies.
Moving Towards Circular Fashion
Achieving true circularity in fashion involves a comprehensive approach that includes extending product lifespans, enhancing waste management and improving recycling practices, and transitioning to renewable materials. Cotton, as a natural fiber, offers significant advantages in reducing plastic leakage due to its biodegradability compared to synthetics. Leveraging cotton’s natural durability, supporting reuse, and advancing recycling technologies are essential steps in the move towards making circularity in the apparel industry a reality.
Cotton Incorporated is at the forefront of sustainability research aimed at reducing cotton’s environmental impact. This research is instrumental in collaborations throughout the supply chain to assist companies as they develop strategies to meet their corporate environmental goals. By emphasizing sustainable practices, especially with natural fibers like cotton, the apparel industry can begin to minimize its plastic leakage.
- Kounina, A., Daystar, J., Chalumeau, S. et al. The global apparel industry is a significant yet overlooked source of plastic leakage. Nature Communications 15, 5022 (2024).
- Li, Lili, M. F., & Browning, K. J. (2010). Biodegradability Study on Cotton and Polyester Fabrics, 5(4). Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/155892501000500406.