Fast Fashion’s Impact on Sustainable Water Use An analysis by Business Insider highlights the fashion industry’s responsibility for 10% of total global carbon emissions, on par with the emissions of the European Union. This sector depletes water resources and pollutes waterways, with 85% of textiles ending up in landfills annually. Additionally, washing clothes contributes to ocean pollution by releasing 500,000 tons of microfibers each year, equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles.
The 2018 Quantis International report identifies dyeing and finishing (36%), yarn preparation (28%), and fiber production (15%) as the main pollution contributors within the industry. Fiber production significantly impacts freshwater withdrawal and ecosystem health due to cotton cultivation. The energy-intensive processes involved in dyeing, finishing, and yarn preparation heavily rely on fossil fuels, making them major contributors to resource depletion. Clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2014, reaching an unsustainable level of around 100 billion garments annually.
Greenwashing in Sustainable Fashion
Primarily located in the Global South, supply chains contribute to 85% of the fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing water use in the fashion economy can lower environmental costs and mitigate clothing waste in regions less equipped to manage it. Globally, one truckload of clothing is incinerated or landfilled every second. A recent screening showed that 39% of sustainability claims in the textile, garment, and shoe sector might be misleading or deceptive.
Modern water systems in manufacturing should focus on minimizing water waste and promoting reuse. Rigorous wastewater treatment can prevent overloads in municipal systems. MEB provides top-tier solutions for industrial and commercial water and energy in the fashion industry by fostering sustainable practices. Our team can assist in reducing water, waste, and energy transportation costs.
MEB also offers modular water and wastewater packaged plants for medium to large-scale applications, ensuring effective and sustainable water management tailored to the fashion sector’s needs.
