Fashion Industry Emissions Rise Due to Overproduction and Polyester Use

According to the Apparel Impact Institute’s annual report, the apparel sector saw a concerning 7.5 percent rise in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. This increase marks the first year-on-year growth in emissions since Aii began monitoring climate impact in 2019. The report, titled *Taking Stock of Progress Against the Roadmap to Net Zero 2025*, highlights how the industry is veering away from its aim to halve carbon emissions by 2030.

This year, emissions from the industry climbed to 944 million tonnes, equating to almost 2 percent of global emissions. This upward trend jeopardizes ambitious goals, emphasizing the industry’s deep entrenchment in ultra-fast fashion and the growing reliance on virgin polyester—now responsible for 57 percent of global fiber production. Recycled fibers, frustratingly underused, are falling short in alleviating dependence on fossil fuels.

Pockets of Progress in the Apparel Industry

Despite the overall rise in emissions, there are encouraging signs of progress. Many brands are actively reducing their Scope 1 and 2 emissions through the adoption of renewable energy strategies, transitioning away from coal, and upgrading their operational efficiencies. Noteworthy players like Fast Retailing (the parent company of Uniqlo), Puma, Inditex, and H&M have reported a significant 23 percent decrease in Scope 3 emissions from 2019 to 2024, positioning themselves as leaders in decarbonizing their supply chains.

On the supplier front, investments are increasing. For instance, Artistic Milliners is investing $100 million in renewable energy initiatives, while Shenzhou Group has achieved a 24 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2022. Elevate Textiles also proudly reports a 35 percent decline in emissions since 2019.

“While it’s encouraging to see progress across the value chain, with meaningful case studies from both brands and suppliers, this data is a stark reminder of how far we still must go as an industry,” noted Lewis Perkins, President of Aii. “The good news is we don’t have to start from scratch. Resources, initiatives, funding, and partnerships are available to support every part of the fashion ecosystem.”

The timing of this report is critical, as it comes during what many consider a pivotal decade for climate action. It emphasizes the urgent need to expand the use of sustainable materials, commit to 100% renewable energy, and eliminate coal from manufacturing processes. For an industry that thrives on speed and novelty, embracing these measures may require a significant reevaluation of existing production models, many of which are built on principles of excess.