Why Material Choices Matter
Fashion today is more accessible than ever. But behind the convenience, affordability, and performance of modern clothing lies a growing environmental challenge: our dependence on synthetic fibres, particularly polyester.
According to the Textile Exchange Materials Market Report 2024, polyester remains the world's most widely used fibre, accounting for approximately 57% of global fibre production. In 2023 alone, around 71 million tonnes of polyester were produced worldwide, while overall production of virgin fossil-fuel-based synthetic fibres increased significantly.[1]
Polyester has become dominant for understandable reasons. It is durable, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and inexpensive to manufacture. These qualities have helped fuel the growth of modern fashion and performance apparel. However, the scale of its use has also created environmental consequences that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Polyester Is Made From Fossil Fuels
Most polyester begins its life as petroleum. Unlike natural fibres that come from agricultural or biological sources, conventional polyester is a plastic-based material derived from non-renewable fossil resources.
As global demand for clothing continues to rise, so does demand for synthetic fibres. Textile Exchange reports that virgin synthetic fibre production grew from 67 million tonnes in 2022 to 75 million tonnes in 2023, highlighting the industry's continued reliance on fossil-fuel-derived materials.[1]
The Microplastic Problem
One of the most concerning impacts of polyester is its contribution to microplastic pollution. Research highlighted by the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) explains that every time synthetic garments are washed, tiny plastic fibres known as microfibres can be released into waterways. These particles are often too small to be fully captured by wastewater treatment systems and can eventually reach rivers, lakes and oceans.[2]
UNRIC notes that:
-
Washing a polyester garment regularly can release tens of thousands of microplastic fibres each year.
-
A single load of polyester laundry may release up to 700,000 microfibres.
-
Synthetic textiles are estimated to contribute roughly 35% of the microplastics entering the world's oceans.[2]
Microplastics have now been detected throughout marine ecosystems and increasingly within the wider environment, raising concerns among scientists about their long-term ecological and human health impacts.[2]
Recycling Helps — But It Is Not a Complete Solution
Recycled polyester has become a popular sustainability initiative across the fashion industry. While it can reduce demand for virgin fossil fuels, current recycling systems face significant limitations.
Textile Exchange reports that although recycled polyester production increased slightly in 2023, its overall market share actually declined from 13.6% to 12.5% because virgin polyester production grew even faster. Less than 1% of the global fibre market currently comes from recycled textiles, demonstrating how far the industry still has to go in achieving true circularity.[1]
Recycling is an important step, but reducing overall dependence on virgin synthetic materials remains a critical challenge.
A More Thoughtful Approach to Materials
The conversation around sustainability is often oversimplified. No fibre is entirely impact-free. Natural fibres can require significant land, water and agricultural inputs, while synthetic fibres create challenges related to fossil fuel use and microplastic pollution.
Understanding where materials come from, how they are produced, and what happens at the end of their life cycle enables more informed decision-making. While no single material offers a perfect solution, continued innovation, responsible sourcing and greater transparency will play an important role in helping reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
References
[1] Textile Exchange. Materials Market Report 2024. 2024. Available at: Textile Exchange.
[2] United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC). From Petroleum to Pollution: The Cost of Polyester. Available at: UNRIC.
Why Material Choices Matter
Why Material Choices Matter
Fashion today is more accessible than ever. But behind the convenience, affordability, and performance of modern clothing lies a growing environmental challenge: our dependence on synthetic fibres, particularly polyester.
According to the Textile Exchange Materials Market Report 2024, polyester remains the world's most widely used fibre, accounting for approximately 57% of global fibre production. In 2023 alone, around 71 million tonnes of polyester were produced worldwide, while overall production of virgin fossil-fuel-based synthetic fibres increased significantly.[1]
Polyester has become dominant for understandable reasons. It is durable, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and inexpensive to manufacture. These qualities have helped fuel the growth of modern fashion and performance apparel. However, the scale of its use has also created environmental consequences that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Polyester Is Made From Fossil Fuels
Most polyester begins its life as petroleum. Unlike natural fibres that come from agricultural or biological sources, conventional polyester is a plastic-based material derived from non-renewable fossil resources.
As global demand for clothing continues to rise, so does demand for synthetic fibres. Textile Exchange reports that virgin synthetic fibre production grew from 67 million tonnes in 2022 to 75 million tonnes in 2023, highlighting the industry's continued reliance on fossil-fuel-derived materials.[1]
The Microplastic Problem
One of the most concerning impacts of polyester is its contribution to microplastic pollution. Research highlighted by the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) explains that every time synthetic garments are washed, tiny plastic fibres known as microfibres can be released into waterways. These particles are often too small to be fully captured by wastewater treatment systems and can eventually reach rivers, lakes and oceans.[2]
UNRIC notes that:
Washing a polyester garment regularly can release tens of thousands of microplastic fibres each year.
A single load of polyester laundry may release up to 700,000 microfibres.
Synthetic textiles are estimated to contribute roughly 35% of the microplastics entering the world's oceans.[2]
Microplastics have now been detected throughout marine ecosystems and increasingly within the wider environment, raising concerns among scientists about their long-term ecological and human health impacts.[2]
Recycling Helps — But It Is Not a Complete Solution
Recycled polyester has become a popular sustainability initiative across the fashion industry. While it can reduce demand for virgin fossil fuels, current recycling systems face significant limitations.
Textile Exchange reports that although recycled polyester production increased slightly in 2023, its overall market share actually declined from 13.6% to 12.5% because virgin polyester production grew even faster. Less than 1% of the global fibre market currently comes from recycled textiles, demonstrating how far the industry still has to go in achieving true circularity.[1]
Recycling is an important step, but reducing overall dependence on virgin synthetic materials remains a critical challenge.
A More Thoughtful Approach to Materials
The conversation around sustainability is often oversimplified. No fibre is entirely impact-free. Natural fibres can require significant land, water and agricultural inputs, while synthetic fibres create challenges related to fossil fuel use and microplastic pollution.
Understanding where materials come from, how they are produced, and what happens at the end of their life cycle enables more informed decision-making. While no single material offers a perfect solution, continued innovation, responsible sourcing and greater transparency will play an important role in helping reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
References
[1] Textile Exchange. Materials Market Report 2024. 2024. Available at: Textile Exchange.
[2] United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC). From Petroleum to Pollution: The Cost of Polyester. Available at: UNRIC.