Cotton Incorporated’s Post

New Research: A first-of-its-kind global assessment of #plastic waste and leakage from the apparel industry was just published in Nature Communications. This study estimated 8.3 million metric tons of plastic are released into the environment from the global production, use and disposal of apparel each year driven by synthetic apparel. This is the equivalent of 820 times the mass of the Eiffel Tower. This includes 7.4 million metric tons of synthetic clothing and packaging, encompassing everything from #microplastic fibers shed during washing to large, mismanaged plastic waste. This study sheds light on the apparel industry's role in plastic pollution and highlights key interventions needed to curb plastic waste and leakage. Read our topline report here: https://lnkd.in/eAE8QXmf #PlasticLeakage #PlasticPollution #Sustainability #TextileWaste #CombatPlasticLeakage #PlasticFreeJuly Jesse Daystar, Ph.D., Steven Pires, Jon Devine, Roland Geyer, Richard Venditti, UC Santa Barbara, North Carolina State University

#Microplastics remain a persistent issue for synthetic apparel and society, but this research reveals a parallel and potentially more damaging concern. Synthetic apparel itself contributes significantly to #Plastic #Pollution at the end of its life cycle via #macroplastic leakage. The global apparel industry, often overlooked as a source of plastic pollution, is responsible for releasing an estimated 8.3 million metric tons of plastic into the environment each year. This accounts for 14% of all plastic pollution, with macroplastics (e.g., large pieces of plastic) from synthetic apparel making up 89% of this pollution. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including using natural fibers like #cotton, designing products for durability, and emphasizing reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. It's also crucial to assess other environmental indicators beyond plastic pollution to ensure comprehensive sustainability. In contrast, global cotton production is responsible for less than 1% of total plastic pollution. The cotton industry acknowledges this impact and is actively developing solutions through research and innovations by Cotton Incorporated to further reduce its environmental footprint. For all the technical details related to the research check out the full publication in Nature Communications here: https://lnkd.in/ejXMjkQF

#PlasticFreeJuly Plastic clothes are everywhere. And they're ending up in our oceans. When we think of ocean pollution, we tend to think of single-use plastics: Bottles, straws, plastic bags. But did you know that the fashion industry is responsible for a third of plastic in our ocean? Plastic clothes, or clothes made of polyester and its hidden blends, cause 35% of the global microplastic pollution. Every time we wash these synthetic clothes could release more than 700,000 tiny plastic particles that find their way into the ocean. Today, these microplastics are found in our bodies through the food that we eat. What can you do? 1. Check the label to see what's in your clothes. Avoid synthetic fibres (Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic) and blends that contain them. 2. Use washing bags whenever you wash your existing synthetic clothes to prevent microplastics from being released. 3. Choose natural fibres whenever possible. Especially ones with traceable origin and commitment to use less chemicals in how it's grown and processed. And best thing? Your skin will thank you. Natural fibers allow your skin to breathe naturally. They’re what we’re meant to wear. And they don’t shed thousands and thousands of microplastic pieces into the ocean with every wash. #MadeRight #VillagesNotFactories #plasticfree #consciousliving #sustainablefashion #fashionrevolution #whatsinmyclothes #whomademyclothes

There's an urgent need to comprehend and mitigate the environmental repercussions of the 'plastic elephant in the room' with the rising use of synthetic materials in clothing. A recently published report examines whether sustainable textile strategies address the increased production volumes based on synthetic material, and if so, how. This was done through a lens of four questions: 1. Production Volumes: if legislators, industry organisations and retail brands touch upon the escalating production volumes and the initiatives in place to curb this growth. 2. Plastification of Textiles: whether these strategies recognize the growing dependence on plastic fibres in textile production. 3. Raw Materials for Plastics: if there's any emphasis on where these plastics originate from. 4. Plastic Waste: the strategies' perspective on tackling plastic waste. The startling revelation? None of these pivotal aspects, central to reducing the environmental harms of clothing production, are prioritized in the strategies reviewed. The fashion sector has pressing challenges ahead. This study’s insights drives broader discussions and catalyses meaningful actions to integrate sustainability more profoundly. 🔗 Link to full research paper: https://lnkd.in/gcbcG3it #MaketheLabelCount #SustainableFashion #PlasticInTextiles #ResearchInsights #EcoConsciousFashion #FilterbyFabric Image by: Lisbeth Løvbak Berg

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From #chemical Recycling plastic to #Biological recycling plastic. WHAT DOES REALLY MEAN? It means the process to break down plastics is made with #enzymes, and this should reduce the #energy. Last week I read thanks to Paul Foulkes-Arellano an article by Dr. John Spevacek in PlasticsToday saying that chemical recycling isn’t feasible, could be worthy for high value items only. But today “seems” to be a big day. Stella McCartney and Protein Evolution collab: Plastic-eating enzymes helped make this new Stella McCarteney parka delivering a cost-effective way to combat plastic waste across all industries, not for fashion industry only. #Circularity meets #energy #consumption: “ Unless the microbes are on a steady diet of coquilles Saint Jacques and Perrier-Jouet, their energy will be cheaper than the heat needed for pyrolysis” says John Spevacek. Although here I have some comments: >>>> How do we know that this is a real improvement? Do we have any report with numbers about a real reduction of co2? How the waste process was organised, how many kg of materials were shipped producing CO2 and in which way, etc >>>> and pls remind that “plastic is never fantastic” every time you wash your clothes they will always release #microplastics into our seas, no matter if they were break down with enzymes or with any other chemical degradation. We need to prove that an innovation can be a good innovation. #Circularity #innovation #recycling #plastic #recycledplastic #sustainability #future

Plastic-based, or 'synthetic,' textiles have become an integral part of our daily lives in Europe. They find their way into the very fabric of our existence, from the clothes we don to the towels we use and the bed sheets we sleep on. Notably, synthetic fibers, like polyester and nylon, account for a substantial 60% of our clothing and a remarkable 70% of our household textiles. However, these impressive statistics come with a downside. Each year, European consumers discard approximately 5.8 million tonnes of textiles, translating to about 11 kg per person. Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds of this vast textile waste comprises synthetic fibers. Even more concerning is the fact that around 78% of these textiles are not separately collected for recycling or proper disposal. The time to address this issue and make a change is now. If you possess the knowledge or expertise in sorting textiles (either from separately collected or mixed waste) or have recycling solutions for synthetic textiles, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. #TextileRecycling #Sustainability #GreenFuture 💚🌍 https://lnkd.in/emFsQySr

What is rPet? rPet fabric uses plastic bottles to produce a recycled polyester fibre; RECYCLED P.E.T.  🍃 Our collaboration with Gorman to create reusable tote bags, were sustainably sourced and produced, using rPet. 🍃 Objective: To create a brand positive product that aligned with Gorman's values. 🍃 Model: Add-on purchase and alignment with charity, both in-store and online. 🍃 Marketing Power: Highly visible, reusable product that generates not only social media and business communications, delivered significant brand exposure. 🍃 ESG Goals: This collaboration delivered a positive shift towards ESG goals, with the transformation from non-sustainable paper and plastic shopping bags to low impact 100% recycled, reusable shopping bags. All while generating positive commercial outcomes. Should your brand or organisation be considering a shift towards responsible choices, we invite you to contact us to begin your certified eco-bag journey! directtosource.com.au #RecycledToteBags #SustainableDesign #SustainablyMade #SustainableFashion #OrganicCotton #EcoFriendly #EcoFriendlyProducts #EcoFashion #Sustainability #SustainableFabrics #EthicalManufacturing #EcoFriendlyTote #ReusableTote #EthicalFashion #SustainableStyle #ToteBagLove #FashionRevolution #ReduceWaste #ChooseReusable #Branding #SustainableBrandAwareness #FashionWithPurpose #ShopSustainable #ConsciousConsumer