When we think of plastic pollution, what often comes to mind are plastic bags, straws, and water bottles. Rarely do we look inside our own closets. Yet, the fashion industry celebrated for its creativity is also one of the world’s largest contributors to plastic waste, much of it hidden in plain sight. Over 60% of global clothing is made from synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, all of which are derived from fossil fuels. These materials are non-biodegradable, with polyester taking up to 200 years to decompose. If fashion is to be a force for environmental change, it must address plastic not just in packaging, but at the very core of its materials, production systems, and consumer habits.
Beyond plastic, fashion’s environmental footprint is worsened by excessive water usage. The industry consumes around 79 billion cubic meters of water annually, and a single cotton shirt requires 2,700 litres of water to produce. Tackling plastic without addressing water use presents an incomplete picture. The adoption of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems where water is fully reclaimed and reused is crucial to closing this loop. Such vigilance is necessary if the industry is to claim genuine sustainability.
Sustainability is a buzzword it is central to how both consumers and businesses make decisions. A 73% majority of global consumers are now willing to change habits to reduce environmental impact. But sustainability must extend beyond plastic and water to encompass energy consumption and waste generation. Encouragingly, brands are already acting. Cotton fibre leftovers are being repurposed into bags, mats, and tablecloths, helping combat the 92 million tonnes of textile waste produced globally each year. Safer, certified chemicals and dyes are also being used to minimize ecological harm.
A shift toward renewable energy is gaining traction, with many facilities installing in-house solar plants and relying on captive power to cut emissions. The fashion industry accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions, highlighting the urgency of cleaner operations.
More recently, the sector has begun acknowledging its role in the plastic crisis and is taking concrete steps. There’s growing momentum to replace virgin polyester with recycled polyester (rPET), made from post-consumer plastic bottles. While rPET currently makes up 14% of the polyester market, experts say this figure must rise to 45% by 2025 and 90% by 2030 to make a meaningful difference.
The rise of circular fashion is another promising shift designing for longevity, encouraging repair, and recycling textiles into new pieces. Some brands now lead in upcycled fashion, while others have launched take-back programs to prevent garments from reaching landfills. This is vital, considering 85% of textiles globally are discarded each year.
Packaging is also evolving. Several brands now use recycled polybags and are exploring biodegradable and compostable alternatives. Certifications like GOTS, Oeko-Tex, and Fair Trade are becoming mainstream, helping consumers make informed, responsible choices.
This shift is being propelled by heightened public awareness. Through media, influencers, and conscious storytelling, the realities of fast fashion are being exposed. In India, younger consumers are increasingly demanding transparency, ethical sourcing, and sustainability from the brands they support.
However, real change comes with challenges. Sustainable practices often entail higher costs, and unless consumers are willing to support these initiatives financially, widespread adoption may stall. Transformation depends on both innovation and informed demand consumers must buy less, buy better, and reward responsible brands.
India may recycle 60% of its plastic, but millions of tonnes remain unmanaged. The fashion industry must go beyond surface-level solutions to embrace low-impact fibres, better waste systems, and circular design principles.
The fight against plastic will not be won by banning bags alone. Fashion holds the power to lead by example. By rethinking its processes from fabric to finish it can redefine its legacy, not just to look good, but to do good.
