The climate group Stand.earth has released a new analysis that links the supply chains of more than 100 fashion labels to oil and gas fracking in Texas’ Permian Basin because these brands source synthetic fibres sourced from fossil fuels.
The study discovered that 107 fashion brands use petrochemical-based textile products. According to Stand.earth, 57 of these have clear strategies to phase out or reduce virgin polyester, which is required to lessen the carbon footprint of the industry.
The parent company of Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka, Inditex, was found to be one of the biggest buyers of synthetic fibres by volume out of the more than 100 brands whose supply chains are connected to fracking in Texas. According to the report, Lululemon, a retailer of activewear, uses synthetic fibres made from fossil fuels in over 72 per cent of their clothing and footwear items.
According to a Changing Markets Foundation analysis, synthetic fibres produced by petrochemicals, including polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are predicted to account for 73 per cent of the world’s clothing output by 2030. According to Stand.earth, a significant amount of the raw materials utilised in the fashion and apparel industries’ production processes are synthetic fibres.
