Falling Apart at the Seams

Addressing the hidden impacts of the textiles waste trade

The story of textile waste is not just about discarded clothes – it’s about a global system that shifts the burden of pollution from rich nations to poorer ones under the guise of charity and recycling.

The textile industry has a significant environmental impact across its lifecycle. It contributes to climate change, water depletion, chemical pollution, waste accumulation and growing volumes of waste mismanagement.

Textile production accounts for more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined – an estimated 8-10 per cent of global emissions – primarily due to energy-intensive production and long supply chains.