Synthetic materials and garment components drive fashion waste concerns

The global fashion industry faces increasing environmental challenges due to the prevalence of synthetic materials and the complexity of garment components. According to a European Environment Agency briefing, 60% to 70% of textiles consist of plastic, primarily polyester. These oil-based synthetic materials do not decompose naturally, leading to long-term waste in landfills. Additionally, standard washing cycles release tiny synthetic fibers into municipal wastewater systems.

Beyond fabric choice, the industry is under pressure to address the sustainability of trims and accessories, such as buttons, zippers, and labels. Because a single garment often contains numerous different components, the use of non-recyclable materials in these small parts can undermine the circularity of the entire product. This shift requires designers and manufacturers to prioritize durability, repairability, and disassembly alongside aesthetic appeal to reduce dependence on virgin resources and minimize waste across supply chains.