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Sustainability

Fashion’s Virgin Plastic Problem

The industry needs to ditch its reliance on fossil fuel-based materials like polyester in order to meet climate targets, according to a new report from Textile Exchange.
A worker inspects spools of recycled polyester thread.
Fashion needs to accelerate efforts to rid its increased supply of recycled polyester and other materials made of fossil fuels. (Getty)
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BoF PROFESSIONAL

Fashion needs to not only stop making so much new stuff but also ditch its reliance on virgin-plastic materials like polyester altogether in order to meet the industry’s climate goals, according to a new report by sustainable materials-focused trade group

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Further Reading

Are New Materials Ready to Go Mainstream?

A wave of high-profile failures has dampened the hype around biofabricated materials and ingredients, making this year a critical one for start-ups in the space to execute on scale-up plans.

Can Fashion Live Without Plastic? It’s Complicated

Last month, Boss’s runway show in Milan featured a trio of limited-edition jackets made using a new fibre designed to replace polyester. But untangling the industry from a material that has played a central role in its growth will be a tricky business.

About the author
Sarah Kent
Sarah Kent

Sarah Kent is Chief Sustainability Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in London and drives BoF's coverage of critical environmental and labour issues.

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