Plastic Free July is here as the foggy, steamy, and muggy month of July arrives. The campaign was started in 2011 and is one of the Plastic Free Foundation’s main projects. The campaign motto for this year is small steps, big difference. The dilemma facing the fashion industry is how to address the issue of microplastics. Changing to natural fibers is one solution.
When it comes to adding comfort and utility to your wardrobe, natural fibers should always be your first option.
Cotton enables you to create items that are not only pleasant and durable but also have a lower environmental effect. Your dedication to sustainability is clear in the materials you choose. This choice is a component of a larger plan to reduce your ecological footprint by incorporating sustainable practices into all aspects of your manufacturing operations.
Microplastics are a major concern for swim brands, therefore when choosing fabrics for clothing, you should always consider sustainability, especially when it comes to the garment’s intended usage. When it comes to adding comfort and utility to your wardrobe, natural fibers should always be your first option.
And in 2023, the industry leader in fashion, Ralph Lauren, released its Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report. The report included a strategy dubbed Timeless by Design, which, according to the firm, guarantees that timelessness is ingrained in every aspect of your goods, from inspiration to usage and reuse over generations. You also want to utilize Timeless by Design to support the people and communities that connect with your company, employ sustainable materials, safeguard the natural resources of your world, and put circular concepts into practice.
The worldwide textile industry is a huge, but neglected source of plastic leakage. A recent study published in Nature Communications by Cotton Incorporated and top experts explains how synthetic, petroleum-based clothes are adding to plastic pollution.
The amount of plastic emitted from human activities that ends up damaging the environment is referred to as “plastic leakage.” According to a research, 7.4 million metric tons of plastic pollution are caused annually by synthetic garments. When synthetic clothing reaches the end of its lifespan, macroplastic waste is the primary cause of this plastic leakage. This exacerbates the well-known problem of microplastic shedding when these items are washed and worn. According to the paper, the manufacture, usage, and disposal of synthetic clothing worldwide account for the majority of the 8.3 million metric tons of plastic that are released into the environment each year, or 14% of the total plastic leakage into the environment.
The effect of synthetic clothes on plastic pollution is astounding, with at least 10 times greater leakage than that of cotton apparel. Using natural fibers in design, such as cotton, is one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic leakage from the clothing sector.
According to Fashion Revolution, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing sustainability and openness in the fashion industry, the onus of preventing microfiber pollution from clothing ultimately rests with the manufacturers of the items that emit the tiny particles—particles derived from petroleum-based textiles like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. The project titled “Restorying Riverscapes” delves at the textile industry’s past along the River Churnet in Leek in Staffordshire, England.
According to the Fashion Revolution study, textiles are the main source of primary and secondary microplastics, contributing 34.8 percent of the world’s microplastic pollution. Approximately 700,000 microfibers are released into the environment with each washing cycle. Even though textiles are the main source of microplastics in the ocean, just 24% of businesses reveal how they reduce the effects of microfibers.
Over half of all consumers (45 percent) claim they are aware of the current worries regarding clothing microplastics contaminating your seas and waterways. Sixty-five percent of these buyers are aware that it originates during washing and wearing clothing composed of synthetic fibers derived from petroleum, such as polyester.
A significant portion of consumers—more than one-quarter, or 29 percent—are genuinely disturbed by the use of synthetic fibers in clothing by stores and brands. Furthermore, the majority of consumers (65%) said they are inclined to look up the fiber content label before making a purchase in order to steer clear of synthetic apparel.
You may lessen the amount of microplastics released into water systems by avoiding synthetic materials wherever you can. The environment will become cleaner and healthier as a result of this. Using natural fibers is a part of your brand’s commitment to being a conscientious and responsible company in all facets of your business operations.
Creating durable goods and giving reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling top priority are important ways to reduce the pollution caused by plastic.
Because of its resilience, cotton is perfect for creating long-lasting, high-quality clothing, which reduces waste and supports a more sustainable form of consumption. Second, the inherent softness and breathability of cotton improve the wearability and comfort of all of your clothes, including denim, t-shirts, and hoodies. This is consistent with your mission to provide your clients things that feel as beautiful as they look. Cotton may also be dyed and finished in a variety of ways, making it flexible enough to experiment with new textures and finishes without sacrificing the integrity of the fabric.
This adaptability fosters your creative expression and allows you to consistently innovate while upholding your sustainability pledges. By using cotton, you can make sure that your clothing meets the high standards of quality and design that your clients demand from Pas Une Marque while also adhering to environmental responsibility.
