Apparel sector-generated global greenhouse gas emissions grew 7.5% in 2023 — driven by increased production fueled by mounting dependence on carbon-intensive polyester and rising demand from the fast-fashion industry. "It is encouraging to see progress across the value chain — with meaningful case studies from brands and suppliers — but this data is a sharp reminder of how much further we still need to go as an industry," said Lewis Perkins, president of environmental nonprofit Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). According to a report released by Aii on July 23, the apparel sector accounted for 2% of total global emissions in 2023 — leaving the industry substantially behind its target to halve its carbon footprint by 2030. Aii found that polyester accounts for 57% of total global fiber production — by far the largest of any material. By comparison, cotton is the second most commonly used fiber at 20% — followed by man-made cellulosic fibers.
From a supply-chain perspective, Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) is a global nonprofit organization established to reduce the environmental impact of the apparel and footwear industries — Lewis Perkins serves as President — headquartered in San Francisco, California and Hong Kong. Aii's core programs include Climate Solutions Portfolio, Clean by Design, Mill Improvement Program, Carbon Leadership Project, and Fashion Climate Fund. The apparel sector is valued at more than 1.5 trillion dollars annually on a global basis — and generates 2–8% of total emissions (estimates vary by source) — producing emissions across its life cycle: production, shipping, retail, use, and disposal. Polyester is a petroleum-derived synthetic fiber — popular due to its low cost, high durability, quick-drying properties, and color retention — but is a major source of microplastic pollution, releasing 700,000+ microfibers with each wash. Major global polyester (PET) fiber and resin producers include Indorama Ventures (Bangkok, Thailand), Reliance Industries (Mumbai, India), Sinopec, Tongkun Group, Hengli Group, Rongsheng Petrochemical, Far Eastern New Century, Toray Industries, Teijin, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Eastman Chemical.
From a supply-chain perspective, the global apparel and footwear industry encompasses major brands including Inditex (Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home, Lefties); H&M Group (H&M, COS, &Other Stories, Monki, Weekday, ARKET, H&M Home); Fast Retailing (Uniqlo, GU, Theory); Shein; Temu (PDD Holdings); Boohoo Group; ASOS; Primark; Gap Inc. (Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta); VF Corporation (The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Dickies); PVH Corp. (Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein); Tapestry Inc. (Coach, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman); Capri Holdings (Michael Kors, Versace, Jimmy Choo); LVMH; Kering; Richemont; Burberry; and Hermes. Major sportswear and footwear brands include Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour, Lululemon, New Balance, ASICS, Skechers, Crocs, Deckers (UGG, HOKA, Teva), and On Holding.
From a supply-chain perspective, apparel-sector sustainability initiatives include Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Textile Exchange, ZDHC Foundation (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), Higg Index, Fashion Pact, UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, Cascale (formerly SAC), Global Recycle Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX, Bluesign, and Cradle to Cradle. Major regulatory frameworks include the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), EU Digital Product Passport (DPP), EU Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), France AGEC Law, and California AB 405 (Responsible Textile Recovery Act). Key sustainable textile materials include recycled polyester (rPET), biobased polyester, chemical recycling, mechanical recycling, regenerative cotton, hemp, linen, Tencel/lyocell, Modal, mushroom leather (Mylo), and cactus leather (Desserto). Ultimately, the Aii report clearly demonstrates that the global apparel industry is falling behind its 2030 emissions targets due to polyester dependence and accelerating fast-fashion demand — requiring urgent structural transformation across the sector.
Key Takeaways:
1. Global apparel-sector emissions grew 7.5% in 2023.
2. Polyester accounts for 57% of global fiber production; cotton accounts for 20%.
3. The apparel sector accounts for 2% of total global emissions.
4. Lewis Perkins (Aii) emphasizes that the industry is behind on its 2030 targets.
5. Fast-fashion demand growth and carbon-intensive polyester are the primary emission drivers.
