Textile Waste increased by 50% in U.S. due to Fast Fashion, Report

chemicals leaching into the environment. The considerable influence of “fast fashion”—rapid production cycles of trendy, low-cost apparel—has exacerbated this problem over the past two decades.

The fast fashion business model, characterized by rapid and low-cost production and inadequate systems for collecting and sorting textiles and nascent recycling technologies, has exacerbated the waste problem. The focus on short-term garment use has led to a significant turnover of clothing, much of which is discarded.

Examples of Discarded Textiles Key Statistics on Waste and Recycling Rates The GAO’s detailed analysis highlights an alarming increase in textile waste: Between 2000 and 2018, the U.S. saw a more than 50% increase in textile waste. In 2018, approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste were produced globally.

Fast fashion brands, notably Shein, contribute massively by producing 49 billion garments annually, equivalent to six outfits for every individual on the planet. Despite the burgeoning waste, textile recycling remains notably inadequate: The recycling rate for all textiles was a mere 14.7% in 2018…