Synthetic Fibers Dominate Fashion's Sustainability Efforts

Major fashion brands are doubling down on synthetic textiles, creating a "plastic paralysis" that perpetuates the overproduction of cheap, disposable clothing. Despite growing recognition of the environmental and health risks, brands are not making significant progress in reducing their reliance on fossil-fuel-derived materials. The Changing Markets Foundation's latest report reveals a concerning trend of increased synthetic fiber usage across the industry, with leading brands like Shein, Boohoo, and Lululemon leading the charge.

Synthetic Fibers Undermine Fashion's Sustainability Promises

The Rise of Synthetic Fibers in Fast Fashion

Polyester, in particular, has been the driving force behind the fast fashion industry, enabling the mass production of low-cost, disposable clothing. The Changing Markets Foundation's report highlights that major brands are not only failing to reduce their synthetic fiber usage but are actively increasing it. Shein, for example, now sources 82% of its materials from synthetic fibers, while Boohoo and Lululemon have also seen significant increases in their reliance on these materials.

The Environmental and Health Impacts of Synthetic Fibers

The environmental problems associated with synthetic fibers are well-documented, with microplastics from these materials being found in human blood, breast milk, and even brain tissue. The Changing Markets Foundation's report emphasizes the mounting health risks posed by the shedding of these microfibers. Additionally, the report argues that the industry's focus on recycled synthetic fibers, often derived from plastic bottles, is a "false solution" that fails to address the underlying issue of plastic pollution.

Brands' Resistance to Transparency and Change

The report also highlights the growing "corporate secrecy" within the fashion industry, with more than half of the brands surveyed failing to respond to requests for disclosure on their use of synthetic fibers. Even those that did respond admitted to increasing their reliance on these materials, suggesting a reluctance to embrace meaningful change.

The Need for Regulatory Intervention

The Changing Markets Foundation has called for legislative action to create a level playing field for brands that are genuinely committed to reducing their synthetic fiber usage. Recommendations include setting measurable and time-bound targets to slash the use of synthetics, investing in true circularity, and supporting legislation to improve transparency and sustainability in the industry.

The Exceptions: Brands Leading the Shift Away from Synthetics

While the majority of the industry is moving in the wrong direction, the report does highlight a few exceptions. Reformation has pledged to phase out virgin synthetics by 2030 and reduce both virgin and recycled synthetics to less than 1% of its total sourcing by 2025. Hugo Boss also has plans to rid itself of polyester and polyamide by 2030, though the report notes that the brand's recent increase in synthetic fiber usage puts it on shakier ground.The fashion industry's reliance on synthetic fibers is a complex and multifaceted issue, with significant environmental and health implications. As the Changing Markets Foundation's report makes clear, the industry as a whole is failing to make meaningful progress in addressing this problem, with only a few outliers leading the way. Urgent action, both from brands and policymakers, is needed to drive a genuine shift towards more sustainable and responsible fashion practices.