When we talk about plastic threatening our environment few people stop to think that they are wearing plastic clothing.
The fashion industry is the second largest in the world, and according to Textile Network, in 2018 it accounted for 111 million tonnes of fabrics, 71.1% of which were synthetic materials. Fast fashion has become the norm when it comes to purchasing clothing or accessories, however, something is changing. Increasingly, customers, before buying, are stopping to investigate what material the item in question was produced from and are demanding that it is as environmentally friendly as possible.
"Polyester has become the basic raw material of this industry:
It accounts for more than 50% of the fibres."
In addition, plastic can be harmful to our health. Plastic is a durable material with exceptional qualities, but when you wear, use or wash plastic fabrics, the textile material deteriorates. Since plastic does not break down, but disintegrates into smaller particles, these harmful particles end up floating in the air and water, possibly entering our bodies.
What can we do about this? Recycling synthetic fibres is not an option, as it will not prevent the emission of harmful particles. At present our need for clothing means that we are polluting the planet and ourselves. This does not have to be the case. There are many alternative materials and processes, but we must also change our behaviour to reverse this. We need to choose well and buy what we really like and need, and try to go for brands whose products are produced sustainably, with natural materials and under fair conditions.
"We must not forget the responsibility of the textile industry for the climate crisis, and
the fact that it is considered the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases."
The increasing emergence of sustainable brands that recycle plastic in their production process gives us a wide range of possibilities to make a positive contribution to the environment when we want to buy fashion. Parafina, for example, we are an alternative to conventional sunglasses, as we incorporate PET or HDPE plastic in the production processes, as well as other recycled and sustainable materials.
We also find brands such as Lefrik, a backpacks and travel accessories which contributes to the environment by reducing the use of virgin polyester and extending the life of discarded plastic bottles, while saving energy in the production process. Their products are designed in Spain and ethically manufactured in Asia because they have the best techniques for manufacturing polyester from recycled PET plastic bottles.
