Why is there still so much hidden plastic in our clothes?
While many of us are trying to stop using plastic as much as possible, theres one area of our lives that still contains a huge amount of the problem material: our clothing. In fact, synthetic fibres such as polyester make up more than 60 per cent of fibres produced globally. And although some brands are starting to move towards alternatives, a recent study found that 50 per cent of fast fashion is currently made from virgin plasticmeaning the industry is still responsible for vast volumes of brand-new plastic entering the world. Its important to remember that plastic comes from fossil fuels, which are the primary drivers of climate change. Synthetic fabrics are a big part of the business model of oil and gas companies, Josie Warden, co-author of the paper Fast Fashions Plastic Problem and head of regenerative design at Londons Royal Society for Arts (RSA), tells Vogue. With a separate, new report in June estimating that synthetic materials are set to make up nearly 75 per cent of all textiles by 2030, its clear were still heading in the wrong direction. [These materials] are seen as a growing field of output for oil and gas companies, which ultimately is problematic because we know that we need to be winding down the extraction of fossil fuels, Warden adds. Not only this, but synthetic fabrics release millions of microplastics into our oceans and waterways when we wash them, presenting a serious threat to marine life. Given that synthetics are not biodegradable, they can stay around for up to 200 years, all the time releasing more harmful microfibres and potentially toxic chemicals into the environment. With a shocking 92m tons of textile waste being produced every year, according to a 2017 Global Fashion Agenda report ending up in landfill or being incinerated, the urgency of the situation cant be underestimated. [Plastic] is everywhere and we have to do something about it, says Liesl Truscott, European and materials strategy director of the nonprofit Textile Exchange. Weve got to wake up to the [issues of] waste and microplastics, the impact on nature, biodiversity, and our food chain. Its a problem and its not going away fast.  Fashions reliance on synthetics  Fashions reliance on synthetics dates back to the 1940s and 1950s when nylon and polyester first emerged on the market as a rival to cotton, wool and silk. Fast forward to today, and these fibres are more readily available than ever before. Theyre resilient fibres, relatively inexpensive and reliable, Truscott explains. Whereas cotton and other natural fibres may be a little bit more vulnerable to availability or weather conditions and climate change.