Challenges & Insights of Consumerism
On The Textile Industry

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Consumerism—the insatiable urge to acquire more than we need—has become a major driving force in the global economy. Nowhere is this more evident than in the textile industry, where the rise of fast fashion has transformed not only how we dress but also how goods are produced and consumed. This article explores the staggering data, recent news, cutting-edge research and current political events, all of which underscore a system that often values immediate profit over long-term sustainability.

Uncontrolled Growth in Fashion

Since the turn of the millennium, clothing consumption has skyrocketed. According to estimates by the World Resources Institute, today's consumers purchase around 60% more garments than they did in 2000 [1].

Fast fashion—a model defined by rapid production cycles and extremely low prices—has democratized access to the latest trends. However, this constant turnover of collections has led to a “wear-and-throw” culture where clothing is used briefly before being discarded. This model not only saturates the market with fleeting products but also fuels a relentless cycle of production and waste that depletes our natural resources. Meanwhile, the United Nations forecasts that, despite efforts to curb waste, the industry's continued expansion will drive a 50% increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 [2]. Additionally, a report by World Resources Institute projects that global apparel production could surge by up to 63% within the same timeframe [1].

By Artem Beliaikin.

A Devastating Environmental Impact

The environmental cost of fast fashion is alarming. The dyeing and finishing processes of textiles generate toxic wastewater, often discharged untreated into nearby rivers and ecosystems, accounting for approximately 20-30% of global industrial water pollution [1,2,3,5].

Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions from the textile sector are equally concerning. Studies indicate that the fashion industry contributes around 10% of global CO₂ emissions—approximately 2.1 gigatonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year [2,4,6]. Additionally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that the textile industry is responsible for approximately 2.7% of global energy consumption [7].

Finally, in terms of waste, research shows that more than 60% of all clothing produced ends up in landfills or is incinerated, while less than 1% of textiles are recycled into new fibers [2,5,8,9]. These figures highlight the urgent need to rethink our consumption patterns.

Adding to this grim picture, recent investigations have revealed further environmental malpractice. A report by Earthsight uncovered that major brands like H&M and Zara were marketing cotton products as "ethical" based on misleading certifications, despite evidence linking their supply chains to polluting practices and labor exploitation [10]. Similarly, Greenpeace’s analysis of SHEIN garments found that 15% of the items contained dangerous levels of toxic chemicals that exceeded European regulatory limits—putting both consumer health and the environment at risk [11].

Social and Labor Consequences

Behind every inexpensive garment lies a human cost. The fast fashion model relies heavily on outsourcing production to countries with weak labor regulations, where millions of workers endure long hours, perilously low wages, and unsafe conditions. For instance, the Clean Clothes Campaign has reported that garment workers in Bangladesh earn as little as $68 per month, far below a living wage [9]. The tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh—which claimed over 1,100 lives—is a stark reminder of the exploitation underpinning fast fashion [9,12].

Designer Lorenzo Caprile recently analyzed a dress from a prominent fast fashion retailer that cost only 70 euros—including shipping [13]. He argued that if this dress were produced in a country with ethical labor standards, the cost of materials and fair wages would likely push the price close to 700 euros [13]. Such discrepancies expose the deep inequities of a system where cost reduction is achieved by sacrificing both environmental integrity and human rights.

By Zakir Hossain Chowdhury. Source: CNN.

Global Policies and the Trump Administration’s Impact

In response to these challenges, governments and international organizations have implemented policies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of fast fashion. The United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, sets ambitious goals for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy [14]. Among its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, responsible consumption and production is paramount, urging industries to minimize their environmental footprints.

In Europe, recent directives demand increased supply chain transparency. For example, the European Commission’s new Directive on Supply Chain Transparency requires companies to disclose detailed information about their production processes and labor conditions, a move that could reduce carbon emissions by up to 15% if implemented effectively [15,16]. A 2020 study published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling noted that better recycling and reuse of textiles could cut textile waste by nearly 30% [16,17].

Across the Atlantic, U.S. policy has also left its mark. Under the actual Trump administration, the “America First” agenda led to the imposition of tariffs on imported textiles—some as high as 25%—aimed at boosting domestic production [18,19,20]. According to a 2021 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission, these tariffs increased U.S. textile production by 12%, although they also raised consumer prices by approximately 8%—the Chinese market being one of the most affected [19,20]. These protectionist measures have sparked debate about the balance between supporting local industries and fostering sustainable global practices [19], because they inadvertently increased production costs throughout the entire supply chain.

On the legislative front, new policy proposals are emerging. For example, the New York Fashion Sustainability and Responsibility Act requires major fashion companies to map at least 50% of their supply chain and disclose sustainability reports, aiming to increase transparency and reduce environmental impacts [22,23]. In Spain, initiatives such as Re-Viste have united major retailers like Zara, Mango, and Primark to comply with Law 7/2022, which mandates efficient management of textile and footwear waste as part of a circular economy [24,26,27]. These efforts illustrate the growing political and corporate commitment to address the environmental fallout of fast fashion.

Consumption vs. Sustainability: The Ongoing Debate

At the core of modern fashion culture lies a critical tension: the lure of immediate consumption versus the need for long-term sustainability. The fast fashion model thrives on affordability and constant novelty, compelling consumers to buy new items frequently. Digital platforms—fueled by social media and influencer marketing—amplify this impulse by providing real-time updates on new collections and exclusive deals. Yet, mounting evidence makes it clear that this model is unsustainable.

A study by the French Institute of Fashion found that 68% of consumers have altered their purchasing behavior in response to rising inflation, with many turning to second-hand clothing—a market segment that now accounts for roughly 12% of apparel sales in France [23,27]. Moreover, research indicates that between 2018 and 2023, the proportion of consumers considering the sustainability credentials of the brands they purchase from increased by 5–6% annually [23,28]. This trend shows that more people are becoming aware of the environmental and social costs embedded in the products they buy.

Adding another dimension to this debate, a recent study investigated the impact of pop-up stores—temporary retail space that appears suddenly in a location for a limited period—on consumer behavior. The study found that these temporary retail experiences—ranging from all types of industry or theme, including fashion events—can increase impulse purchases by 20–30% compared to traditional retail outlets, reinforcing a culture of rapid consumption that is at odds with long-term sustainability [29]. In 2020, the turnover of China's pop-up store industry exceeded 80 billion yuan, with approximately 9.6 million pop-up events occurring. Furthermore, in China, 65% of pop-up stores operate for less than 10 days [29]. This business model offers substantial benefits in terms of flexibility and market responsiveness, yet it also encourages overconsumption by capitalizing on the urgency created by temporary availability.

This debate is not merely academic—it has profound implications for our future. Can we continue to prioritize low prices and rapid turnover at the expense of environmental degradation and human rights?

The performance of pop-up stores in China.(Source from Flash Space and RET Reynolds China Commercial Real Estate Research Centre). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-84528-4

Redefining Consumer Values for a Sustainable Future

The relentless consumerism in the textile industry mirrors a society increasingly detached from the long-term consequences of its actions. Every cheaply made garment represents not just a fleeting trend, but a stark reminder of the environmental depletion and human exploitation at the heart of fast fashion. Global policies and initiatives—ranging from the UN’s 2030 Agenda to the protectionist and/or liberal measures implemented by current governments—offer important steps toward change. Yet, the real transformation depends on our collective willingness to redefine what we value.

Will we continue to pay the steep price of mindless consumerism, or can we forge a future where fashion truly reflects responsibility and ethical integrity?

Authors & Researchers

Jordy Munarriz

Environmental Engineer with a master's degree in renewable energy and a specialization in sustainability. Researcher and writer, he combines his technical knowledge with his passion for environmental communication, addressing topics of ecological impact and sustainable solutions in the textile industry and beyond.