Fashion releases ~8.3 million tons of plastic waste annually. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, acrylic form over 60% of clothing, driving global plastic pollution from apparel.
Clothing washes release ~500,000 tons of microfibers yearly. Polybags add ~60,000 tons from packaging alone. Most synthetic apparel ends up in landfills or incinerated.
Microplastics found in human tissues. Synthetic production consumes ~342 million barrels of oil annually. Wildlife, marine ecosystems, and soil suffer contamination.
Solutions include switching to natural fibers, adopting biodegradable packaging, improving recycling, and embracing circular economy frameworks. Brands, policymakers, and consumers must collaborate.