What is the most common raw material used to make clothing?

Article written by Alexandre Torbay
May 27, 2022

We're delighted to welcome you to another #questiongreen, with a focus on the fashion and textile sector.

Here are a few key figures from ADEME concerning fashion:

➡️ 2% is the sector's share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

👉 38% is the weight of raw materials production in the fashion sector's GHG emissions.

💧 4% of the world's drinking water is used to produce our clothes.

Do you know what is the most common raw material used to make clothes?

This is Polyester, which tops the podium, with almost 40 tons produced in 2015.
🛢 70% of synthetic fibers produced worldwide come from oil, a finite resource whose availability is likely to run out in the coming decades.
According to a study by McKinsey and GFA, +70% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the fashion sector are caused by upstream activities - notably production, preparation and processing of raw materials.
Possible ways of reducing the textile industry's GHG emissions - on a constant production basis - involve the following dimensions:
✅ Improving the mix of materials used (increasing the use of recycled polyester, recycled or organic cottons, etc.).)
✅ Increasing the share of less emissive transport (increasing maritime transport and reducing the share of aviation)
✅ Optimizing the composition of packaging
✅ Decarbonizing distribution outlets (reducing energy consumption, notably linked to heating/air conditioning)
✅ Reducing overproduction

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Sources :

  • Fashion on climate, McKinsey & GFA, 2020
  • La mode sans dessus-dessous, ADEME
Any questions?
Our team of experts is on hand to answer any questions you may have
Contact us