Impacts of textile industry on the environment

Abstract

The fashion industry, as one of the biggest polluters of the environment, is facing the increasing pressure from the general public to change its trade policy. This article provides an overview on the effects that the production and processing of textile fibers, together with waste from production and as unsold goods, may have on the environment. The environmental problems associated with the acquisition of natural fibers, the production of synthetic fibers, their processing and the final treatment of textiles are described. The need for water and chemicals, as well as the generation of waste at various stages of textile production are discussed. Finally, contributions of the resultant products to the carbon footprint as an important parameter of life cycle assessment are also explained.