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.
