The fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions rose for the second straight year, driven mainly by an unsustainable reliance on cheap, virgin polyester. Global apparel emissions rose 6.3% following a 7.5% surge the previous year. This continued growth pushed total sector emissions to 1 gigaton, matching Japan’s entire annual carbon footprint.
Kurt Kipka, Chief Impact Officer, Apparel Impact Institute (AII), called the trend deeply concerning, noting that it reflects unchecked material expansion across global supply chains. Virgin polyester remains significantly cheaper and more accessible than recycled fibers, pricing out sustainable alternatives and stalling corporate transition plans.
At the same time, volatile energy prices continue to highlight the urgent need for manufacturing supply chains to transition away from fossil fuels.
This environmental failure carries massive financial risk. AII research projects that global fashion profits could plunge by 34% by 2030 due to climate-driven supply chain disruptions and skyrocketing operational costs.
A widening divide now exists between corporate marketing and operational reality. While the number of fashion brands committing to science-based targets grew from 100 to over 700, total emissions continue to scale alongside production volumes.
Major legacy brands are already retreating from their original timelines, with Burberry officially delaying its net-zero target from 2040 to 2050. Until brands decouple revenue growth from raw material consumption, systemic corporate climate commitments will remain out of reach.
