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How Do the Sustainable Development Goals Relate to the Fashion Industry?
Fashion is about much more than clothes. It is connected to some of the biggest challenges of our time — from poverty and gender inequality to climate change, water pollution and biodiversity loss.
So what does the fashion industry have to do with the Sustainable Development Goals?
Let’s explore the connections.
So what does the fashion industry have to do with the Sustainable Development Goals?
Let’s explore the connections.
THE GLOBAL GOALS:
A SHARED AGENDA FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — a global framework designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity and our planet.
At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supported by 169 specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
The goals cover a broad range of interconnected issues: from ending poverty and hunger to protecting the environment, tackling climate change, ensuring decent work, reducing inequality and promoting responsible consumption and production.
Together, they address three fundamental dimensions of sustainable development: social progress, economic prosperity and environmental protection.
The SDGs are universal. They apply to every country, regardless of its level of development, and call for collective action from governments, businesses, organisations and individuals alike.
Importantly, the goals are interconnected. Progress in one area often depends on progress in others. Achieving a sustainable future therefore requires a holistic approach, with responsibility shared across society.
At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supported by 169 specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
The goals cover a broad range of interconnected issues: from ending poverty and hunger to protecting the environment, tackling climate change, ensuring decent work, reducing inequality and promoting responsible consumption and production.
Together, they address three fundamental dimensions of sustainable development: social progress, economic prosperity and environmental protection.
The SDGs are universal. They apply to every country, regardless of its level of development, and call for collective action from governments, businesses, organisations and individuals alike.
Importantly, the goals are interconnected. Progress in one area often depends on progress in others. Achieving a sustainable future therefore requires a holistic approach, with responsibility shared across society.
WHAT DOES FASHION HAVE TO DO WITH THE GLOBAL GOALS?
At first glance, fashion may not seem directly connected to many of these global challenges. Yet the fashion industry touches almost every aspect of sustainable development.
From the natural resources used to produce raw materials to the people involved in manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal, fashion has an impact on both people and the planet.
This means the industry has a significant role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — but also faces major challenges in transforming the way it operates.
From the natural resources used to produce raw materials to the people involved in manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal, fashion has an impact on both people and the planet.
This means the industry has a significant role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — but also faces major challenges in transforming the way it operates.
This article focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals most directly connected to the fashion industry and its global supply chains.
SDG 1 — NO POVERTY
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Poverty is closely linked to working conditions, wages and access to economic opportunities.
The fashion industry employs millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Its global supply chains provide livelihoods for workers, farmers and artisans, yet low wages, insecure employment and unequal distribution of value remain persistent challenges.
The fashion industry employs millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Its global supply chains provide livelihoods for workers, farmers and artisans, yet low wages, insecure employment and unequal distribution of value remain persistent challenges.
How Does Poverty Persist in Fashion Supply Chains?
The challenge
Minimum wages in many garment-producing countries remain insufficient to cover workers' basic needs.
In Bangladesh, the minimum monthly wage for garment workers was raised to 12,500 taka in December 2023, but it remains below many living wage estimates.
Research commissioned by Oxfam and conducted by Deloitte found that garment workers receive only a small share of the retail price of clothing. One estimate put this share at just 4%.
Why it matters
Full-time employment should provide a route out of poverty. When wages cannot cover basic needs, workers remain trapped in economic insecurity and inequality.
Minimum wages in many garment-producing countries remain insufficient to cover workers' basic needs.
In Bangladesh, the minimum monthly wage for garment workers was raised to 12,500 taka in December 2023, but it remains below many living wage estimates.
Research commissioned by Oxfam and conducted by Deloitte found that garment workers receive only a small share of the retail price of clothing. One estimate put this share at just 4%.
Why it matters
Full-time employment should provide a route out of poverty. When wages cannot cover basic needs, workers remain trapped in economic insecurity and inequality.
The challenge
Forced labour, debt bondage and child labour remain serious concerns in parts of global fashion supply chains.
A 2024 investigation by Transparentem into 90 cotton farms in India's Madhya Pradesh state found evidence of child labour, debt bondage, abusive working conditions and wages below legal minimums.
These problems can occur far beyond garment factories, beginning with the production of raw materials.
Why it matters
Exploitation violates fundamental human rights, deprives children of education and traps vulnerable families in cycles of poverty.
Forced labour, debt bondage and child labour remain serious concerns in parts of global fashion supply chains.
A 2024 investigation by Transparentem into 90 cotton farms in India's Madhya Pradesh state found evidence of child labour, debt bondage, abusive working conditions and wages below legal minimums.
These problems can occur far beyond garment factories, beginning with the production of raw materials.
Why it matters
Exploitation violates fundamental human rights, deprives children of education and traps vulnerable families in cycles of poverty.
The challenge
Women working from home are particularly vulnerable to exploitation in fashion supply chains. Many perform labour-intensive tasks such as embroidery, sewing and garment finishing without formal contracts, insurance or adequate legal protection.
A 2018 New York Times investigation documented homeworkers in Italy producing garments for luxury fashion brands for extremely low wages, in some cases just €1.50–2.00 per hour.
Why it matters
Home-based workers often remain invisible within formal supply chains. Without recognition and protection, they have little power to demand fair wages or defend their rights.
Women working from home are particularly vulnerable to exploitation in fashion supply chains. Many perform labour-intensive tasks such as embroidery, sewing and garment finishing without formal contracts, insurance or adequate legal protection.
A 2018 New York Times investigation documented homeworkers in Italy producing garments for luxury fashion brands for extremely low wages, in some cases just €1.50–2.00 per hour.
Why it matters
Home-based workers often remain invisible within formal supply chains. Without recognition and protection, they have little power to demand fair wages or defend their rights.
The challenge
Economic insecurity affects not only garment workers but also farmers and other people involved in producing raw materials.
A 2024 study by IIED, based on research with 360 cotton farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra, India, found that more than half had experienced major or complete crop losses due to droughts and floods over the previous five years.
Low crop prices, rising production costs and climate-related risks further threaten their livelihoods.
Why it matters
The fashion industry's responsibility extends beyond factories. Sustainable supply chains must also support the economic security and resilience of the people who produce their raw materials.
Economic insecurity affects not only garment workers but also farmers and other people involved in producing raw materials.
A 2024 study by IIED, based on research with 360 cotton farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra, India, found that more than half had experienced major or complete crop losses due to droughts and floods over the previous five years.
Low crop prices, rising production costs and climate-related risks further threaten their livelihoods.
Why it matters
The fashion industry's responsibility extends beyond factories. Sustainable supply chains must also support the economic security and resilience of the people who produce their raw materials.
TOWARDS A POVERTY-FREE FASHION INDUSTRY
Achieving this goal requires more than creating jobs. It means ensuring fair wages, decent working conditions and economic opportunities for everyone involved in the fashion supply chain — from raw material producers to garment workers.
SDG 5 — GENDER EQUALITY
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Gender equality remains a major challenge across the global fashion industry.
Women make up a significant proportion of its workforce, particularly in garment manufacturing and other labour-intensive stages of production. Yet they continue to face unequal pay, limited career opportunities and gender-based violence.
Addressing these inequalities is essential to creating a fairer and more inclusive fashion industry.
Women make up a significant proportion of its workforce, particularly in garment manufacturing and other labour-intensive stages of production. Yet they continue to face unequal pay, limited career opportunities and gender-based violence.
Addressing these inequalities is essential to creating a fairer and more inclusive fashion industry.
How Does the Fashion Industry Fall Short of Gender Equality?
The challenge
Women make up a significant proportion of the global garment workforce, yet they are often concentrated in low-paid and low-skilled positions.
Gender pay gaps persist across the fashion supply chain. A study by Anker Research Institute found that women in garment factories in Bangladesh earned 22–30% less than men in basic wages, highlighting persistent inequalities even within the same industry.
Why it matters
Equal pay is essential to women’s economic independence. When women are systematically underpaid, employment alone cannot guarantee financial security or equality.
Women make up a significant proportion of the global garment workforce, yet they are often concentrated in low-paid and low-skilled positions.
Gender pay gaps persist across the fashion supply chain. A study by Anker Research Institute found that women in garment factories in Bangladesh earned 22–30% less than men in basic wages, highlighting persistent inequalities even within the same industry.
Why it matters
Equal pay is essential to women’s economic independence. When women are systematically underpaid, employment alone cannot guarantee financial security or equality.
The challenge
Although women perform much of the labour in garment manufacturing, they remain underrepresented in supervisory and management positions.
Traditional gender roles, limited access to training and promotion opportunities, and workplace discrimination can prevent women from advancing professionally. In Bangladesh, for example, women held only around 10% of supervisory positions in factories participating in the GEAR programme before its intervention.
Why it matters
Equal access to training, promotion and leadership allows women to shape their own careers, improve their economic prospects and challenge gender stereotypes.
Although women perform much of the labour in garment manufacturing, they remain underrepresented in supervisory and management positions.
Traditional gender roles, limited access to training and promotion opportunities, and workplace discrimination can prevent women from advancing professionally. In Bangladesh, for example, women held only around 10% of supervisory positions in factories participating in the GEAR programme before its intervention.
Why it matters
Equal access to training, promotion and leadership allows women to shape their own careers, improve their economic prospects and challenge gender stereotypes.
The challenge
Women working in the fashion industry can face sexual harassment, verbal abuse, intimidation and other forms of gender-based violence.
Power imbalances between workers and managers, fear of losing employment and the lack of effective complaint mechanisms can make it difficult for women to report abuse or seek protection. A CARE International study found that nearly one in three surveyed female garment workers reported experiencing sexual harassment at work during the previous 12 months.
Why it matters
A fair and sustainable workplace must be free from violence and intimidation. Without effective protection, women cannot work with dignity, security and equal rights.
Women working in the fashion industry can face sexual harassment, verbal abuse, intimidation and other forms of gender-based violence.
Power imbalances between workers and managers, fear of losing employment and the lack of effective complaint mechanisms can make it difficult for women to report abuse or seek protection. A CARE International study found that nearly one in three surveyed female garment workers reported experiencing sexual harassment at work during the previous 12 months.
Why it matters
A fair and sustainable workplace must be free from violence and intimidation. Without effective protection, women cannot work with dignity, security and equal rights.
TOWARDS A GENDER-EQUAL FASHION INDUSTRY
Achieving gender equality in fashion requires more than providing women with employment. It means ensuring equal pay, fair career opportunities, representation in leadership and safe working environments — where every woman can work with dignity and reach her full potential.
SDG 8 — DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Decent work is about more than simply having a job. It means fair and secure employment, safe working conditions, respect for labour rights and access to social protection.
The global fashion industry provides employment for millions of people, but complex supply chains, cost-cutting pressures and weak labour protections can leave many workers without these basic rights.
Creating a sustainable fashion industry requires not only economic growth, but also decent working conditions for everyone involved.
The global fashion industry provides employment for millions of people, but complex supply chains, cost-cutting pressures and weak labour protections can leave many workers without these basic rights.
Creating a sustainable fashion industry requires not only economic growth, but also decent working conditions for everyone involved.
WHERE DOES THE FASHION INDUSTRY FALL SHORT OF DECENT WORK?
The challenge
Fashion supply chains often rely on complex networks of suppliers, subcontractors and home-based workers. Many people work without formal contracts, stable orders or access to basic employment benefits such as paid leave, health insurance and pensions.
A 2025 HomeNet International study of garment and footwear homeworkers across 12 locations found that 81% of respondents had received no social security benefits during the period from April 2023 to March 2024.
Why it matters
Without secure employment and social protection, workers remain vulnerable to illness, loss of income and economic uncertainty, even when they contribute to global supply chains.
Fashion supply chains often rely on complex networks of suppliers, subcontractors and home-based workers. Many people work without formal contracts, stable orders or access to basic employment benefits such as paid leave, health insurance and pensions.
A 2025 HomeNet International study of garment and footwear homeworkers across 12 locations found that 81% of respondents had received no social security benefits during the period from April 2023 to March 2024.
Why it matters
Without secure employment and social protection, workers remain vulnerable to illness, loss of income and economic uncertainty, even when they contribute to global supply chains.
The challenge
Garment workers can face a range of occupational hazards, including unsafe factory buildings, fire and electrical risks, exposure to dust and chemicals, excessive heat and physically demanding repetitive work.
The scale of the problem is illustrated by Bangladesh’s garment sector. As of September 2026, the International Accord’s safety programme covered 1,766 factories and 2.8 million workers. More than 297,000 safety findings had been identified, with an average remediation progress rate of 81%.
This shows both the progress made and the considerable work still required to ensure safe workplaces.
Why it matters
No job should put a person’s health or life at risk. Safe working conditions are a fundamental right, not an optional standard of responsible production.
Garment workers can face a range of occupational hazards, including unsafe factory buildings, fire and electrical risks, exposure to dust and chemicals, excessive heat and physically demanding repetitive work.
The scale of the problem is illustrated by Bangladesh’s garment sector. As of September 2026, the International Accord’s safety programme covered 1,766 factories and 2.8 million workers. More than 297,000 safety findings had been identified, with an average remediation progress rate of 81%.
This shows both the progress made and the considerable work still required to ensure safe workplaces.
Why it matters
No job should put a person’s health or life at risk. Safe working conditions are a fundamental right, not an optional standard of responsible production.
The challenge
Workers have the right to organize, join trade unions and negotiate collectively for better working conditions. However, garment workers in some production countries face restrictions, intimidation and retaliation when attempting to exercise these rights.
A 2025 Amnesty International report examining garment workers in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka documented legal and administrative barriers to forming unions, as well as harassment and anti-union abuse by employers.
Without independent representation, workers have limited opportunities to challenge unfair practices or influence decisions affecting their working lives.
Why it matters
Workers need a collective voice to defend their rights and negotiate fair conditions. Freedom of association is essential to building accountable and responsible supply chains.
Workers have the right to organize, join trade unions and negotiate collectively for better working conditions. However, garment workers in some production countries face restrictions, intimidation and retaliation when attempting to exercise these rights.
A 2025 Amnesty International report examining garment workers in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka documented legal and administrative barriers to forming unions, as well as harassment and anti-union abuse by employers.
Without independent representation, workers have limited opportunities to challenge unfair practices or influence decisions affecting their working lives.
Why it matters
Workers need a collective voice to defend their rights and negotiate fair conditions. Freedom of association is essential to building accountable and responsible supply chains.
TOWARDS DECENT WORK IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Building a fairer fashion industry means ensuring that every worker has access to secure employment, safe working conditions, social protection and the freedom to defend their rights.
Economic growth can only be truly sustainable when it benefits the people whose work makes it possible.
Economic growth can only be truly sustainable when it benefits the people whose work makes it possible.
SDG 6 & 14 — CLEAN WATER AND LIFE BELOW WATER
SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Water is essential to every stage of the fashion supply chain, from growing raw materials to manufacturing and caring for finished garments.
The industry places considerable pressure on freshwater resources through water-intensive production processes and contributes to the pollution of rivers, lakes and oceans through chemicals, wastewater and synthetic microfibres.
Protecting water resources and marine ecosystems therefore requires changes throughout the entire fashion value chain.
The industry places considerable pressure on freshwater resources through water-intensive production processes and contributes to the pollution of rivers, lakes and oceans through chemicals, wastewater and synthetic microfibres.
Protecting water resources and marine ecosystems therefore requires changes throughout the entire fashion value chain.
HOW DOES THE FASHION INDUSTRY AFFECT WATER SYSTEMS AND MARINE LIFE?
The challenge
The production of textiles requires significant amounts of water, particularly during the cultivation of natural fibres such as cotton and the processing of fabrics.
Cotton cultivation can place considerable pressure on freshwater resources, especially in regions where water is already scarce. Irrigation for cotton production competes with the water needs of local communities, agriculture and natural ecosystems.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the textile sector uses the equivalent of approximately 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools of natural water resources every year.
Why it matters
Excessive water consumption can intensify water scarcity, threaten local communities’ access to freshwater and place additional pressure on already vulnerable ecosystems.
The production of textiles requires significant amounts of water, particularly during the cultivation of natural fibres such as cotton and the processing of fabrics.
Cotton cultivation can place considerable pressure on freshwater resources, especially in regions where water is already scarce. Irrigation for cotton production competes with the water needs of local communities, agriculture and natural ecosystems.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the textile sector uses the equivalent of approximately 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools of natural water resources every year.
Why it matters
Excessive water consumption can intensify water scarcity, threaten local communities’ access to freshwater and place additional pressure on already vulnerable ecosystems.
The challenge
Wet processing — including bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing — is one of the most water-intensive stages of textile manufacturing.
These processes use a wide range of chemicals, including dyes, detergents and finishing agents. When wastewater is inadequately treated before being discharged, pollutants can enter rivers and other freshwater sources.
In major textile-producing regions, industrial wastewater can affect the quality of drinking water, damage aquatic habitats and expose nearby communities to harmful substances.
Why it matters
Clean water is essential for human health and biodiversity. Industrial pollution threatens both, while placing the burden of production on communities and ecosystems near manufacturing facilities.
Wet processing — including bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing — is one of the most water-intensive stages of textile manufacturing.
These processes use a wide range of chemicals, including dyes, detergents and finishing agents. When wastewater is inadequately treated before being discharged, pollutants can enter rivers and other freshwater sources.
In major textile-producing regions, industrial wastewater can affect the quality of drinking water, damage aquatic habitats and expose nearby communities to harmful substances.
Why it matters
Clean water is essential for human health and biodiversity. Industrial pollution threatens both, while placing the burden of production on communities and ecosystems near manufacturing facilities.
The challenge
Synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon and acrylic release tiny plastic fibres throughout their life cycle, particularly during washing.
These microfibres can pass through wastewater treatment systems and enter rivers and oceans, where they accumulate in the environment and can be ingested by marine organisms.
The European Environment Agency estimates that between 200,000 and 500,000 tonnes of microplastics from textiles enter the global marine environment every year.
Why it matters
Microplastic pollution can affect marine organisms and food webs, while its long-term consequences for ecosystems and human health are still being investigated.
Synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon and acrylic release tiny plastic fibres throughout their life cycle, particularly during washing.
These microfibres can pass through wastewater treatment systems and enter rivers and oceans, where they accumulate in the environment and can be ingested by marine organisms.
The European Environment Agency estimates that between 200,000 and 500,000 tonnes of microplastics from textiles enter the global marine environment every year.
Why it matters
Microplastic pollution can affect marine organisms and food webs, while its long-term consequences for ecosystems and human health are still being investigated.
TOWARDS CLEANER WATER AND HEALTHIER OCEANS
Reducing fashion’s impact on water requires responsible water management, cleaner production processes, effective wastewater treatment and a shift away from excessive reliance on synthetic materials.
Protecting freshwater resources and marine ecosystems means taking responsibility for the environmental consequences of clothing throughout its entire life cycle.
Protecting freshwater resources and marine ecosystems means taking responsibility for the environmental consequences of clothing throughout its entire life cycle.
SDG 13 — CLIMATE ACTION
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
The fashion industry both contributes to climate change and is increasingly affected by its consequences.
From energy-intensive textile manufacturing and fossil fuel-based materials to growing production and consumption, the industry’s global supply chain generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
At the same time, rising temperatures and extreme weather events threaten the communities, workers and production regions on which the industry depends.
From energy-intensive textile manufacturing and fossil fuel-based materials to growing production and consumption, the industry’s global supply chain generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
At the same time, rising temperatures and extreme weather events threaten the communities, workers and production regions on which the industry depends.
HOW DOES THE FASHION INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?
The challenge
The fashion industry generates greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of its value chain — from raw material production and textile processing to manufacturing, transportation, retail and the use and disposal of garments.
Energy-intensive processes such as spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing require substantial amounts of energy, which often comes from fossil fuels. A significant share of the industry’s climate impact occurs within its supply chain, particularly during material production and manufacturing.
Estimates of fashion’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions vary depending on the scope and methodology of each study, generally ranging from 2% to 8%.
Why it matters
Reducing emissions throughout the entire value chain is essential to limiting global warming. Focusing only on brands’ direct operations overlooks much of the industry’s climate impact.
The fashion industry generates greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of its value chain — from raw material production and textile processing to manufacturing, transportation, retail and the use and disposal of garments.
Energy-intensive processes such as spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing require substantial amounts of energy, which often comes from fossil fuels. A significant share of the industry’s climate impact occurs within its supply chain, particularly during material production and manufacturing.
Estimates of fashion’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions vary depending on the scope and methodology of each study, generally ranging from 2% to 8%.
Why it matters
Reducing emissions throughout the entire value chain is essential to limiting global warming. Focusing only on brands’ direct operations overlooks much of the industry’s climate impact.
The challenge
The rapid growth of fashion production and consumption increases demand for raw materials, energy and transportation.
Short production cycles, constantly changing collections and large volumes of garments encourage a model based on producing and selling more, often without ensuring that clothing is used for longer.
Global fibre production more than doubled between 2000 and 2024, reaching 132 million tonnes. This continued expansion increases pressure on resources and makes reducing the industry’s overall environmental footprint more difficult.
Why it matters
Efficiency improvements alone cannot offset the environmental consequences of ever-increasing production. Reducing unnecessary volumes and extending the useful life of clothing are important parts of climate action.
The rapid growth of fashion production and consumption increases demand for raw materials, energy and transportation.
Short production cycles, constantly changing collections and large volumes of garments encourage a model based on producing and selling more, often without ensuring that clothing is used for longer.
Global fibre production more than doubled between 2000 and 2024, reaching 132 million tonnes. This continued expansion increases pressure on resources and makes reducing the industry’s overall environmental footprint more difficult.
Why it matters
Efficiency improvements alone cannot offset the environmental consequences of ever-increasing production. Reducing unnecessary volumes and extending the useful life of clothing are important parts of climate action.
The challenge
Climate change also threatens the people and regions involved in fashion production.
Rising temperatures, heatwaves, droughts and floods can affect agricultural raw materials, disrupt manufacturing and endanger workers’ health and safety.
Research by Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute found that extreme heat and flooding pose significant risks to major apparel production centres, particularly in countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan and Vietnam. These risks can affect factory operations, workers’ livelihoods and the resilience of global supply chains.
Why it matters
Climate action must include adaptation as well as emission reduction. Protecting workers, producers and vulnerable communities is essential to building a climate-resilient fashion industry.
Climate change also threatens the people and regions involved in fashion production.
Rising temperatures, heatwaves, droughts and floods can affect agricultural raw materials, disrupt manufacturing and endanger workers’ health and safety.
Research by Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute found that extreme heat and flooding pose significant risks to major apparel production centres, particularly in countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan and Vietnam. These risks can affect factory operations, workers’ livelihoods and the resilience of global supply chains.
Why it matters
Climate action must include adaptation as well as emission reduction. Protecting workers, producers and vulnerable communities is essential to building a climate-resilient fashion industry.
TOWARDS CLIMATE ACTION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Addressing fashion’s climate impact requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain, moving away from resource-intensive production models and investing in climate resilience.
A climate-conscious fashion industry must not only reduce its contribution to global warming, but also take responsibility for protecting the people and communities most exposed to its consequences.
A climate-conscious fashion industry must not only reduce its contribution to global warming, but also take responsibility for protecting the people and communities most exposed to its consequences.
SDG 12 — RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
The fashion industry is built around a global system of production and consumption that places increasing pressure on natural resources and generates enormous amounts of waste.
Growing production volumes, short product lifecycles and a predominantly linear business model — based on taking, making and disposing — make the transition towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production particularly challenging.
Achieving this goal requires responsibility from both businesses and consumers, as well as greater transparency throughout the fashion supply chain.
Growing production volumes, short product lifecycles and a predominantly linear business model — based on taking, making and disposing — make the transition towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production particularly challenging.
Achieving this goal requires responsibility from both businesses and consumers, as well as greater transparency throughout the fashion supply chain.
Why Is Sustainable Consumption and Production So Difficult for the Fashion Industry?
The challenge
Global fashion production continues to grow, driven by rapidly changing trends, short collection cycles and business models that encourage constant consumption.
According to Textile Exchange, global fibre production reached an estimated 139 million tonnes in 2025 — more than double the volume produced in 2000. If current trends continue, production could reach around 169 million tonnes by 2030.
This growth reflects not only increasing demand for clothing, but also the expansion of a production model based on ever-greater volumes.
Why it matters
Producing more than necessary increases demand for raw materials, energy and water, while placing additional pressure on ecosystems and waste-management systems.
Global fashion production continues to grow, driven by rapidly changing trends, short collection cycles and business models that encourage constant consumption.
According to Textile Exchange, global fibre production reached an estimated 139 million tonnes in 2025 — more than double the volume produced in 2000. If current trends continue, production could reach around 169 million tonnes by 2030.
This growth reflects not only increasing demand for clothing, but also the expansion of a production model based on ever-greater volumes.
Why it matters
Producing more than necessary increases demand for raw materials, energy and water, while placing additional pressure on ecosystems and waste-management systems.
The challenge
Clothing is increasingly produced and consumed at a pace that encourages frequent replacement rather than long-term use.
Rapidly changing trends, low prices and constant new collections contribute to a culture in which garments are often worn for relatively short periods before being discarded, even when they remain functional.
UNEP reports that while clothing production doubled between 2000 and 2015, the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
Why it matters
When garments are used for less time, the resources invested in their production are wasted more quickly. Extending the useful life of clothing helps reduce demand for new production.
Clothing is increasingly produced and consumed at a pace that encourages frequent replacement rather than long-term use.
Rapidly changing trends, low prices and constant new collections contribute to a culture in which garments are often worn for relatively short periods before being discarded, even when they remain functional.
UNEP reports that while clothing production doubled between 2000 and 2015, the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
Why it matters
When garments are used for less time, the resources invested in their production are wasted more quickly. Extending the useful life of clothing helps reduce demand for new production.
The challenge
The fashion industry’s linear production model generates enormous amounts of textile waste.
An estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced globally every year. Much of this waste is discarded rather than reused or recycled into new textiles.
According to UNEP, only 8% of textile fibres in 2023 came from recycled sources, while less than 1% of the global fibre market consisted of recycled fibres made from pre- and post-consumer textiles.
Why it matters
Textile waste represents a loss of valuable materials and resources. Moving towards circular systems requires preventing waste, extending product lifespans and making textile-to-textile recycling more widely available.
The fashion industry’s linear production model generates enormous amounts of textile waste.
An estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste are produced globally every year. Much of this waste is discarded rather than reused or recycled into new textiles.
According to UNEP, only 8% of textile fibres in 2023 came from recycled sources, while less than 1% of the global fibre market consisted of recycled fibres made from pre- and post-consumer textiles.
Why it matters
Textile waste represents a loss of valuable materials and resources. Moving towards circular systems requires preventing waste, extending product lifespans and making textile-to-textile recycling more widely available.
The challenge
Making responsible choices requires reliable information about how clothing is made, what materials it contains and what environmental and social impacts are associated with its production.
However, fashion supply chains are often complex and difficult to trace. Consumers may struggle to distinguish meaningful sustainability efforts from vague or misleading environmental claims.
Without clear information about materials, manufacturing conditions, durability and product care, it is difficult to assess the true impact of a garment.
Why it matters
Transparency and accessible information enable more informed decisions and encourage accountability. Consumers need reliable information, while brands must take responsibility for the impacts of their products and supply chains.
Making responsible choices requires reliable information about how clothing is made, what materials it contains and what environmental and social impacts are associated with its production.
However, fashion supply chains are often complex and difficult to trace. Consumers may struggle to distinguish meaningful sustainability efforts from vague or misleading environmental claims.
Without clear information about materials, manufacturing conditions, durability and product care, it is difficult to assess the true impact of a garment.
Why it matters
Transparency and accessible information enable more informed decisions and encourage accountability. Consumers need reliable information, while brands must take responsibility for the impacts of their products and supply chains.
TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION IN FASHION
Creating a more sustainable fashion system requires a shift away from overproduction and disposable consumption towards responsible resource use, durable products, reuse and circularity.
This transformation depends on both industry-wide changes in production and greater awareness of the impact of our consumption choices.
This transformation depends on both industry-wide changes in production and greater awareness of the impact of our consumption choices.
SDG 15 — LIFE ON LAND
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
The fashion industry has a significant impact on terrestrial ecosystems through the production of raw materials and the use of natural resources.
Agricultural expansion, deforestation, intensive farming practices and the use of pesticides can contribute to habitat loss, soil degradation and biodiversity decline.
Protecting life on land therefore requires more responsible approaches to sourcing and producing the fibres and materials used in fashion.
Agricultural expansion, deforestation, intensive farming practices and the use of pesticides can contribute to habitat loss, soil degradation and biodiversity decline.
Protecting life on land therefore requires more responsible approaches to sourcing and producing the fibres and materials used in fashion.
HOW DOES THE FASHION INDUSTRY AFFECT LAND AND BIODIVERSITY?
The challenge
The production of natural fibres requires vast areas of agricultural land. As demand for textile materials grows, expanding cultivation can put additional pressure on natural ecosystems and contribute to habitat conversion.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry could require 35% more land for natural fibre production by 2030 — equivalent to an additional 115 million hectares.
Expanding agricultural land at the expense of forests, grasslands and other natural habitats threatens the ecosystems on which countless species depend.
Why it matters
Natural habitats support biodiversity and maintain essential ecosystem functions. Their conversion reduces living space for wildlife and increases the risk of species decline and extinction.
The production of natural fibres requires vast areas of agricultural land. As demand for textile materials grows, expanding cultivation can put additional pressure on natural ecosystems and contribute to habitat conversion.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry could require 35% more land for natural fibre production by 2030 — equivalent to an additional 115 million hectares.
Expanding agricultural land at the expense of forests, grasslands and other natural habitats threatens the ecosystems on which countless species depend.
Why it matters
Natural habitats support biodiversity and maintain essential ecosystem functions. Their conversion reduces living space for wildlife and increases the risk of species decline and extinction.
The challenge
Some textiles are made from wood-based materials, including viscose, rayon, modal and lyocell. Their production requires wood pulp, which can come from sustainably managed plantations but may also be sourced from natural forests.
When forests are logged or converted to plantations to supply the textile industry, valuable habitats can be lost and forest ecosystems disrupted.
Canopy’s 2025 Hot Button Report assesses the sourcing practices of man-made cellulosic fibre producers and highlights the importance of eliminating sourcing from ancient and endangered forests.
Why it matters
Forests are home to a large proportion of terrestrial biodiversity. Protecting them means preserving habitats, ecological balance and the natural systems that sustain life on land.
Some textiles are made from wood-based materials, including viscose, rayon, modal and lyocell. Their production requires wood pulp, which can come from sustainably managed plantations but may also be sourced from natural forests.
When forests are logged or converted to plantations to supply the textile industry, valuable habitats can be lost and forest ecosystems disrupted.
Canopy’s 2025 Hot Button Report assesses the sourcing practices of man-made cellulosic fibre producers and highlights the importance of eliminating sourcing from ancient and endangered forests.
Why it matters
Forests are home to a large proportion of terrestrial biodiversity. Protecting them means preserving habitats, ecological balance and the natural systems that sustain life on land.
The challenge
Conventional agricultural practices used to produce textile fibres can involve intensive pesticide and insecticide use.
Cotton cultivation, for example, occupies approximately 3% of the world’s arable land but accounts for 5% of global pesticide sales and 10% of insecticide use, according to UNEP.
These chemicals can harm non-target organisms, including pollinators and other beneficial insects, disrupting food chains and the ecological balance of agricultural landscapes.
Why it matters
Biodiversity depends on the interaction of many species. Declining insect populations threaten pollination, food webs and the resilience of terrestrial ecosystems.
Conventional agricultural practices used to produce textile fibres can involve intensive pesticide and insecticide use.
Cotton cultivation, for example, occupies approximately 3% of the world’s arable land but accounts for 5% of global pesticide sales and 10% of insecticide use, according to UNEP.
These chemicals can harm non-target organisms, including pollinators and other beneficial insects, disrupting food chains and the ecological balance of agricultural landscapes.
Why it matters
Biodiversity depends on the interaction of many species. Declining insect populations threaten pollination, food webs and the resilience of terrestrial ecosystems.
The challenge
The production of textile fibres can contribute to soil erosion, loss of soil fertility and land degradation.
Intensive cotton cultivation, excessive use of agricultural chemicals and unsustainable farming practices can damage soil ecosystems. Animal fibres also present challenges: overgrazing associated with wool and cashmere production can reduce vegetation cover, accelerate erosion and degrade fragile landscapes.
A 2024 publication by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Fashion & Land, examines these pressures across different fibre production systems.
Why it matters
Healthy soils support biodiversity, store carbon, regulate water and sustain agricultural production. Once degraded, they become less productive and more vulnerable to further environmental damage.
The production of textile fibres can contribute to soil erosion, loss of soil fertility and land degradation.
Intensive cotton cultivation, excessive use of agricultural chemicals and unsustainable farming practices can damage soil ecosystems. Animal fibres also present challenges: overgrazing associated with wool and cashmere production can reduce vegetation cover, accelerate erosion and degrade fragile landscapes.
A 2024 publication by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Fashion & Land, examines these pressures across different fibre production systems.
Why it matters
Healthy soils support biodiversity, store carbon, regulate water and sustain agricultural production. Once degraded, they become less productive and more vulnerable to further environmental damage.
TOWARDS A NATURE-POSITIVE FASHION INDUSTRY
Reducing fashion’s impact on terrestrial ecosystems requires responsible sourcing of raw materials, protecting natural forests, improving agricultural practices and restoring degraded land.
A more sustainable fashion industry must respect the limits of nature and protect the biodiversity and ecosystems on which both people and the planet depend.
A more sustainable fashion industry must respect the limits of nature and protect the biodiversity and ecosystems on which both people and the planet depend.
FASHION AS PART OF THE SOLUTION
The challenges facing the fashion industry are closely connected to some of the most pressing issues of our time. From poverty and inequality to climate change and biodiversity loss, the way fashion is produced, distributed, consumed and discarded has consequences far beyond the industry itself.
But fashion can also be part of the solution.
Transforming the industry requires a collective effort — from governments and businesses to manufacturers, designers and consumers. It means rethinking not only the materials we use and the clothes we buy, but also the systems, values and business models that shape the industry.
The Sustainable Development Goals remind us that these challenges are interconnected. Progress in one area can support progress in others.
A more sustainable fashion industry is not just about making better clothes. It is about contributing to a better world.
But fashion can also be part of the solution.
Transforming the industry requires a collective effort — from governments and businesses to manufacturers, designers and consumers. It means rethinking not only the materials we use and the clothes we buy, but also the systems, values and business models that shape the industry.
The Sustainable Development Goals remind us that these challenges are interconnected. Progress in one area can support progress in others.
A more sustainable fashion industry is not just about making better clothes. It is about contributing to a better world.