This scoping study will lay the groundwork for a project analysing the link between the textile industry and fossil fuels, and its related social and environmental impacts.

The project will aim to collate data and evidence on the impacts of PET production, specifically its connection with oil and gas extraction. This evidence will be used to increase transparency in the textile industry and influence clothing brands and policymakers to implement sustainable changes.

The Challenge: Assessing the environmental impact of the textile industry

The environmental impact of synthetic fibre production during the chemical and milling processes are believed to include water pollution, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the environmental impact has spill over effects on local communities near production sites.

The lack of data and evidence on environmental impacts makes it difficult to assess the effects of synthetic fibre production for the textile industry. By developing a robust methodology, this scoping study will lay the groundwork for responding to this challenge.

Lead researcher: Ergem Senyuva, sustainability expert, environmentalist, entrepreneur, and faculty member of Fordham University

Climate Strategies leads: Adriana Chavarría Flores and Nia Hunjan

Funded by: Laudes Foundation