100 billion pieces per year!
A dizzying number.
But it is not just the number of new garments produced each year that is shocking, but also the fact that only 1% of them are recycled or reused worldwide.
One issue is particularly problematic in sports and outdoor clothing: the proportion of plastic or synthetic fibers. Since this is even higher in sportswear, the issue of microplastics is also becoming an increasingly serious problem.
What to do?
Highly functional products can also be developed using 100% organic fibers. These products are not only more comfortable to wear, but also reduce microplastics and are either recycled or allowed to decompose in nature at the end of their lifespan.
In addition, products that come into direct contact with the skin are, in the best case scenario, made of natural fibers. This is, of course, more difficult to implement for outdoor jackets and similar items, as these often have to be waterproof or windproof.
It's always worth checking the care label and critically examining materials like polyester, elastane, polyurethane, and other synthetic materials when purchasing textiles. But if you're going to buy synthetics, at least make sure they're recycled.
Here are some promising natural fibers:
Tencel/Lyocell, Merino wool, organic cotton, Seacell algae fiber, Roica,
Conclusion:
Sportswear and clothing with direct skin contact should be made from environmentally friendly natural fibers.
Produce clothing that requires synthetic materials from recycled alternatives.
Be critical as a consumer - only buy what you really need.
Sources:
TheRoundup.org, UNEP, Global Fashion Agenda, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Science Advances
https://theroundup.org/textile-waste-statistics/