Apparel Sector Emissions Rise 7% in 2023: Aii Report
The spike was primarily driven by rising production volumes, especially in ultra-fast fashion, and growing reliance on virgin polyester, which now accounts for 57% of global fiber use. Recycled alternatives remain vastly underutilized.
Despite the sector-wide rise, the report highlights encouraging climate progress among individual companies and suppliers. Several brands have lowered their direct emissions (scope 1 and 2) by investing in renewable energy and phasing out coal. Notable climate leaders include H&M, which cut scope 3 emissions by 23% since 2019, as well as Fast Retailing, Puma, and Inditex, all reporting substantial reductions.
On the supply side, significant initiatives include Artistic Milliners' $100 million renewable energy investment, Shenzhou Group's 24% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions over two years, and Elevate Textiles' 35% cut since 2019.
Aii President Lewis Perkins emphasized the urgent need for collective climate action:
'While we've built the foundation for climate progress, the data shows we must now accelerate, share risks, and deepen investment.'
To support industry-wide efforts, Aii is expanding key initiatives including:
Clean by Design: Helping manufacturers cut emissions via energy efficiency
Fashion Climate Fund: A $250M initiative to finance supply chain decarbonization
Climate Solutions Portfolio: A curated list of impactful emissions-reduction programs
With 2030 approaching fast, the report outlines urgent next steps: scaling sustainable materials, improving energy efficiency, transitioning to 100% renewables, and eliminating coal from production processes.
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Time of India
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- Time of India
She studied at a top U.S. university, works as a senior techie at Google, yet H-1B visa jitters shadow her American dream
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Time of India
6 hours ago
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'If you are trying to brain-drain Bangalore...': US economist's H-1B explanation goes viral
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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
'You don't live here': Google engineer shares H-1B woes, says she's anxious about making mistakes
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