Document · PDF

RIS321186 Fast Fashion, snel eruit! bijlage 6

Commissie Leefomgeving 15 mei 2025, gemeente Den HaagBij agendapunt: Debat over Duurzaamheid42.235 woorden

Open het PDF bij de gemeente ↗Naar de vergadering →

Tekst van het document

Uit het bestand gehaald, zonder opmaak, tabellen en afbeeldingen · deel 3 van 5

Figure 3.10: Louis Vuitton 100% PVC gilet

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

Louis Vuitton is notable for its complicated blends of both natural and synthetic

3.10 M&S

materials. The brand uses a wide array of materials – including modal, wool, lamb, mohair, silk, elastane, lyocell, PVC for coating, glass fibre and even crystal – often in inextricable combinations that are entirely impossible to recycle. From the sample

Of M&S’s collection, 67% contained synthetics, 43% of these items contained pol-

collected, there is a pervasive use of complex blended fabrics, paired with no provi-

yester and 5% contained recycled content. The average composition of synthetic

sion of a garment-takeback scheme or instructions on how to responsibly recycle.

fibres was 41% per garment, and 46% for those containing polyester.

Examples include a dress comprising seven different materials: ‘Main material: 45% polyamide, 55% polyester. Other material: 79% polyamide, 20% cotton, 1% elastane

M&S is notable for the number of items with a sustainability claim that are paired

Lining: 40% white goose down, 40% polyamide, 10% viscose, 10% cupro’. Another

with third-party certification or standards – covering 86% of products with this

female jacket analysed is the epitome of complexity, using ‘ 31% cotton, 23% poly-

attribute. However, the claims on materials such as organic cotton and recycled

amide, 22% polyester, 20% lyocell, 2% glass fibre, 2% acrylic. Other material: lamb’.

synthetics lack substantiation or verification through third-party certifications on each individual product page. Instead, M&S relies heavily on BCI cotton, and states:

The brand’s use of synthetics in dresses is also distinct from Gucci, which uses

‘M&S is proud to invest in making cotton production more sustainable’. Organic-cot-

monomaterials such as wool, silk or viscose in 19 out of 30 dresses. By contrast,

ton claims are not certified under GOTS/Organic Content Standard (OCS), unlike on

only 8 out of 30 Louis Vuitton dresses are made of monomaterial textiles; 5 of the

Zara’s product pages. Instead, M&S states the material is: ‘Organic Cotton. Grown

30 consist of 100% synthetics, and 67% contain synthetics. Like other mass-market

naturally. Keeping our soils, ecosystems, wildlife and farmers healthy’ – a vague and

brands, Louis Vuitton displays a preference for virgin synthetics (like polyester) in the

ambiguous statement that is unsupported by further evidence. Our analysis found

lining of garments – again, unlike Gucci, which frequently opts for a viscose lining.

that 88% of M&S’s sustainability claims would not meet CMA guidelines.

% OF TOTAL GARMENTS THAT USED SYNTHETICS

AVERAGE COMPOSITION OF GARMENTS CONTAINING POLYESTER

5% 33%

46%

62% SYNTHETICS

OTHER MATERIALS

RECYCLED SYNTHETICS

POLYESTER

54%

OTHER MATERIALS

Figure 3.11 : M&S claims its cotton is ‘sustainably sourced and always will be’, yet a number of cotton items analysed provide no evidence to substantiate these claims

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

Greenwashing alert

M&S’s female-jacket category ranks second-highest of any category in the study for percentage of synthetics. All M&S’s female jackets contained synthetics (with an average of 75% composition), and 26 out of 30 contained polyester (with a sig-

A product description for a men’s shirt analysed states: ‘all of the cotton for our

nificant average polyester count of 82%). It is worth noting a lack of full transpar-

clothing is sustainably sourced and always will be’. M&S seems to contradict itself

ency regarding many products, whereby fibre composition is listed as ‘exclusive

here on two fronts. First, numerous cotton products from the data collected were

of trimmings’ or containing percentages of ‘other fibres’, which are not disclosed.

neither marked as BCI cotton nor as organic; and second, by the scheme’s own

Since these trimmings and materials can affect the sustainability performance of

admission, BCI certification gives absolutely no guarantee that the cotton fibre in

the product – such as its ability to be recycled – M&S should consider full disclosure

the product is actually ‘sustainable’. CMA guidelines are clear on this front: claims

of product information.

of sustainability must be unambiguous, must not omit relevant information and must be truthful and accurate – all of which M&S breaches in numerous incidents. Elsewhere, the retailer uses recycled polyester, which it claims is ‘kinder to the planet’. However, no feedstock is listed, and there is no disclosure of the exact volume of recycled synthetics used in each garment; nor are we told what it’s in

% OF TOTAL GARMENTS THAT USED SYNTHETICS

21%

comparison to. Again, referring to CMA guidelines, any claims implying a prod-

79%

uct is ‘greener’ or more environmentally friendly must compare like-for-like and support their claim – otherwise, they are misleading.

Similar to other retailers, sustainability claims are made on items in which the

AVERAGE COMPOSITION OF GARMENTS CONTAINING POLYESTER

SYNTHETICS

OTHER MATERIALS

55%

POLYESTER

45%

OTHER MATERIALS

3.11 Uniqlo

majority of materials used are virgin synthetics; for example, a female jacket containing 63% polyester, 33% viscose and 4% elastane (exclusive of trimmings). The item includes claims that 33% of its viscose content is: ‘Sustainably Sourced Lyocell,

Uniqlo was the third-highest user of synthetics; 79% of the products analysed con-

Natural wood pulp from sustainably managed forests and fibre production processes

tained synthetics, and 70% contained polyester. Among the garments that contained

that are kinder to the environment’. However, it ignores the additional use of 67%

synthetics, the average composition was 64%; the average polyester composition

overall virgin synthetics, potentially misleading consumers into believing the entire

was 55%. Uniqlo used 0% recycled synthetics.

product is sustainable, when only part of it is claimed to be.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

Uniqlo does not have a dedicated sustainable range; nor did it use any recycled synthetics in the sample collected. While the brand has a company sustainability policy, no claims are made on its product pages; thus, it has no certifications to support any statements. Despite the organisation’s commitment to reducing sin-

% OF TOTAL GARMENTS THAT USED SYNTHETICS

20%

gle-use plastic,96 there is a distinct disconnect here with the brand’s high reliance

74%

on plastic-derived synthetics. Uniqlo’s female and male hoodies also feature among the top in their categories, across the study, for highest percentage of synthetics.

SYNTHETICS

AVERAGE COMPOSITION OF GARMENTS CONTAINING POLYESTER

OTHER MATERIALS

RECYCLED SYNTHETICS

69%

POLYESTER

31%

OTHER MATERIALS

A major contributor to the brand’s high reliance on synthetics is its functional outerwear garments. For example, the HEATETCH blend typically consists of 38%

3.12 Walmart

Polyester, 31% Acrylic, 21% Rayon and 10% Spandex. In a similar approach to M&S and H&M, which have also sought to rebrand their synthetic items, Uniqlo has relabelled their water-repellent garments under BLOKTECH.

Walmart was the second-worst offender for synthetic use; the American retailer used synthetics in 80% of all products analysed. Of these, 64% contained polyes-

Of the Uniqlo jackets/coats analysed, 93% contained synthetics. For the female

ter and 6% contained recycled synthetics. The average synthetic fibre content was

category, 26 out of 30 contained polyester, and 12 out of 30 consisting of 100%

60%, and the average polyester content was 69%.

polyester. Similarly, 10 out of 30 male jackets consisted of 100% polyester. Uniqlo uses feather and down in the filling of their jackets, as opposed to the virgin pol-

In contrast to the worst synthetics offender (Boohoo), Walmart is notable for its use

yester or recycled synthetics used by cheaper fast-fashion brands. The brand has

of BCI and organic cotton, as well as recycled synthetics. Walmart does not disclose

implemented a takeback scheme, which incentivises customers to return their old

the feedstock of recycled synthetics used; nor does it certify them. However, the

down items for reuse or ‘recycling’, yet the high incidence of synthetics across its

brand has made concerted efforts to share the precise volume of recycled polyester

collection raises questions as to what form of recycling this would be.

used in each garment. This differs from brands like Zara and Zalando, which are more ambiguous about the percentage of recycled synthetics used, with statements

A surprising finding is that Uniqlo ranks second-highest for synthetics used in

like: ‘At least 75% recycled polyamide’, or: ‘At least 20% recycled polyester’.

kidswear – after Walmart. Of the items in this category, 83% contained synthetics, with an average synthetic content of 51%. Of this category, 80% contained polyes-

While Walmart does not have a separate ‘sustainable’ collection, it has set up ‘Free

ter, with the majority being blends of cotton with virgin synthetics. Only 4 items

Assembly’ as the ‘sustainable’ offering featured in the main collection. This com-

out of 30 used 100% cotton.

prises a limited number of garments from the sample analysed. A number of items in this collection are tagged as ‘more sustainable’ – without stating in comparison

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

to what, or providing a baseline. Additionally, no definition of what comprises % OF TOTAL GARMENTS THAT USED SYNTHETICS

organic or BCI cotton is provided on Walmart’s product pages. The retailer should work to communicate the properties of these materials more clearly to customers. Of greater concern is Walmart’s approach to synthetics in kidswear. In this catego-

10%

AVERAGE COMPOSITION OF GARMENTS CONTAINING POLYESTER

18%

28%

MAIN COLLECTION

31%

52%

ry, Walmart uses the highest volume of synthetics of all brands: 87% of the cate-

48%

SUSTAINABLE COLLECTION

gory contains synthetic fibres, and 77% contains polyester in some capacity. This

62%

differs to Gucci (only 23% of their kidswear contained synthetics) and Zara (43%

MAIN COLLECTION

synthetics). Children are more vulnerable to microfibres on a daily basis through

SYNTHETICS

51%

56%

46%

SUSTAINABLE COLLECTION

OTHER MATERIALS

RECYCLED SYNTHETICS

inhalation, which poses risks to developing lungs;97 as such, the high use of microfi-

POLYESTER

OTHER MATERIALS

3.13 Zalando

bre-shedding synthetics in Walmart’s kidswear is a reckless choice. Additionally, 7 of the 30 items analysed contained recycled synthetics and disclosed the precise volume of this, which ranged from 32% to 40% and 100% (note, again, that this is technically impossible).

Across Zalando’s range,B 72% of garments analysed contained synthetics. For the main collection, 55% contained polyester and 10% contained recycled synthetics. The average amount of synthetic fibre per garment was 51%; for those that contained polyester, the average amount was 52%. Of Zalando’s sustainability range, 69% of items contained synthetics – which is only just lower than its main collection, and still higher than the next-biggest user of synthetics (M&S). Of the sustainability collection, 48% contained polyester, and 18% of items containing recycled synthetic content. Interestingly, the average amount of synthetic fibre per garment was 48%, but the average amount of polyester in garments containing synthetics was 56% – higher than the main collection. Sustainability claims were made for 86% of all products analysed – the second-highest, after Gucci – but a full 79% flouted CMA guidelines. The marginal difference

This analysis has been conducted on Zalando own brands only. These include: Anna Field, Even & Odd, Friboo, YOURTURN, Zalando Essentials and Zign.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

in material composition between Zalando’s main and sustainable collection

Greenwashing alert

points to the labelling of the latter being largely for marketing purposes. There is a heavy reliance on BCI cotton in both Zalando’s main and ‘sustainabil-

Across the items analysed, we discovered three pairs of 100% synthetic faux-leath-

ity’ offerings, and the brand uses this to justify the sustainability tag on many

er leggings. These items were marked ‘sustainable’ merely for containing at least

garments. Zalando offers a very candid explanation of BCI cotton’s mass-balance

20% recycled polyester. The creation of faux leather – or ‘pleather’ – involves

approach – distinguishing it from other retailers, such as M&S – emphasising

chemically intensive processes and often-harmful plastics, such as PVC, for coat-

that this label ‘does not mean the product is made of physically traceable Better

ings.98 Furthermore, the presence of recycled polyester does not make this prod-

Cotton’. Despite the candid description, given the weakness of the scheme, it

uct any more sustainable at end of life, making ‘sustainable’ an incongruous and

is questionable whether BCI cotton items warrant the ‘sustainable’ tag at all.

misleading label for this garment.

The brand also suggests that linen is always an ‘eco-material’ that ‘is a natural

A similar confusion of what should be

and durable fibre which requires less water and pesticides to grow than cotton’.

deemed ‘sustainable’ is found in the

However, no evidence is given to support this claim, and no certification (such

jackets/coats category. For example, a

as GOTS or CELC, which Zara uses).

male jacket made from a complex blend of 64% polyester, 24% wool, 5% acrylic, 3% viscose, 2% polyamide and 2% cotton – thus entirely unrecyclable – is labelled as ‘sustainable’ because it contains ‘at least 20% recycled polyester’.

Akin to other brands, Zalando makes heavy use of synthetics in outerwear and polycotton blends for loungewear; 95% of male sweatshirts/hoodies contain synthetics, and only 1 item (out of 30) is a natural monofibre garment. Figure 3.12:A pair of Zalando pleather leggings

Figure 3.13: A jacket by Zalando containing a complex blend of synthetics

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

Jarringly, of all brands’ dress categories, Zalando’s sustainable-dress category uses the highest incidence of synthetics – 90% – with a steep average polyester composition of 84%. By contrast, for kidswear, Zalando had the lowest incidence of synthetic fibres across all brands. No polyester was disclosed in the material composition of kidswear, and the synthetics that were present were predominantly elastane for waistbands and trimming details.

% OF TOTAL GARMENTS THAT USED SYNTHETICS

AVARAGE COMPOSITION OF GARMENTS CONTAINING POLYESTER

12%

36%

MAIN COLLECTION

55%

SYNTHETICS

OTHER MATERIALS

JOIN LIFE

33%

60% MAIN COLLECTION

42%

58%

27%

73%

JOIN LIFE RECYCLED SYNTHETICS

POLYESTER

OTHER MATERIALS

3.14 Zara

About two-thirds (64%) of the products in Zara’s main collection contained synthetics, and 45% in its ‘Join Life’ sustainable collection. From the main collection, 44% contained polyester, with an average composition of 49% for synthetics and 58% for polyester. Of Zara’s main-collection items, 4% contained recycled polyester. In Join Life, 25% of items contained polyester, with an average composition of 27%, while the average synthetic composition was 28%. Of Join Life items, 12% contained recycled synthetics.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

Zara has clearly made a concerted effort to transition towards using sustainable fibres, and clearly communicates material characteristics across its main and Join Life collections. The brand is keen to emphasise its sustainability offering, and positions Join Life items at the top of the main-collection category pages for both men and women. Of all brands analysed with a dedicated sustainability collection, Zara’s has the biggest difference in synthetics used compared to its main collection – it uses 19% less. While not the lowest user of synthetics across the products analysed, Zara was the most comprehensive at substantiating and verifying its sustainability claims. All organic-cotton claims are certified under the OCS, GOTS, which requires at least 70% certified-organic fibres to gain the mark. Zara also includes certification for both linen and MMCF. Recycled polyester and recycled polyamide are always supported by the RCS and GRS on product pages. Zara states the feedstock of recycled synthetics: for recycled PET, this is water bottles; for recycled polyamide, it is more ambiguously described as a ‘waste product reclaimed from polyamide’. The brand discloses rough volumes of recycled synthetics with the wording: ‘At least 25%/50%/75%’. While this is not the exact percentage (like Walmart), it is less ambiguous than M&S, which does not disclose the volume in any instance.

Zara is the only brand in this study to promote the value of responsible laundry practices, stating: ‘caring for your clothing is caring for the environment’. Zara also offers a guide to clothing care, sharing advice – including instructions – on responsible laundry habits, as well as explanations of the environmental benefits of cooler washing, gentle spinning and turning garments inside out.99

Synthetics Anonymous |

Despite this more robust approach to sustainability, Zara continues to use a relatively high volume of synthetics in its main collection. For example, 27 of the 30 items in the male jackets/coats category included synthetics, and 73% of the category contained polyester, with a substantial average polyester content of 74%. Similarly, Zara’s loungewear – such as hoodies/sweatshirts – demonstrates a tendency to default to synthetics and cotton blends; 87% of female hoodies/sweatshirts contained synthetics, and 77% included polyester. As with the majority of other brands, synthetics are a common secondary material for embroidery, lace, coating and embellishments. This includes the prevalence of elastane, polyester in lining and polyurethane for coating. Zara’s product pages sometimes state: ‘Excludes ornamental yarns’, without specifying what these are. Less-common synthetics that Zara uses include metallised fibres and elastomultiester, which Gucci and Uniqlo also sometimes use.

Hybrid horror

Complex blends of virgin synthetics appear throughout Zara’s main collection, and are arguably extremely difficult to deconstruct for repurposing. An example is a simple-looking female hoodie, which is anything but simple in its construction, containing ‘31% polyester, 31% acrylic, 30% nylon, 4% wool, 4% elastane’.

Figure 3.14: A jumper by Zara made from a complex blend of synthetics

What are brands doing in practice? A brand analysis of Spring/Summer 2021 clothing collections

| 55

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Conclusions

4. Conclusions

Our investigation into brands’ transparency, policies and practices on synthetic fibres shows that most of them lack a systemic approach to this issue. Very few brands have a concrete commitment to phase out synthetic fibres or invest in real circular-economy solutions, such as scaling back overproduction, increasing clothes’ durability and repairability, or introducing takeback schemes that guarantee reuse or recycling at end of life. Our research found that many brands claim their clothes are recyclable despite a glaring absence of fibre-to-fibre recycling technologies. We are also concerned about brands’ lack of meaningful investment in these technologies. It seems that most brands prefer to stick to the cheap and easy greenwashing option of using polyester from downcycled PET bottles rather than systematically rethinking their approach to fashion sustainability and truly committing to circularity.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Conclusions

4.1

Questionnaire responses

crisis and moving to a circular economy, in which products are designed to be more durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable.

We were positively surprised about the rate of response to our questionnaire – over

Despite their minute size, microfibres are a giant elephant in the room; our research

83% (38 out of 46) of brands responded. However, the quality of responses was dis-

found that few brands are taking any concrete steps to stop the shedding of harmful

appointing; only about half of the brands disclosed even the most basic information,

microfibres from their clothes. Most companies are sticking to business as usual,

such as their share of synthetics in volume and as the percentage of their sales.

citing the need for yet more research, and many have joined industry initiatives

Our research has not established a single frontrunner, as no company made a clear

to develop unified measuring methods. Very few brands indicated that they are

commitment to end its reliance on synthetic fibres. Only six companies indicated

keeping their synthetic share low as a precautionary measure regarding this issue.

they want to ensure the use of synthetics in their collections remains low; some

Most are looking only at end-of-pipe solutions, such as wastewater-treatment

of these cited the fact that they are produced from fossil fuels, or raised concerns

plants and filters on washing machines, which do little but push the problem else-

associated with microfibres. The 15 worst-performing brands assigned to the red

where. Our analysis of a selection of brands’ online shops also showed a concerning

zone were a mix of sport, high-street, luxury and department-store companies, the

trend – especially among US brands – of using high percentages of synthetic fibre in

majority (11 out of 15) of which are North American-based (US or Canada). Their

clothing lines for children, despite recent scientific research indicating that inhaling

complete lack of engagement, commitments or even transparency clearly shows

synthetic microfibres could be especially harmful to children.

that the issue of fossil fashion is not on their agenda. Given that we chose the most transparent brands for this research, this is even more concerning.

4.2

Online-shop sweep

Regarding supply chains, very little meaningful information was disclosed, with brands not even disclosing their suppliers of recycled polyester. Most brands (85%)

We wanted to ascertain how brands’ online shops reflect and present their synthet-

indicated that their recycled-fibre policy consists of downcycling plastic bottles into

ic-fibres policies. Our investigation shows an interesting trend: Synthetic fibres are

polyester; some were keen to highlight ‘storied materials’, such as clothes produced

present in most of the items sold by even those brands that disclosed a low overall

from ocean plastic or captured fishing nets. However, none of the brands reported

share of synthetics. For example, Zalando responded that synthetic fibres represent

high levels of fibre-to-fibre recycling targets, nor indicated a clear goal to move

26% of their fibre portfolio, yet our online-shop research revealed that, out of 436

towards this type of recycling. The industry’s lack of appetite for scaling up invest-

products investigated, 72% contained a certain share of synthetic fibres. The aver-

ments in closed-loop recycling solutions – as opposed to increasing its share of PET

age amount of synthetics per garment was also over 50%, which makes us question

from downcycled plastic bottles – shows that fashion brands are more interested in

why the brand uses so many blends with synthetic fibres – and whether their share

consumer-facing reputational Band-Aids than solving the growing textiles-waste

of synthetics is actually higher than they told us. We saw a similar trend with Asda (which reported that synthetics represent 30% of their total fibre portfolio, but we

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Conclusions

found them to be present in 61% of garments analysed) and ASOS (which reported

nology to recycle them back into clothes not existing. Neither do companies have

29%, but we found synthetics in 66% of the garments analysed). Although these

takeback schemes in place to ensure these items are actually collected, and they

numbers are not comparable, they give a good representation of how pervasive

are not making the necessary investments in closed-loop recycling technologies.

synthetic fibres are in blends that make it into the final clothes sold to the consumer. Greenwashing was also rampant across products in the online stores we analysed, While most brands have a lower share of synthetics in their sustainable collection,

over 39% of which included some kind of claim or were part of a more ‘sustainable’

H&M is a significant exception; there is a higher percentage of synthetic fibres in

collection. From all the green claims, only 38% were verified by a third-party scheme

their so-called Conscious Collection than in their main collection (72% vs 61%,

or organisation. However, as we do not believe that some of these certifications are

respectively). Most brands had higher levels of recycled polyester in their sustain-

robust or provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the claim, we analysed them

able collections, but those brands also tended to sell fewer items that included

further, using recent CMA guidance on green claims, to check whether those claims

synthetics. For example, the biggest difference between a brand’s collections was

were warranted. Our research shows that 59% of claims made across the study fell

Join Life – Zara’s sustainable collection – which contained 19% fewer synthetics

short of complying with these guidelines. These claims either referred to the brand

than Zara’s main range. Join Life also included three times more products with

being part of BCI and/or made sustainability claims on items containing recycled

recycled polyester than Zara’s conventional range (12% vs 4%, respectively). For

synthetics, without disclosing the proportion included. Since we analysed UK online

H&M, 2% of its main collection contained recycled polyester, compared to 32% of

shops for this investigation, these brands are potentially liable for misleading the

the Conscious Collection claiming to include recycled content. This indicates that

consumer; given that legislators are getting ready to clamp down on greenwashing,

many brands think downcycled polyester from plastic PET bottles is a solution to

they should seriously reconsider some of their claims.

their addiction to fossil fibres. Without rethinking some of the problems, this quick fix does not solve the issue of microfibre release, nor the fact that these clothes

4.4 Why we need legislation

cannot be recycled at the end of life.

4.3

Greenwashing

The findings of this research lay bare fashion brands’ addiction to synthetics – not only ultra-fast-fashion brands but also that put sustainability front and centre of their shop window, and even luxury houses. It should be noted that – with the

Many of the targets and commitments that brands shared with us are wrapped in

exception of Gucci – all the fashion brands whose online shops we analysed used

vague and misleading environmental claims. These include targets to reach ‘sus-

synthetics, in some percentage, in the vast majority of products assessed, while

tainable’, ‘preferred’, ‘sustainably sourced’ or ‘sustainably made’ materials – criteria

the questionnaire revealed that some brands – such as Adidas and Asics – use syn-

for which are often ill defined and lead to greenwashing. Our research also found

thetics in 90%, or the ‘vast majority’, of their products.

that many companies are claiming their products are recyclable, despite the tech-

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Conclusions

This investigation clearly shows that regulators need to take immediate action and

vestigation confirms that brands can currently get away with a sea of misleading

ensure the fossil-fashion industry is reformed. They must take measures to break

claims that go entirely unchallenged. The EU, UK and governments worldwide

the vicious cycle of fashion’s reliance on cheap synthetic materials, and ensure the

should ensure robust legislation and effective enforcement to prevent greenwash-

industry shifts to responsible production based on the true principles of a circular

ing and make sustainability claims more reliable.

economy. The upcoming EU textile strategy presents a significant opportunity. The European Commission should commit to addressing the excesses of the fast-fashion model, which is inherently unsustainable. The Commission should introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes with mandatory and ambitious ecodesign measures. Brands should become responsible for the end of life of their products, which should be separately collected, reused, repaired and ultimately recycled in a viable and environmentally benign fibre-to-fibre process. The upcoming strategy should also ensure any recycled-content obligation on the textile sector does not contradict existing EU legislation (e.g. the Single-Use Plastics Directive), according to which the industry needs to increase collection and use of recycled PET in plastic bottles, as well as decrease the overall consumption of single-use plastic and shift to reusable solutions instead. According to the updated waste legislation, the Commission has to consider setting targets for the reuse and recycling of textiles, while member states already have to set up systems to separately collect textiles by 2025.100 However, given that many current textiles are low-quality blends that cannot easily be reused or recycled, the European Commission needs to take much more ambitious action is needed to guarantee a circular economy for textiles.

Policymakers should also pay special attention to increasing supply-chain transparency and obliging companies to adopt due diligence with regards to human rights and environmental issues. We also need EU regulation on green claims, as our in-

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Recommendations

5. Recommendations

5.1

Recommendations for fashion brands and retailers

1. Move away from the fossil-fashion business model: Establish a concrete, accountable and time-bound plan to move away from the unsustainable fast-fashion model, and reduce reliance on synthetic materials, through a viable trajectory and targets for the uptake of more sustainable alternatives. Prioritise phasing out synthetic fibres from children’s clothing and collections for new mothers, as there is emerging scientific evidence that young children’s health is the most vulnerable to microfibre pollution.

2. Commit to ambitious and comprehensive climate targets: Set ambitious commitments to rapidly move supply chain away from coal and other fossil fuels by 2030, to achieve the minimum 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, scientists warn is needed to stay within a

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Recommendations

1.5 degree pathway. These should cover all supply-chain emissions, including

5.2

Recommendations for consumers

factories and mills, transportation, raw-material cultivation and end-of-life disposal. Climate strategy must also include transitioning away from fossil fuel-based fabrics (see point 1).

1. Refrain from compulsive shopping and buy only what you really need, shop second-hand and buy for maximum durability, and seek to repair, reuse and

3. Invest in true circularity: This should include higher durability of garments,

swap items where possible.

longer warranties, offering repairs to customers and promoting reuse. Instead of promoting recycled materials produced from PET bottles or ocean plastic, invest in viable and environmentally benign fibre-to-fibre recycling

2. Buy only from brands that have made clear commitments to transparency

technologies. Ensure, too, that any toxic chemicals are eliminated in the

in their supply chains, to sustainable sourcing and production of all their

design process, as these might get recycled back into new clothes, harming

materials and garments, and which have strong climate commitments, in-

the health of your customers.

cluding a clear plan to phase out their dependence on fossil fuel-based fibres.

4. Ensure any green claims made are not false or deceptive: Claims must be

3. Raise awareness of the problems with fast fashion, and use your voice – for

clear and unambiguous. Do not omit important and relevant information

example, through social media or signing petitions – to highlight issues such

(for example, on the product’s end of life); ensure comparisons made are fair

as greenwashing, exploitative practices, environmental harm and unsustain-

and meaningful, and that claims are substantiated and easily accessible to

able consumption.

consumers. Stop making unsubstantiated claims on the recyclability of garments sold, in the absence of any viable fibre-to-fibre recycling technology.

5.3

Recommendations for the European Commission

5. Provide full, publicly accessible and transparent information on your suppliers: Including all the factories and supply-chain stages from which textiles

5.3.1.

Recommendations for the EU textile strategy

are sourced –not just ‘tier 1’ and ‘tier 2’ factories. 1. Introduce a tax on virgin plastic, which should also cover the use of virgin 6. Openly support progressive legislation to improve circularity and trans-

synthetic fibres in the textile industry. Do not incentivise the use of plastic

parency in the industry (for example, mandatory EPR schemes), encourage

waste from other sectors (such as PET bottles) as a feedstock for recycled pol-

peers to do the same and leave any industry initiatives that oppose, delay or

yester fibres in the textile industry, as such items should be collected, reused

undermine progressive legislation – including its implementation.

and recycled in a closed loop (and companies should also reduce single-use PET bottles on the market).

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Recommendations

2. Encourage the use of non-toxic circular materials, and introduce ecodesign

5. Encourage and incentivise new business models that support product-as-ser-

measures to prevent material mixing and blends, and to eliminate substances

vice models (such as clothes-rental schemes), and promote reuse and repair

of concern – all of which hinder circularity. Ensure any legacy toxic chemi-

systems. Explore other ways to slow down the fast-fashion industry.

cals are eliminated to prevent recycling them into new products. Chemicals should be regulated in groups (rather than as individual chemicals) to avoid the regrettable substitution of one toxic chemical for another.

6. Set production standards for manufacturing that encourage better production models across fashion supply chains; for example, along the lines of EU’s Best Available Technologies standards.

3. Set out strategies and measures to reduce pollution from the shedding of microfibres from synthetic fibres, as suggested by Science Advise for Policy

7. Ensure the EU’s support for the sector to recover from the Covid-19 crisis

by European Academics.101 One such strategy should be reducing the use of

is conditional on companies’ achievement of carbon-reduction targets, as

synthetic fibres, in line with the precautionary principle. Secondly, set meas-

well as a clear plan to reduce dependence on both fossil fuels and materials

ures and maximum thresholds for the number of microfibres released during

unfit for recycling.

production, use phase, and end of life. In addition, explore setting rules on industrial pre-washing and wastewater filtering in European processes, so that these large quantities of microplastics are washed out and collected be-

5.3.2.

Recommendations for the EU due-diligence legislation

fore the products are sold on the market – putting the responsibility for this on producers, not consumers.

1. Adopt mandatory due-diligence legislation, according to which companies are legally required to identify, prevent, mitigate, track and account for en-

4. Set up an EPR scheme for different types of textiles (for example clothing,

vironmental, human rights and governance risks and impacts.

carpetsC and mattresses), in which producers are responsible for the management and cost of end-of-life treatments of the products they place on the market. Investigate the best way to set up such schemes to ensure a market

2. Due diligence should also mandate high levels of transparency, as companies

shift towards higher quality, more durable fashion that takes into account

are often able to hide human-rights violations and pollution scandals behind

ecodesign, the elimination of substances of concern (including microfibres)

opaque supply chains and via third-party outsourcing in their supply chains.

and durability (via longer warranty and specific targets for recycling and reuse). Encourage recyclability and reuse through eco-modulated fees. C

For a model EPR scheme for the carpet industry, Changing Markets Foundation commissioned Eunomia Consulting to conduct research and create a toolkit that national governments and the EU can use to create the best carpet-circularity policies, which is available here: https://www. eunomia.co.uk/reports-tools/policy-toolkit-for-carpet-circularity-in-eu-member-states/.

3. Due diligence should also include transparent grievance mechanisms and access to remedy for victims of business-related adverse impacts.102

5.3.3.

Recommendations for the EU agenda to address green claims and

empower the consumer

1. Prevent companies from making unsubstantiated green claims, particularly around the ‘recyclability’ of their products, their use of recycled polyester from plastic bottles and the share of recycled polyester in their products. Preferably, an independent body should have to pre-approve any claim before it can be made.

2. The proliferation of weak certification and labelling schemes in the sector should be regulated, so that fashion brands can only use the most ambitious, robust and full-life-cycle schemes.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Recommendations

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Annexes

6. Annexes

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Annexes

Where do brands stand on their use of synthetic fibres and commitments to move away from them?

FRONTRUNNERS

COULD DO BETTER

YES

NON-APPLICABLE

DIDN‘T ENGAGE

* Changing Markets does not consider an email response without answers as engagement. ** Parent groups VF Corporation, PVH Corporation and Kering are included for references purposes

TRAILING BEHIND

RED ZONE

DIDN‘T DISCLOSE

only, because they replied on behlf of their brands or policies are set at the group level. Only their individual brands, such as Gucci, Calvin Klein or Timberland, are counted among the 46 brands contacted for analysis purposes.

USE OF SYNTHETIC FIBRES

BRAND/RETAILER

GROUP

ENGAGED 2021

TONNES OF SYNTHETICS/YEAR

% OF SYNTHETICS

INCREASE/DECREASE IN SYNTHETICS

No frontrunners

Kering

Figures disclosed only for parent group Kering. See Kering.

See parent group Kering.

Kering

Figures disclosed only for parent group Kering. See Kering.

See parent group Kering.

16% of fibre consumption in 2020, Dressmann communicated, of which 81% was Varner

720MT in 2020, Dressmann communicated, including polyester, polyamide, acrylic,

polyester, 10% elastane, 9% polyamide and <1% acrylic, polyurethane and poly-

elastane, polypropolene and polyurethane. This information does not appear on its

propolene. This information is not available on Dressmann’s website. Parent group

website.

Varner’s Sustainability Report 2020 reports that 24% of fibres were synthetics in 2020 for group as a whole.

Dressmann communicated that it has had a constant percentage of synthetic fibre in the last few years and foresees this to be relatively stable in the next few years, depending on the products it makes. It will continue keeping the share of synthetics fibre fairly low until there is more scientific evidence on microfibres, it added.

24% of fibres in FY19/20, Esprit communicated, of which 55% was conventional polyester, 23% polyamide/nylon, 9% acrylic, 7% elastane, 3% polyurethane and 3% Esprit Holdings

5,300 t in FY19/20, Esprit communicated.

others. The 24% figure is publiclu reported in Esprit’s 2019-20 Annual Report. Es-

This information does not appear on Esprit’s website.

prit’s website says that 30% of fibre share came from synthetics in July-December 2020, noting the shift to less cotton and more synthetic fibres is due to more techni-

Esprit communicated that it used 24% in FY19/20, down from 29% in FY18/19. It added that it is working to reduce its use of synthetic fibres and to only focus on them where certain features are needed, such as in outerwear or sports.

cal outerwear being sold in winter. It does not give an individual fibre breakdown.

802MT in 2020, based on breakdown of synthetics use provided by G-Star RAW. This information does not appear on its website.

Kering

Figures disclosed only for parent group Kering. See Kering.

~15% of raw materials, based on breakdown provided by G-Star (10% polyester, 3% elastane, 1% nylon, <1% acrylic). G-Star’s Raw Sustainability Report 2019 notes that

G-Star communicated that its synthetic fibre use has been “stable” over the last years.

of the 20% of raw materials which is not cotton, 10% is polyester.

Figures disclosed only for parent group Kering. See Kering.

See parent group Kering.

Hugo Boss communicated that its proportion of synthetic fibres increased slightly in Hugo Boss Group

2,531 t of synthetic fibres, as well as 521 t of rubber and 264 t of polyurethane in 2019,

20% of all materials were “based on” synthetic fibres in 2020, Hugo Boss communi-

2020 compared to 2019, due to a decreased demand for formalwear due to the COVID-19

according to Hugo Boss’s Sustainability Report 2019.

cated. Its website says 16% of materials came from synthetic fibres in 2019.

pandemic. It noted that it did not increase its overall use of synthetics and has “implemented various measures to keep [synthetic fibre use] as low as possible”.

3,500 tons used by Kering as a whole, largely in shoes. This information does not appear

(group level only)**

Kering

on Kering’s website, although its public 2019 Group EP&L report indicates the relative environmental impact of synthetic fibres compared to other materials in monetary terms is lower than leather, animals products, metal and plant fibres.

4% of raw material use is synthetic fibres, Kering communicated. Of this, 67% is polyester, 22% nylon, 5% elastic, 1% acrylic, 1% elastane and 4% other. Kering also

Kering communicated that its use of synthetic fibre has increased in recent years, but re-

provided a breakdown of synthetic fibre use by product: 41% shoes, 25% packaging

mains very low. Its public 2019 Group EP&L report indicates that impacts from synthetic

and visual goods, 19% leather goods, 12% ready to wear, 3% other. This information

fibres have increased since 2018.

does not appear on Kering’s website.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Annexes

Did not disclose, not available on website.

5 t in 2020, Reformation communicated. This information does not appear on its website.

Kering

Figures disclosed only for parent group Kering. See Kering.

9% of fibre mix, including polyester and elastane, LS&Co communicated. This information does not appear on its website.

LS&Co communicated that the 9% ratio remains “fairly stable”.

4-5% of textiles are made with synthetic fibres, including single fibre fabrics

Reformation communicated that its use of synthetics has increased since it launched its

and blends, Reformation communicated. This information does not appear on its

athleisure and swim product categories. However, it outlined measures it takes to keep its

website.

share of synthetic fibres low in other clothing categories.

<1% of raw material use, Saint Laurent communicated. See also parent group Kering.

See parent group Kering.

18% of total fibres (2.6% synthetic monofibre and 15.7% synthetic mixed), Benetton Benetton

3,019 tonnes, Benetton communicated.

communicated. Of 18% total, 65% is polyester, 15% polyamide, 10% acrylic and 9%

Benetton communicated that its synthetic use has not increased in the past few years

Benetton’s website says it used 2,597 tonnes of synthetic raw materials in 2019.

other synthetics. Benetton publishes a breakdown of fibre use by tonnage on its

and it does not foresee an increase or decrease.

website which allows calculation of its synthetics use. 30% of fibre mix was synthetic in 2020, Asda communicated, made up of 22% Walmart

13,900 tonnes, Asda communicated.

polyester, 2% polyamide, 2% nylon, 2% acrylic, 1% elastane and 1% other. Asda’s

Asda communicated that its synthetic fibre use has reduced from 36% in 2018 to 30% in

This information does not appear on its website.

website does not give this full breakdown, but says 26% of George clothing is made

2020. It does not currently have any plans to reduce synthetic fibre use, it said.

from polyester (Asda communicated that this is a 2018 figure). Over 20,000 tons of polyester were used in footwear products in 2020, ASICS communicated. The main synthetic fibre it uses is polyester, it added. This information does not appear on its website.

Did not disclose, but said that the “vast majority” of fibres used in its sports products are synthetic. This information does not appear on ASICS website.

ASICS communicated that its ratio of synthetic fibres is stable, that it has not seen an increase or decrease in the use of synthetic fibres recently, and it does not foresee big changes from current volumes in its mid-term plan to 2023.

29% of textile products, ASOS communicated, made up of 21% virgin polyester, 3% acrylic, 1% recycled polyester, 1% conventional nylon, 1% elastane & spandex and ASOS

6,275 tonnes in 2020, ASOS communicated. This information does not appear on its website.

<1% each of latex & rubber (natural & synthetic), lurex & metallised fibres, PVC, recycled nylon, silicone, virgin plastic, virgin polyacrylate, virgin polyacrylic, virgin

ASOS communicated that it has increased its use of synthetic fibres 16% since 2019.

polycarbonate, virgin polyethylene, virgin polypropylene, virgin polystyrene, virgin polyurethane and water-based polyurethane. This information does not appear on its website.

Otto Group

Did not disclose, not available on website.

PVH Corp

Figures disclosed only for parent group PVH Corp. See PVH Corp.

Cofra Group

42,000 tonnes in 2020, C&A communicated. This information does not appear on C&A’s website.

33%, based on breakdown provided by Bonprix (23% polyester, 6% polyamide and

Bonprix communicated that it has not increased its use of synthetic fibres in recent years

4% polyacrylic). This information is available on its website.

and does not foresee an increase or a decrease in the future.

Figures available only for parent group PVH Corp. See PVH Corp.

See parent group PVH Corp

~26 % of total its fibre portfolio in 2020, C&A communicated, made up of 16.1% polyester, 3.5% polyamide, 2.6% nylon, 2.6% acrylic and 1.6% elastane. Its Global Sustainability Report 2019 said polyester accounts for 19% of materials use.

C&A communicated that it has not seen an increase in its use of synthetics in recent years.

27% of fibre use by weight in 2020, H&M communicated, made up of 21% polyester, H&M Group

Did not disclose, not available on website.

3.5% polyamide and 2.5% acrylic. This information does not appear on its website. H&M communicated plans to share details about synthetic fibre and other material use publicly “as soon as we can”, but gave no firm dates.

Did not disclose, not available on website.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Annexes

151,239 Tn in FY2020, 185,040 Tn in FY2019 and 181,032 Tn in FY2018, Inditex communicated. It also provided a tonnage breakdown of different fibres. This information does not appear on its website.

38% of total fibres in FY2020, Inditex communicated, made up of 28% polyester, 3.2% polyamide 2.5% acrylic, 1.4% elastane, 2.8% nylon and 0.2% others. H&M discloses the overall percentage of synthetic fibres in its Annual Report 2019, but not the individual fibre breakdown.

Inditex communicated that its use of synthetic fibres has kept steady in recent years, accounting for ~38.4% of its fibres (FY2018: 38.7%; FY2019: 38.1%; FY2020: 38.3%). Tonnage figures it provided show its overall use dropped in 2020.

37%, based on breakdown provided by Lindex (26% polyamide, 10% polyester and Finnish Stockmann Group

6 tons of polyester and 15 tons of polyamide, based on dominant fibre in garments in

1% acrylic), with figures based on dominant fibres in a garment. These values are

Lindex communicated that its polyamide use has stayed the same and its polyester use

2019, Lindex communicated. This information does not appear on its website.

given in Lindex’s Sustainability Report 2020, which also notes that polyamide and

has decreased since 2017.

polyester are its most common materials after cotton.

Marks and Spencer Group

20,100 metric tonnes in 2020, based on figures provided by M&S. This information does not appear on its website.

167 tonnes in 2020/21, based on breakdown figures Monsoon communicated (132 Monsoon Limited

tonnes of original/normal fossil fuel based fabrics and 35 tonnes of sustainable/recycled based fabric. This information does not appear on its website.

Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc

54% by product volume in 2020, based on breakdown provided by M&S (28%

M&S communicated that there is a slight variation year on year, such as increase when

polyester, 24% polyamide and 2% acrylic). This information does not appear on its

it launched its activewear range Goodmove, but did not say whether volumes have

website.

increased or decreased.

38% by weight is synthetics, based on tonnage figures provided by Monsoon. This

Monsoon communicated that it has increased its synthetic fibre use and sees an increase

information does not appear on its website.

in synthetics in the future.

2,024 tonnes, Morrisons communicated.

47%, based on breakdown provided by Morrisons (42% polyester, 2% acrylic, 3%

This information does not appear on its website.

nylon). This information does not appear on its website.

Morrisons communicated that levels have remained “fairly consistent”.

66% of fibre mix, New Look communicated, made up of 42% polyester, 9% New Look Retail Holdings

13,292 tonnes, New Look communicated. This information does not appear on its

polyurethane, 4% acrylic, 2% polyethylene, 2% rubber, 2% nylon, 1% polyamide, 1%

website.

elastane, ~ 0% polypropylene and 3% other). This information does not appear on

New Look communicated that its use is “likely to stay the same”.

its website. 38%, based on breakdown provided by Next (33% polyester, 2% acrylic, 2% nylon/

Next communicated that its use of synthetic fibres has increased “slightly” in recent

polyamide and 0.5% polypropylene). This information is not available on its website,

years due to seasonal fluctuations and availability. It added that its use may increase due

although Next’s Corporate Responsibility Report to January 2020 notes that polyes-

to the current challenges around cotton linked to forced labour allegations in Western

ter is among its six main raw materials.

China.

30,010 tons in 2020, based on breakdown of synthetics use provided by Puma. This

~49%, based on figures provided by Puma (48% polyester, 1% nylon, <1% lycra, <1%

Puma communicated that it is “endeavoring” to gradually reduce the proportion of its

information does not appear on its website.

acrylic). This information does not appear on its website.

polyester over the next five years.

25,000 tonnes in 2020. This information does not appear on Next’s website.

37,168 MT of synthetics in FY19/20, based on breakdown provided to Changing Markets by PVH Corp (25,993 MT polyester, 8,277 MT nylon and 2,898 MT elastane, spandex and (group level only)**

PVH Corp

lycra). PVH Corp communicated that these values will be disclosed in its upcoming 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report. Its published 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report gives

At least 20% in FY2018, based on synthetic and total materials tonnage reported in PVH’s 2019 Corporate Responsibility Report.

Did not disclose. However, based on the figures disclosed to Changing Markets for FY2019 and the figures published in PVH Corp’s 2019 Corporate Responsibility Report FY2018, polyester use increased while nylon use stayed at a similar level.

the equivalent data for FY18/19. 48% of textile products in 2020 “contained” synthetic fibres, Sainsbury’s communi7,124 tonnes in 2020, Sainsbury’s communicated. This information does not appear on its website.

cated. It gave the following breakdown, noting that products can feature more than one fibre type: 43% of products contain polyester, 20% polyamide, 6% acrylic, 5% recycled polyester, <1% recycled polyamide and <1% modacrylic. This information

Sainsbury’s communicated that its use of synthetic fibres has been “consistent”, but that changing market conditions make it difficult to set any trajectory of future trends.

does not appear on its website.

Tesco plc

Tesco disclosed its synthetics usage to Changing Markets but not for public disclosure.

30% by weight of textile products were made from polyester and nylon in 2020/21,

The information does not appear on its website.

Tesco communicated. This information does not appear on its website.

Tesco communicated that 30% of textile products were made from polyester and nylon in 2020/21, down from 32% in 2019/20. Tesco added that it does not have plans to increase the use of synthetic fibres in its products.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Annexes

PVH Corp

Figures disclosed only for parent group PVH Corp. See PVH Corp.

Figures available only for parent group PVH Corp. See PVH Corp.

See parent group PVH Corp

PVH Corp

Figures disclosed only for parent group PVH Corp. See PVH Corp.

Figures available only for parent group PVH Corp. See PVH Corp.

See parent group PVH Corp

~1,500 metric tonnes of synthetic fibre for private label material mix in 2020, Zalando communicated. This figure includes 997 tonnes of polyester, with the remainder

Zlabels

coming from acrylic, nylon and other synthetic fibres, it said. The polyester figure is disclosed in Zalando’s Sustainability Progress Report 2020.

~26% is synthetic fibres (16.3% from polyester, 9.3% from acrylic, nylon and other synthetic fibres). The polyester figure is disclosed in Zalando’s Sustainability Progress Report 2020.

Zalando communicated that it has decreased its use of polyester from 28% in 2018 and 31% in 2019 to 16.3% in 2020. All these figures are publicly reported.

~90% of apparel articles are made with synthetics or blended with synthetics, Adidas AG

Did not disclose, not available on website

Adidas communicated. Its website says polyester is “the most single-used material

Did not disclose, not available on website.

in Adidas products” but does not provide this percentage figure.

Did not disclose, but said that synthetics (nylon and polyester) account for a “small

Burberry Group Plc

Gap Inc

amount” of main materials. This information does not appear on its website.

Did not disclose, not available on website.

Did not disclose, not available on website. Gap communicated that its portfolio is focussed on cotton and other natural fibres.

Burberry communicated that its use of synthetic fibres has increased in the last year as it expanded its outerwear selection.

Did not disclose, not available on website.

Did not engage. Gildan’s 2019 Genuine Responsibility ESG report notes that cotton is Gildan Activewear Inc.

Did not engage, not available on website.

its largest raw material input, while its website says that “a significant percentage of

Did not engage, not available on website.

the cost of our products comes from raw materials like cotton and polyester.” Did not disclose, but communicated that it will report its material mix in its Impact Did not disclose, saying only that a “material portion” of its products are synthetic. This

Reports, the first of which is to be published later this year, and from 2022 onwards

information does not appear on Lululemon’s website.

through the Textile Exchange CFMB. Lululemon’s 2020 Impact Agenda report noted

Did not disclose, not available on website.

that high performing nylon fibre makes up the biggest portion of its fabric mix.

Nike, Inc.

152,723 tonnes polyester and 111,496 tonnes rubber in FY20, according to Nike’s FY20 Impact Report.

Patagonia, Inc.

Did not engage, not available on website.

Associated British Foods

Did not disclose, not available on website.

Did not engage, not available on website. Nike’s FY20 Impact Report lists polyester among the top five materials in its products, and shows it uses less cotton (93,743 tonnes in FY20) than polyester or rubber.

Did not engage, not available on website. Patagonia’s website says it uses polyester “in most of our products” and “a great deal of nylon”.

Did not disclose, not available on website. Primark communicated that cotton is its most used fibre, making up over half of its products.

Based on volumes given in Nike’s FY20 Impact Report, Nike has seen a 9% rise in polyester use and 36% rise in rubber use since 2015.

Did not engage, not available on website.

Did not disclose, not available on website.

Synthetics Anonymous: Fashion Brands’ addiction to fossil fuels | Annexes

Adidas AG

See parent group Adidas.

Did not engage, not available on website.

Did not engage, not available on North Face or parent group VF Corporation website.

Did not engage, not available on website. Target’s 2020 corporate responsibility report Target Corporation

says it used 20,300 metric tonnes of recycled polyester in 2019 in its apparel and accessories but gives no figure for overall use of synthetics.

VF Corporation

Did not engage, not available on North Face or parent group VF Corporation website.

VF Corporation

Did not engage, not available on Timberland or parent group VF Corporation’s website.

← Vorig deel Volgend deel →

De tekst is automatisch uit het bestand gehaald en kan afwijken van het origineel (kolommen, tabellen en koppen lopen door elkaar). Het officiële stuk bij de gemeente is leidend. Bron: https://api.notubiz.nl/document/15059539/1