New findings from experts Veronica Bates Kassatly and Dr. Terry Townsend published by the Bremen Cotton Exchange reveal disturbing evidence linking microplastics to serious health conditions like heart attacks, strokes, leukemia, and dementia. These harmful particles, found in places like bone marrow and brain tissue, are infiltrating our bodies, and the evidence of their impact is rapidly increasing.
Global fiber production reached 113 million tonnes in 2023. Of the total, natural fibers accounted for 31.5 million tonnes, or 28%. Synthetic fibers amounted to 74 million tonnes, 65% of the total, and manmade cellulosic fibers such as viscose, accounted for 7.
6 million tonnes or 7% of world fiber production. 1 There is no reliable data on how much of each fiber goes into apparel rather than industrial uses or home textiles. The most common natural fiber is cotton, accounting for 24.6 million tonnes (22%) of 2023 global fiber production. The United States is one of the largest consumer markets for apparel in the world, and nearly 100% of apparel sold in the U.S. is imported. Based on trade data, an estimated 80% of cotton is used in apparel applications, 15% in home furnishings, and roughly 5% is used in nonwoven applications.
Similarly, a recent compilation of textile import data from Trade Data Monitor for the EU, US, and Japan found that more than 70% of the textiles imported by these markets are apparel. 2 Wool is the second largest apparel fiber, accounting for one million tonnes, (1%) of world fiber use, and other apparel fibers, such as flax, silk, cashmere, hemp, and ramie, add another 600,000 tonnes (0.5% of the world fiber total). Hard natural fibers, including jute, coir, abaca, kenaf, sisal, and other agave fibers, amounted to 5 million tonnes (4%) of world fiber use in 2023. The most common of the plastic fibers is polyester, which at 61 million tonnes, represents 54% of total fiber use in 2023.
Again, based on trade data from the United States, apparel applications account for an estimated one-third of polyester use.
Industrial applications, and uses ranging from automobile upholstery to home furnishings, account for the remainder. Polyamide, including nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, and other plastic fibers accounted for 13 million tonnes (11%) of world fiber use in 2023. In short, together, cotton and polyester account for 76% of the world’s fiber supply.
Focusing on these two fibers simplifies the discussion, while still covering the majority of the global impact of textile fibers.
Caution: Plastic Clothing May Be Hazardous to Your Health, that of your Family, and that of every other living creature.
🔍 Key Takeaways:
Plastic microfibers pose a distinct hazard compared to other fibers and must be treated separately in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Product Environmental Footprints (PEFs).
The European Commission’s Green Claims Directive (March 2024) will require the inclusion of microplastic assessments for apparel and footwear PEFs.
Current PEF assessments are based on conflicted sources, which compromise scientific integrity and hinder meaningful progress toward sustainability.
🌿 The Fashion Industry’s Wake-Up Call: It’s crucial that fashion value chains clearly disclose the harmful chemicals embedded in plastic fibers and the associated risks throughout the product’s lifecycle. With microplastics contributing to environmental damage, it’s time to move toward more transparent, science-based legislation that truly addresses the long-term environmental challenges posed by synthetic fibers.
Microplastics are everywhere, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. As the fashion industry continues to use plastic-based materials, the consequences are escalating. It’s time for industries to adopt sustainable practices and drive a change that can protect both our health and the planet.
For full report: https://baumwollboerse.de/wpcontent/uploads/2025/01/BWB_Studie_2025_P4.pdf
