Prof. Dr Vishaka Karnad
Professor and Research Guide,
Textile and Fashion Technology
College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan
Mumbai, India
Khanti Savla
M.Sc. Student
Textile and Fashion Technology
College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan
Mumbai, India
The article dated September 18, 2025, in Vogue Business (Online Publication www.voguebusiness.com) “Material production reaches record heights — and emissions grow” by Sophie Benson gives a detailed insight into the Textile Exchange’s 12th Annual Materials Market Report. It highlights how global fibre production has touched record highs, mainly because of the growth of virgin polyester, which now makes up almost 59% of total production. This article shows how the increase in production and consumption of synthetic textiles is directly linked to the rising greenhouse gas emissions, with polyester alone contributing around 43% of the impact. The discussion on the relevance of polyester as an important textile source, resulting in fast fashion and the push for cheap materials, is well elaborated in the article. The trend of fast fashion is creating long-term environmental problems, even though it seems to be cost-effective right now; the impact is drastic.
The article mentions balancing the negative side of ballooning fibre production with some positives, like the increase in certified sustainable raw materials and the slight reduction in virgin polyester use among reporting brands. However, what stands out the most is the growth paradox: even if brands use more recycled or certified fibres, overall production is increasing phenomenally that it cancels out the progress. It is noticed that while the article is strong and emphatic in presenting facts and data, concrete solutions are not really provided, which alarms the reader more with a warning than providing a way forward.
Overall, the article is effective in bringing to awareness the intensity and depth of this grave environmental issue. It makes clear that the fashion industry’s current growth model is completely off-step with climate goals, and unless there is a shift away from overproduction and reliance on fossil fuel-based synthetics, sustainability efforts will remain limited. It is a well-researched article that provides significant data, entrusting the responsibility on the readers and the industry to think about ways of combating the perils of fast fashion.
