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Global Fast Fashion Industry: Present Opportunities and Future Challenges for Sustainability
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This study explores the environmental and social implications of fast fashion, finding the industry emits 8-10% of global CO2 and releases significant quantities of microplastics into waterways through synthetic textile production and washing. The authors argue that systemic changes in policy, business practices, and consumer behavior are required alongside technological innovation for true sustainability.
Fast fashion is a business model that has profoundly changed the fashion industry by creating an efficient supply chain for the rapid production of fashionable merchandise. It has revolutionized in clothing industry with the fulfillment of consumer demand through the development of new styles. On the other hand, it produces a large quantity of harmful raw materials, as well as roughly emits 8-10% of global carbon dioxide (CO2), and disposes excess untreated water and microplastics. The garment workers in this sector are victims of various oppressions, such as low-wages, unhealthy working conditions, and endemic labor injustices. For sustainability, it requires not only technological innovations but also some systemic changes in policies, business practices and consumer behavior to make sure the production is both socially fair and environmentally responsible. This study explores environmental and social implications of fast fashion based on circular economy and environmental justice.
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Transformation Toward Slow Fashion: A Literature Synthesis on the Ecological and Social Impacts of Fast Fashion
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This review synthesized literature from 2014 to 2024 on the ecological and social impacts of fast fashion, finding that the industry contributes up to 10% of global carbon emissions, generates significant microplastic and textile waste, consumes large water volumes, and is linked to labor exploitation — while identifying slow fashion as a viable sustainable alternative.
Sustainability Challenges of the Textile Industry
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This review examines the environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges facing the global textile industry, including high water consumption, chemical pollution, labor exploitation, and the compounding effects of fast fashion on waste generation and resource depletion. The authors argue that addressing these interconnected challenges requires a multidimensional approach spanning supply chain transparency, regulatory reform, and shifts in consumer behavior.
From a disposable to a sustainable fashion industry: A review of the shameful trade flows of used textiles and the need to address fast fashion
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This review traces the fashion industry's shift from disposable fast fashion toward more sustainable production models, with a focus on the environmental toll of synthetic textile fibers. It identifies key strategies for reducing microfiber pollution and transitioning to circular material systems.
Fast Fashion and Sustainability Challenges: A Critical Review with Insights from Cyprus
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This review examined the environmental impacts of fast fashion, focusing on water and chemical pollution, carbon emissions, and microfiber release, with a case study perspective on Cyprus. The authors argued that fast fashion's business model is fundamentally incompatible with environmental sustainability goals.
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