Fast Fashion—affordable, trend-driven clothing that has captured the hearts of millions of consumers worldwide—is known for its attractive pricing and wide variety of designs. However, this quick and impulsive consumption comes at a hidden environmental cost.
Fast Fashion: Accelerating the Environmental Crisis Through Clothing
According to IBISWorld, , the global apparel manufacturing industry will comprise as many as 432,536 businesses by 2025, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.6% from 2020 to 2025. Many of these businesses focus on producing low-cost clothing in massive quantities, a trend commonly referred to as Fast Fashion.
Fast Fashion refers to low-cost clothing designed and produced rapidly to keep up with fleeting fashion trends. These garments are typically inexpensive to manufacture, making them affordable for consumers—and just as easily disposable. As fashion trends shift ever more quickly, this low-cost clothing is often worn only a few times before being rendered obsolete.
While many complain about having “nothing to wear,” the reality is that people now wear clothes only 7 to 10 times on average—a 35% decline over the past 15 years. Statista estimates that by 2025, the global average number of garments purchased per person per year will reach 24 pieces. This number varies by country but underscores the explosive growth of the Fast Fashion market, which is projected to reach USD 150.82 billion in 2025 and soar to USD 291.1 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% from 2024 to 2032.
In Thailand, the Fast Fashion market has expanded rapidly. Surprisingly, even environmentally conscious younger generations are key supporters—drawn by the appeal of trendy and affordable items. A recent survey revealed that 40% of Thai consumers wear clothing only once before discarding it, highlighting the issue of overconsumption and the resulting surge in fashion waste. This may stem from a lack of awareness regarding the environmental impact of the textile industry.
Fast Fashion Environmental Impact: Emissions and Resource Use
Beyond aesthetics, style, and price, one cannot overlook the Fast Fashion environmental impact that is increasingly visible worldwide. Today, the textile industry accounts for up to 10% of the world’s carbon footprint—more than the combined emissions from international flights and maritime shipping. In 2024 alone, the industry is estimated to emit 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, with projections indicating a 50% increase by 2030.
Examining the materials used reveals further dimensions of the Fast Fashion environmental impact. Although cotton is a natural fiber, its cultivation requires enormous water consumption and harmful chemicals that contaminate water sources and soil. Producing just one ton of cotton fiber consumes up to 3,644 cubic meters of water. Alternatively, synthetic polyester—derived from fossil fuels—demands around 70 million barrels of oil per year to produce textile fibers.
Tragically, despite the massive resource use and pollution involved in production, many of these garments end up in landfills. The Fast Fashion environmental impact extends to waste generation, with careless consumption producing an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually—a figure expected to rise to 134 million tonnes by 2030.
Recycled Fibers: A More Sustainable Choice
If the Fast Fashion trend persists, how can we move toward more sustainable options? The answer lies in selecting eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fibers or organically grown cotton. Research shows that organic cotton requires 91% less water and emits 46% less pollution compared to conventional cotton farming. Using recycled fibers also maximizes resource efficiency.
One example of recycled fiber is material derived from discarded fishing nets, which are processed into yarns used in fashion products—such as apparel, footwear, and bags. A notable initiative is NETS UP, a collaborative project by SCGC and its partners, which transforms used fishing nets into Marine Materials, a range of recycled fibers suitable for various applications.
The NETS UP model reflects SCGC’s commitment to driving the organization toward low-waste and low-carbon operations by implementing a tangible circular economy approach. The project connects every stage of the value chain—from collecting used fishing nets via community-based waste banks using the "KoomKah" mobile application, to recycling them through SCGC’s expertise in producing High Quality PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled Resin). These recycled materials are then upcycled into Marine Materials such as yarns, which are used in eco-friendly products. Examples include undergarments by Sabina, lifestyle goods from Earthology Studio (such as apparel, bags, and beach chairs), all tailored to support brands with sustainability goals. View more product examples
While reducing consumption is vital to conserving resources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, there is also a more sustainable path: maximizing resource use through conscious practices. This can include mixing and matching outfits to extend their usage, selecting durable and well-crafted pieces as wardrobe staples, and updating styles with accessories or shoes. Choosing products made from recycled materials is another option, with many leading brands now adopting recycled fibers. These approaches enable smarter consumption that minimizes waste, reduces pollution, and ultimately benefits life on Earth.
