The growing use of plastics in fashion is a problem – an increasing amount of harmful petrochemicals are being used to make clothing, which is rarely recycled, and ultimately ends up in our environments.
The public wants action on the use of plastics, and most say that they are trying to reduce the amount of plastics in their everyday lives. There is also a broad desire for more action on the use of petrochemicals by the fashion industry.
But the public is reluctant to say that they actually buy synthetic fibres, with only a third of us saying that we regularly buy clothing containing synthetic materials, despite plastics accounting for the majority of textile production.
In response to the growing issue of plastics in fashion, the RSA is calling for new measures to turn the tide, including a tax on virgin plastics used in clothing; a ban on marketing petrochemical-derived clothing; and a commission to prepare for the future of fashion.
pdf 418.6 KB
Authors


Related articles
-
Film screening: The Migration Blanket – Climate Solidarity
Fellowship news
RSA Fellows are invited to a screening of The Migration Blanket – Climate Solidarity at RSA House, London. The film documents the experiences of women from 17 Commonwealth countries, to highlight how climate change is destroying women’s lives.
-
Share your ideas on a park proposal in south west London
Fellowship news
Jason Burubu FRSA is calling on volunteers to help create a remarkable new memorial and reflection park for south west London. On Thursday 23 June 4pm-5pm on The Steps at RSA House, hear more about how to get involved.
-
Enabling business regeneration
Blog
Andy Thornton Jahnvi Singh
Nurturing the right workforce capabilities is critical for businesses to build their capacity to purposefully transform, adapt and respond positively to a complex world.