• Will Works Studios
  • Posts
  • The Invisible Thread: Fashion's Climate Impact Beyond the Runway | Scope 3 Emissions

The Invisible Thread: Fashion's Climate Impact Beyond the Runway | Scope 3 Emissions

Why 90% of Fashion's Carbon Footprint Lies in the Shadows of Global Supply Chains

Author

Angelica Sergi
November 20, 2024

When we think about the environmental impact of fashion, we often picture factories churning out clothes or the energy used in retail stores. However, the most significant environmental challenge facing the fashion industry lies in an area many consumers never see: Scope 3 emissions.

In total, 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions are released by the fashion industry every year (2,645,547,528,000 pounds) —equivalent to more emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined!

To put this in perspective, if the fashion industry were a country, it would be the fifth-largest carbon emitter on the planet, falling just behind China, the United States, India, and Russia. That's more than the entire economies of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom combined. 💚🌏

📌 KEY NUMBERS

The fashion industry contributes 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions annually, with 90% hidden in supply chains - making it a larger emitter than major world economies.

Fashion's Carbon Impact at a Glance:

  • The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions

  • This amounts to 1.2 billion tonnes annually - equivalent to:

    • 250 million passenger vehicles driven for one year

    • 20 billion tree seedlings grown for 10 years to offset

    • Enough energy to power 140 million homes annually

    • 90% of these emissions come from Scope 3 sources

In total, 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions are released by the fashion industry every year. To grasp the magnitude of this number: It's equivalent to the carbon footprint of 250 million passenger vehicles driven for one year. It would take 20 billion tree seedlings grown for 10 years to offset these annual emissions; and this represents enough energy to power 140 million homes for an entire year. This staggering figure underscores why the fashion industry's environmental impact can no longer remain hidden in the shadows of global supply chains.

What Are Scope 3 Emissions?

Scope 3 emissions refer to all indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in a company's value chain, outside of its direct operations. For fashion brands, these emissions can account for up to 90% of their total carbon footprint. This staggering figure underscores the importance of addressing Scope 3 emissions in the industry's sustainability efforts.

The Fashion Industry's Carbon Footprint

The fashion sector is responsible for an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the most polluting industries worldwide. Within this, Scope 3 emissions are the largest contributor, encompassing everything from raw material production to product use and disposal.

📊 INDUSTRY IMPACT

If the fashion industry were a country, it would be the 5th largest carbon emitter globally - ahead of France, Germany

🌱 MATERIAL IMPACT

A single cotton t-shirt requires about 2,700 liters of water to produce - enough water for one person to drink for 2.5 years.

Key Sources of Scope 3 Emissions in Fashion

1. Raw Material Production: The cultivation of cotton, production of synthetic fibers, and processing of other materials account for a significant portion of emissions.

🚢 SHIPPING IMPACT

Fashion accounts for 10% of global maritime shipping, moving materials and products across complex supply chains that span multiple continents.

2. Manufacturing and Processing: The energy-intensive processes of turning raw materials into finished products contribute heavily to Scope 3 emissions.

3. Transportation: Moving products across global supply chains results in substantial emissions from shipping and air freight.

4. Product Use: The energy consumed in washing, drying, and caring for garments over their lifetime is a major source of emissions.

5. End-of-Life: The disposal or recycling of products at the end of their useful life also contributes to Scope 3 emissions.

💧 SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACT

Less than 1% of used clothing is recycled into new garments, while the average piece is worn only 7 times before disposal.

Industry Efforts to Address Scope 3 Emissions

Leading fashion brands are taking steps to reduce their Scope 3 emissions:

- Supply Chain Collaboration: Companies are working closely with suppliers to implement energy-efficient practices and transition to renewable energy sources.

- Sustainable Materials: Brands are increasingly using recycled and low-impact materials to reduce emissions from raw material production.

- Circular Economy Initiatives: Efforts to extend product lifespans, improve recyclability, and implement take-back programs are gaining traction.

- Consumer Education: Some brands are educating consumers on low-impact care methods to reduce emissions during the use phase of garments.

💚 INDUSTRY PROGRESS

Leading brands committing to Science Based Targets have already reduced their Scope 3 emissions by an average of 25% since 2015

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite these efforts, addressing Scope 3 emissions remains a complex challenge. The global nature of fashion supply chains, the need for significant investments, and the lack of direct control over many emission sources all pose obstacles.

However, as consumers become more environmentally conscious and regulations tighten, tackling Scope 3 emissions is becoming a business imperative. Brands that successfully address this challenge will likely gain a competitive edge in the evolving fashion landscape.

By understanding and addressing Scope 3 emissions, the fashion industry can take a significant step towards a more sustainable future – one that looks as good for the planet as it does on the runway.

What You Can Do

🔍 CONSUMER ACTION

Extend garment life through proper care, wash in cold water, and support brands with verified emissions targets to reduce your fashion footprint.

Dive Deeper: Essential Resources on Fashion's Environmental Impact

For those looking to explore this topic further, we've curated a selection of must-read resources that offer deeper insights into fashion's environmental challenges and solutions:

📚 Books That Break It Down

🌐 Industry Initiatives & Reports

💡 Practical Resources & Tools

📊 Data & Research Centers

Pro tip: Many of these resources offer newsletters or updates. Consider subscribing to stay informed about the latest developments in sustainable fashion.

Citations:

Citations & Additional Resources:

Additional Verified Resources:

Join the Conversation

Looking to make a difference? Share this article to spread awareness about fashion's hidden environmental costs. Your voice matters in driving industry change.

↗️ Share Your Impact

  • Share this article with industry professionals and sustainability advocates

  • Join the discussion on social media using #SustainableFashion #Scope3

  • Tag us in your sustainable fashion journey and inspire others

  • Share your own sustainability practices to help grow our community

💌 Stay Connected

Want to stay at the forefront of sustainable fashion innovation? Subscribe to our newsletter for:

  • Weekly industry insights

  • Latest research and reports

  • Actionable sustainability tips

  • Expert interviews and analysis

  • Upcoming events and initiatives

Together, we can reshape the future of fashion. Every action counts.

Reply

or to participate.