WE ARE
WEARING OIL.
We are calling for a fair phase-out of fossil fuels from the fashion industry.
Building on several years of investigations and research into fashion’s over-reliance on fossil fuels, our campaign aims to spotlight the intrinsic links between fossil fuels and fashion during climate talks where the fashion’s climate impact is traditionally under-represented, and ensure fashion is included in the call for a fair phase out of fossil fuels.
While the fashion industry is heavily reliant on fossil fuels for energy and transport, what is less well known is that most of the clothes we wear are also made from oil and gas. Synthetic fibre production uses the equivalent amount of oil per year as the entirety of Spain, and polyester production alone produces the equivalent emissions of 180 coal-fired power stations annually.
What is more, synthetic fibres and plastics are emerging as the fossil fuel industry’s cash-cow – accounting for up to 95% of future growth in demand for oil.
Fossil fashion is at the core of many of fast fashion’s worst problems: cheap materials, over-reliance on synthetics, a spiraling waste crisis and spiking emissions.
Fast fashion runs on fossil fuels.
The majority of the clothes we wear are made from oil and gas. Synthetic fibre production uses the equivalent amount of oil per year as the whole of Spain and polyester production produces as much emissions as 180 coal fired power stations a year.
Fossil fuel-derived fibres are incredibly cheap, costing less than half per kilo compared to cotton, and it is estimated they will represent 73% of fibre for textiles by 2030. Enabled by these fibres, clothing is now cheaper than even, produced in greater volumes, and thrown away sooner.
Yet, while people are well aware of pervasive plastic pollution, few realise that the same product is rife in our clothing, causing a huge waste issue. Synthetics such as polyester are practically unrecyclable, contaminate our bodies and natural environments with plastic microfibres, and pose a huge threat to communities in the Global South where enormous volumes of clothing are dumped and burned.
WE ARE CALLING FOR SYSTEM CHANGE.
Our campaign highlights the intrinsic relationship between fossil fuels and fast fashion – one cannot exist without the other.
THE CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR PROMPT, RADICAL LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO SLOW-DOWN THE FASHION INDUSTRY AND DECOUPLE IT FROM FOSSIL FUELS.
Our work is based on years of investigative research and evidence building from civil society organisations including the Changing Markets Foundation, Stand.earth and the Plastic Soup Foundation, highlighting the consequences of this over-reliance from well-head through to dumpsite. You can find out more about this research body here.
Now, in this decisive decade for climate action, it is vital that the life-line between fossil fuels and fashion is broken. We are calling on leaders in politics, business and civil society to rise to the challenge and push for an equitable phase out of fossil fuels from the global fashion system.
EQUITABLE PHASE OUT
OF FOSSIL FUEL
BASED MATERIALS
The IPCC, IEA and United Nations Secretary General are all calling for a reduction in fossil fuels to stay below 1.5 degree threshold. We must ensure all industries are part of this global movement to phase out fossil fuels, including the fashion industry.
Committing to an equitable phase out of fossil fuels both in the supply chain and in synthetic materials is vital to stem overproduction and the serious end-of-life issues associated with Fossil Fuel Fashion.
COMMIT TO
SCIENCE-BASED
CLIMATE TARGETS
Ambitious and comprehensive climate targets must be factored in, such as those aligned with the recent UN report on Net Zero targets for non-state actors and principles of the Just Transition.
Scientists recommend a 55% reduction in emissions across the supply chain by 2030 to stay within a 1.5 degree pathway. Progress must be reported, independently verified and interim decarbonisation targets set and met.
OPENLY
SUPPORT SYSTEMIC
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
The wave of regulation approaching the fashion industry will only be successful with industry support and facilitation, and by policymakers holding fast to progressive environmental and social outcomes.
Companies must openly support legislation to improve circularity and transparency in
the industry (for example, mandatory EPR schemes), and encourage peers to do the same.
WATCH
Highlights from the launch of the FOSSIL FUEL FASHION campaign at Climate Week NYC
The Changing Markets Foundation recommends a 20% reduction set to a 2021 baseline in the use of fossil fuels in materials by 2025 and a 50% reduction by 2030.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Are you a fashion company or civil society organisation interested in supporting the campaign? Reach out to us using the form below.
our voice matters to help raise awareness of fossil fuel fashion and call for change from decision makers and businesses.
You can help by sharing on social, access our assets here.
