The hyper-consumerism of cheap clothing and inefficiency in its recycling have high social and environmental costs.
Much of the discarded clothes in Spain ends up in different countries, creating a large carbon footprint.
The EU generated 6.94 million tons of textile waste in 2022, only 15% of which was recycled.
Europe exports used clothes to third countries, contributing to the landfill problem and labor exploitation.
Consumer awareness of the importance of recycling is vital, but it needs the implementation of appropriate public policies.
A recent agreement will expand companies' responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste management.
Conclusion: The development of more efficient policies for textile waste management, including corporate responsibility and municipalities' waste separation, is necessary to reduce the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry.