The global environmental crisis has brought attention to the impact of the textile and fashion industry. Recently, clothing rental and circular fashion have gained prominence as sustainable solutions to reduce the sector’s ecological footprint. These approaches address excessive waste, pollution, and resource consumption linked to fast fashion and consumer habits.
Environmental Impact of Textile Industry
The textile industry contributes about 10 per cent of global carbon emissions. This is more than international aviation and shipping combined. It is also the third largest cause of water pollution worldwide. In India, garment waste ranks third among municipal waste sources and takes up to 100 years to decompose. The entire clothing lifecycle—from production to disposal—exerts heavy pressure on the environment.
Consumer Behaviour and Fast Fashion
Cultural and social demands in India encourage frequent acquisition of new clothes. Events like weddings and festivals often require unique outfits. Fast fashion promotes constant buying, leading to large wardrobes with many unused garments. This consumption pattern increases waste and environmental damage.
Circular Economy Principles in Fashion
Circular fashion promotes reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste. Sorting and grading used textiles allow recycling of fibres. Recycled polyester from plastic bottles is increasingly used in new fabrics. Leading brands such as Marks & Spencer and H&M have committed to using organic or recycled materials. They aim to increase recycled content in their products substantially by 2030.
Innovative Recycling and Refurbishment
Discarded clothing and factory waste are repurposed through cutting, redesigning, or refurbishing. Patchwork denim is a popular example of refurbished clothing. While such products are popular in global North markets, their appeal remains limited in India. These methods reduce raw material use and extend garment life.
Growth of Clothing Rental Services
Rental fashion offers a scalable model for sustainability. It allows users to access diverse wardrobes without owning many clothes. Formal rental services for traditional Indian attire like sarees and sherwanis are growing. Globally, the clothing rental market was valued at US$6.2 billion in 2023. North America leads, followed by Europe and Asia. Indian rental market estimates range between US$3-4 billion with strong growth potential.
Environmental and Social Benefits of Rental Fashion
Surveys show rental clothes reduce energy use by 24 per cent, water use by 6 per cent, and CO2 emissions by 3 per cent compared to purchasing. Rental also promotes equitable consumption by lowering costs to 10-15 per cent of retail prices. It helps reduce waste and resource overuse while maintaining fashion diversity.
Challenges in Clothing Rental Adoption
Hygiene concerns, dry cleaning logistics, and delivery pose challenges for rental services. Seasonal demand spikes during weddings create operational difficulties, especially in India. Overcoming these issues is critical for wider acceptance and environmental impact.
Future Prospects for Sustainable Fashion
Clothing rental and circular fashion are shaping a new sustainable consumption model. They align style with ecological responsibility. Collective efforts from consumers, brands, and policymakers can drive this transformation. Sustainable fashion practices promise reduced waste and resource use while supporting social and cultural needs.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the environmental impact of the textile industry and suggest sustainable alternatives with examples.
- Comment on the role of consumer behaviour in shaping sustainable fashion trends and how policy can influence it.
- Explain the concept of circular economy in the context of the fashion industry and discuss its potential benefits and challenges.
- What are the socio-economic implications of clothing rental services in India? How can they contribute to sustainable development goals?
