The fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions increased for the second year running in 2024, driven largely by a surge in global fiber production — particularly polyester — according to a new report by the Apparel Impact Institute.
Apparel emissions rose 6.3% in 2024, following a 7.5% increase in 2023. The year before that, emissions had declined slightly. According to the institute, 2024 is the most recent year for which data is currently available. Fashion industry emissions that year reached roughly 1 gigaton — a figure comparable to the entire climate footprint of Japan.
A Trend That Raises Serious Concerns
Kurt Kipka, chief impact officer at the Apparel Impact Institute — a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability within the fashion sector — described the pattern as troubling. “The trend is one that’s quite concerning,” he said. “It is a clear sign of increased usage of materials.”
Kipka pointed to cost as one of the most significant barriers to fashion decarbonization. Virgin polyester, he noted, remains cheaper and more readily available than its recycled counterpart, which requires considerable energy to produce.
Energy Price Volatility Adding Pressure
With energy prices being pushed higher by volatility stemming from the Iran war, Kipka said this environment underscores the urgency for clothing producers to move away from oil and gas dependence. “That’s where renewable energy sources and onsite battery storage become a more attractive proposition,” he said.
Financial Consequences on the Horizon
Separate research from the Apparel Impact Institute warns that the sector faces a 34% drop in profits by 2030 unless companies act swiftly to reduce their carbon pollution. Supply chain disruptions and rising operating costs are cited as key contributing factors if the industry fails to course-correct on apparel emissions 2024 trends.
Some Progress, But Green Commitments Slipping
The report does acknowledge meaningful progress in certain areas. The number of apparel companies that have approved science-based climate targets, or formally committed to setting them, climbed from approximately 100 at the end of 2021 to more than 700 as of June this year. Several major brands have reported double-digit reductions in their emissions and have increased the proportion of recycled fiber used in their garments.
Brands Walking Back Earlier Pledges
Despite these advances, a number of businesses within the sector have scaled back their sustainability commitments amid shifting political conditions and ongoing inflation pressures. Burberry, for instance, announced earlier this year that it was delaying its previous net zero target by a decade — pushing the goal from 2040 to 2050.
The broader picture painted by the institute’s findings is one where fashion industry emissions continue to climb even as parts of the industry make measurable gains, and where sustainable apparel ambitions are being tested by economic realities and supply chain volatility.
