Inside the Fashion Industry's Waste Crisis and Structural Flaws

The fashion industry faces a staggering environmental and social crisis driven by its production practices. Annually, approximately 92 million tons of textiles are discarded into landfills—equivalent to a full truckload of clothing every second. This paradox raises questions: why isn't surplus clothing redistributed or donated, given the evident need in developing nations? The reality is complex and rooted in systemic industry structures. Introducing large volumes of inexpensive clothing into less developed countries often undermines local textile industries, leading to job losses and the decline of entire supply chains, from cotton cultivation to garment manufacturing. Additionally, the donation process is fraught with high costs related to sorting, cleaning, transportation, and tariffs, making it an economically unviable solution for many companies. Consequently, disposing of excess inventory through landfills or incineration remains the most practical option. This wastefulness stems from a flawed manufacturing model: the 'produce-first, sell-later' approach. Companies rely on demand forecasts to justify mass production, but inaccuracies result in vast unsold inventories. Waste...