The fast fashion industry is rapidly growing, creating employment opportunities worldwide. However, the industry’s production processes significantly impact the environment and society. Thailand could consider the following strategies to prevent and reduce potential problems.
Secretary General to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Danucha Pichayanan said fast fashion grew rapidly. However, the industry’s production processes significantly impact the environment and society.
The Research and Markets estimated a market value of fast fashion in 2024 at US$ 142.06 million, up 15.5% form last year. The market value is expect to reach US$ 197.05 million in 2028.
Fast fashion also created 300 million jobs in 2023. Thailand has yet collected data on fast fashion.
Production process affected to environment
However, even fast fashion can generate value of economy and create income but production process affected to environment.
The key environmental impacts include
1)Greenhouse gas emissions—fast fashion contributes to 10 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, surpassing the aviation and shipping industries combined. These emissions are expect to increase by nearly 50 percent by 2030.
2)Massivewater consumption and water and air pollution from dyeing and finishing processes—the production of one cotton shirt requires 2,700 liters of water, which is equivalent to the amount one person would drink in over 2.5 years. Additionally, the dyeing and finishing processes introduce toxic chemicals into water systems, exacerbating pollution; 3)Increase in non-biodegradable waste—approximately 100 billion pieces of clothing are produce globally each year, with 92 million tons ending up in landfills. By 2033, this waste is project to increase to 134 million tons per year, with only 1 percent being recyclable. Moreover, many garments contain plastics, like microplastics, which are not only difficult to decompose but also harmful to the living being.
4) Loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation—the cultivation of raw materials, such as cotton farming, often involves extensive use of pesticides and herbicides, which are toxic to the nervous systems of living beings. This leads to biodiversity loss and soil degradation.
Mr Danucgau said in terms of the societal front, fast fashion has several impacts, including:
1) Culture of overconsumption—which not only increases waste but also diminishes people’s appreciation of product purchases, driven by promotional advertising that encourages unnecessary purchases and shifts societal values, such as the pursuit of an influencer-driven lifestyle.
2)Health issues—fast fashion products are often contaminate with chemicals, particularly microplastics, which can accumulate in the body and pose long-term health risks. These risks could affect both the consumers and, more severely, the workers involved in the production process.
3) Copyright infringement—fast fashion frequently involves the unauthorized copying of designs from luxury brands or famous designers to produce cheaper imitation products.
4) labor rights violations—fast fashion often results in labor rights violations in an effort to minimize production costs, including unpaid overtime, sexual abuse, and illegal child labor, particularly prevalent in Asian countries that serve as major production hubs.
The widespread impacts of fast fashion have prompted global awareness and the implementation of measures to mitigate its effects.
The agency proposed that Thailand could consider the following strategies to prevent and reduce potential problems, such as:
1) Encouraging the textile industry to adopt sustainable fashion and textile recycling by reducing the use of harmful chemicals that negatively impact the environment and health. This involves supporting technology that enhances production efficiency and lifts product standards to meet international criteria.
2)Enhancing the separation and data collection of various waste types, particularly textile waste,which is project to increase significantly in the future.
3)Implementing guidelines for advertising fast fashion products to ensure they consider environmental impacts.This includes requiring detailed information about the production process, carbon emissions, and raising consumer awareness.
the National Economic and Social Development Council
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