Methane emissions remain a blind spot for fashion industry, report finds

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new report from NYU, Cornell University, and Collective Fashion Justice reveals that the fashion industry emits approximately 8.3 million metric tons of methane annually—nearly four times France’s yearly methane output
• Despite making up just 3.8% of the sector, leather and wool production accounts for 75% of its methane emissions, highlighting a major blind spot in fashion’s climate impact

🔭 The context: Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, with the majority of emissions in fashion stemming from ruminant animals such as cows, sheep, and goats
• The findings come as regulatory pressure mounts in Europe, where lawmakers are preparing to adopt legislation requiring producers to manage textile waste
• At the same time, fast fashion continues to expand, driving emissions from virgin polyester and unsustainable production practices

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Addressing methane is critical to slowing near-term climate warming
• The report reveals that luxury natural materials like leather, wool, and cashmere carry a disproportionate methane footprint, and warns that even durable goods made from these materials can have high climate costs
• Efforts to recycle materials remain limited due to technical and infrastructure barriers—posing challenges for circularity and sustainable sourcing

⏭️ What's next: The authors urge apparel companies to prioritise recycled alternatives, particularly for high-methane materials like wool and cashmere
• As textile waste regulation strengthens in Europe and consumer scrutiny intensifies, fashion brands are likely to face growing pressure to disclose and reduce methane impacts
• Investments in textile recycling and fiber innovation will be crucial, but must overcome limitations in current processing technologies and supply chain integration

💬 One quote: “You can’t fix what you don’t understand.” — Emma Håkansson, Founder, Collective Fashion Justice

📈 One stat: Leather and wool represent only 3.8% of the apparel industry but are responsible for 75% of its methane emissions

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