July 1, 2026 “Slow fibers” over fast fashion – UN charts path to more sustainable textiles

This summer, experts convened at the UN-hosted summit “Slow Fiber: The Ethical Side of Fashion Beyond Aesthetics” to chart a path toward more sustainable fashion.

Behind the rapid growth of the global fashion industry lies an increasingly heavy environmental footprint. Global fibre production has more than doubled since 2000 and continues to accelerate, reaching 132 million tonnes in 2024, equivalent to around four tonnes of fibre produced every second. Today, around 60% of all fibres are made from polyester, a fossil fuel–based material that has come to dominate the market due to its low cost and versatility.

This expansion comes at a significant cost: the sector is responsible for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes an estimated 215 trillion litres of water each year. At the same time, washing synthetic garments releases around 500,000 tonnes of microfibres into the ocean annually.

The environmental cost of fashion’s fiber boom

Despite this resource intensity, the system remains overwhelmingly linear and wasteful, with the equivalent of a garbage truck full of textiles being burned or landfilled every second, and around 85% of all textiles being discarded each year. Rising demand for clothing puts urgent pressure on our climate, biodiversity, and health, making fashion industry transformation a top priority.

To mark World Environment Day, UNECE and the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion hosted “Slow Fiber: The Ethical Side of Fashion Beyond Aesthetics,” which explored how to transition the industry toward circular and sustainable models.

Slow fiber: a sustainable fashion alternative

Rethinking fashion from the ground up is imperative, and the slow fiber approach, outlined by keynote speaker Mr. Dario Casalini, offers a clear path forward, championing durable, traceable materials that minimize waste and extend product lifespans.

As he noted, “A textile product is beautiful only if it is good, healthy, clean, fair and long-lasting.” Delivering on this vision calls for a broader cultural shift toward durability and responsible consumption, alongside greater consumer awareness. Much like food, textiles should be understood for their impact on health, the environment and communities, placing ethics, quality and long-term value back at the heart of the value chain.

Building circularity into sustainable fashion supply chains

Bringing together members of the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, including representatives from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and UNECE, the discussion spanned the entire textile value chain, from forests and land use to innovation and chemical management.

The consensus was clear: meaningful transformation begins at the raw material level and must remain a priority throughout the entire product lifecycle. Only sustainable materials can be meaningfully recycled and contribute to circularity. Stronger standards, improved traceability, and responsible sourcing are nonnegotiable to advance critical climate and social goals.

Nature-based solutions, particularly latest generation forest-based fibers, offer a sustainable alternative when sourced under rigorously sustainable conditions. In addition, by prioritizing circularity and traceability, industry can ensure that sustainable materials remain in use longer and are effectively reintegrated into the value chains.

Ultimately, the message is clear: true transformation requires systemic change. Without innovation in materials and greater transparency across the value chain, the fashion industry cannot meet our shared climate goals.

Further information and the event recording are available on the event page.