Global Textile Waste Demands International Regulation
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Abstract
With the rapid growth of the global textile and fashion industry came the influx of textile waste, creating detrimental impacts on the environment and social issues that are embedded in global supply chains, requiring international cooperation among governments, organizations, and industry actors. This research examines whether the textile waste from the global fast fashion industry is being properly addressed and regulated on an international scale. As the impacts are often overlooked, countries that produce high volumes of low quality textiles are disproportionately impacted. This research then further investigates what roadblocks prevent effective regulation; including the economic dependence on the textile industry in developing countries, lack of viable waste management infrastructures, as well as conflicting interests between developed and developing nations. Overall, it reflects how global inequalities, shown through the textile industry, can shape international policy, allowing those underrepresented to be supported. We are able to understand the need for further regulation of the industry, allowing greater collaboration as well as more equitable solutions within global environmental policy.
Faculty Mentor
Felicity Vabulas
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
10-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 2:00 PM
Global Textile Waste Demands International Regulation
Waves Cafeteria
With the rapid growth of the global textile and fashion industry came the influx of textile waste, creating detrimental impacts on the environment and social issues that are embedded in global supply chains, requiring international cooperation among governments, organizations, and industry actors. This research examines whether the textile waste from the global fast fashion industry is being properly addressed and regulated on an international scale. As the impacts are often overlooked, countries that produce high volumes of low quality textiles are disproportionately impacted. This research then further investigates what roadblocks prevent effective regulation; including the economic dependence on the textile industry in developing countries, lack of viable waste management infrastructures, as well as conflicting interests between developed and developing nations. Overall, it reflects how global inequalities, shown through the textile industry, can shape international policy, allowing those underrepresented to be supported. We are able to understand the need for further regulation of the industry, allowing greater collaboration as well as more equitable solutions within global environmental policy.