Overproduction or inefficiency: What’s to blame for the exponential rise in textiles waste?

The volume of textile waste in the U.S. has skyrocketed—rising by more than 50% between 2000 and 2018—pushing landfills to their limits. Is this crisis driven by overproduction, inefficiencies in supply chains, or our relentless cycle of consumption? As new recycling technologies emerge, can innovation alone curb this trend, or do we need a fundamental shift in how we produce, buy, and dispose of fashion? 

 

This session will explore the systemic challenges behind textile waste, the role of brands and policymakers, and the intersection of sustainability, equity, and access in the future of fashion.