The industry needs to stop converting plastic bottles into polyester fabrics, says Ashley Gill, Director-Standards, Textile Exchange. In 2019, only 14 per cent polyester fabrics were made recycled materials, he adds. As both polyester and plastic bottles come from fossil fuels, they could cause climate change, says Gill. As per an Indo Textiles report, the industry needs to reduce the demand for pure materials like this as they release tiny particles that are increasingly being found in food, air and water sources.

Sports brand Girlfriend Collective also says microplastic pollution needs to be curbed. The brand makes about 80 percent of its clothing from recycled polyester from plastic bottles. Other sustainable clothing brands such as Reformation and Patagonia also selli microfiber filters to catch microplastics before they end up in the ocean.

In addition to the problem of microplastics, the heavy chemicals and dyes used can also cause other problems, says Gill. Hence, the industry needs to reduce its dependence on polyester. He hopes, clothing companies will reduce overproduction and consumption of polyester even it is recycled,