Incineration is the process of destruction of waste through burning. It is estimated that only around a quarter of used clothing gets reused or recycled globally, and while there are significant regional differences in collection rates, a global average of approximately 75% of used clothes end up either in landfill or are incinerated.(1) While incineration is relatively preferable to landfilling because it recovers some energy from the product and reduces the volume of waste in landfills, it also releases dangerous levels of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and further increases the carbon footprint of fashion products.(2,3) Incineration of items made of synthetic fibers contributes to microfiber pollution, as it can release microplastics into the environment. In addition, incineration leads to the build-up of toxic ash contaminated by heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium) and other highly toxic substances (e.g. dioxins). The ash is then often deposited in landfills, from where it can leak and cause severe damage to the environment and human health. As we are facing a climate emergency, the still widespread practice of incinerating new, unsold stock to protect fashion brand value, is especially alarming.(4)
INCINERATION
