08
08
08
08
The issue of clothing waste in the fashion industry
The fashion industry produces an enormous volume of clothing worldwide and plays a crucial role in the modern economy, but the resulting waste problem is becoming increasingly severe. Approximately 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills every year, and since textile waste is difficult to decompose naturally, this process leads to serious environmental pollution. In this context, the spread of fast fashion exacerbates the issue by making clothing consumption and disposal more frequent. This article addresses the problems related to discarded clothing and textiles in the fashion industry and aims to explore various solutions such as upcycling, recycling, and zero-waste design to seek methods to move towards sustainable fashion.
Aug 19, 2024
The issue of clothing waste in the fashion industry
The fashion industry produces an enormous volume of clothing worldwide and plays a crucial role in the modern economy, but the resulting waste problem is becoming increasingly severe. Approximately 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills every year, and since textile waste is difficult to decompose naturally, this process leads to serious environmental pollution. In this context, the spread of fast fashion exacerbates the issue by making clothing consumption and disposal more frequent. This article addresses the problems related to discarded clothing and textiles in the fashion industry and aims to explore various solutions such as upcycling, recycling, and zero-waste design to seek methods to move towards sustainable fashion.
Aug 19, 2024
The issue of clothing waste in the fashion industry
The fashion industry produces an enormous volume of clothing worldwide and plays a crucial role in the modern economy, but the resulting waste problem is becoming increasingly severe. Approximately 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills every year, and since textile waste is difficult to decompose naturally, this process leads to serious environmental pollution. In this context, the spread of fast fashion exacerbates the issue by making clothing consumption and disposal more frequent. This article addresses the problems related to discarded clothing and textiles in the fashion industry and aims to explore various solutions such as upcycling, recycling, and zero-waste design to seek methods to move towards sustainable fashion.
Aug 19, 2024
The issue of clothing waste in the fashion industry
The fashion industry produces an enormous volume of clothing worldwide and plays a crucial role in the modern economy, but the resulting waste problem is becoming increasingly severe. Approximately 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills every year, and since textile waste is difficult to decompose naturally, this process leads to serious environmental pollution. In this context, the spread of fast fashion exacerbates the issue by making clothing consumption and disposal more frequent. This article addresses the problems related to discarded clothing and textiles in the fashion industry and aims to explore various solutions such as upcycling, recycling, and zero-waste design to seek methods to move towards sustainable fashion.
Aug 19, 2024
Current status of domestic waste clothing, waste fiber generation and processing
According to statistics from the Ministry of Environment, the amount of domestic waste clothing separated as recyclable resources reached 106,536 tons in 2022, and the amount of waste textiles reached 12,680 tons. The amount of waste textiles classified as mixed waste, such as volume-based disposal methods, amounted to 368,397 tons, of which only 43,835 tons were recycled. This indicates that only about 11.9% of the total mixed waste textiles were recycled, showing that the recycling rate is very low.
Used clothing generated in the country is recycled through clothing collection boxes set up by individual entrepreneurs for profit, or the remaining clothing is exported after processes such as washing, repair, and modification by collection companies. According to OEC data, as of 2022, South Korea ranks fifth in the world in exports of secondhand clothing, with major export destinations being Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Chile. This indicates that it is difficult to handle large quantities of clothing through methods other than export.
Exporting second-hand clothing can also cause environmental issues. In many developing countries, imported used clothes are not properly disposed of and contribute to environmental pollution. Clothing made from synthetic fibers takes a long time to decompose, leading to water and soil contamination problems.
A representative example of this is Ghana in Africa. The beaches near the capital of Ghana, Accra, are covered with thousands of tons of clothing that have been washed ashore. This clothing waste reportedly originates from the Kantamanto market, which is the largest second-hand clothing market internationally. Approximately 15 million garments enter the Kantamanto market each week, which is said to be equivalent to the amount of clothes that half of the population of Ghana would represent. Of the many clothes that come into Ghana, about 40% are sent to landfills, where they accumulate, with some eventually flowing into rivers and the sea, causing environmental pollution due to microplastics, and emitting a large amount of carbon dioxide during the incineration and landfilling process.
Recently, as the trend of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has spread, consumers view purchasing second-hand clothing as a way to protect the environment. Accordingly, many fashion companies are entering the second-hand clothing market, which is further promoting the growth of the second-hand clothing market.
지속 가능한 디자인으로 제품·서비스 고도화 및 혁신역량 강화를 지원하여 지속 가능한 생태계 조성 및 디자인 저변 확대를 목적으로 사업입니다. 디자인 전문가팀을 매칭하여 기업 역량 진단, 소비자 리서치, 브랜드·마케팅 전략 수립, 제품· 서비스 개선 등 맞춤 컨설팅 지원을 제공합니다.
text
-2024년 섬유 패션 기술력 향상 및 패션산업 지식기반화 구축 사업
중소 섬유 패션·신발 업체의 해외 수출기반 강화 및 일자리 창출을 위해 시장 정보 및 기획·디자인·봉제·마케팅 역량 강화 지원을 하는 사업입니다. 사업 내용은 글로벌 선도지원, 지속 가능한 발전 추진, 균형잡힌 스트림 경쟁력 확보, 디지털 전환 촉진으로 이루어져 있습니다.
이점: 균형 잡힌 스트림(섬유 생산 과정 전반의 가치 사슬) 경쟁력을 확보함으로써, 기업들이 원료 확보, 제조, 유통, 판매에 이르기까지 모든 단계에서 효율성을 높일 수 있습니다. 이에 따 생산비 절감, 품질 관리, 물류 효율화 등의 효과를 얻을 수 있습니다. 또한 기획, 디자인, 봉제와 같은 핵심 역량을 강화할 수 있도록 지원함으로써, 기업들은 고품질의 제품을 생산하고 소비자의 요구에 부응하는 디자인을 제공할 수 있습니다. 이는 브랜드 가치를 높이고 시장 내에서 차별성을 확보하는 데 기여합니다.
Current status of domestic waste clothing, waste fiber generation and processing
According to statistics from the Ministry of Environment, the amount of domestic waste clothing separated as recyclable resources reached 106,536 tons in 2022, and the amount of waste textiles reached 12,680 tons. The amount of waste textiles classified as mixed waste, such as volume-based disposal methods, amounted to 368,397 tons, of which only 43,835 tons were recycled. This indicates that only about 11.9% of the total mixed waste textiles were recycled, showing that the recycling rate is very low.
Used clothing generated in the country is recycled through clothing collection boxes set up by individual entrepreneurs for profit, or the remaining clothing is exported after processes such as washing, repair, and modification by collection companies. According to OEC data, as of 2022, South Korea ranks fifth in the world in exports of secondhand clothing, with major export destinations being Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Chile. This indicates that it is difficult to handle large quantities of clothing through methods other than export.
Exporting second-hand clothing can also cause environmental issues. In many developing countries, imported used clothes are not properly disposed of and contribute to environmental pollution. Clothing made from synthetic fibers takes a long time to decompose, leading to water and soil contamination problems.
A representative example of this is Ghana in Africa. The beaches near the capital of Ghana, Accra, are covered with thousands of tons of clothing that have been washed ashore. This clothing waste reportedly originates from the Kantamanto market, which is the largest second-hand clothing market internationally. Approximately 15 million garments enter the Kantamanto market each week, which is said to be equivalent to the amount of clothes that half of the population of Ghana would represent. Of the many clothes that come into Ghana, about 40% are sent to landfills, where they accumulate, with some eventually flowing into rivers and the sea, causing environmental pollution due to microplastics, and emitting a large amount of carbon dioxide during the incineration and landfilling process.
Recently, as the trend of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has spread, consumers view purchasing second-hand clothing as a way to protect the environment. Accordingly, many fashion companies are entering the second-hand clothing market, which is further promoting the growth of the second-hand clothing market.
지속 가능한 디자인으로 제품·서비스 고도화 및 혁신역량 강화를 지원하여 지속 가능한 생태계 조성 및 디자인 저변 확대를 목적으로 사업입니다. 디자인 전문가팀을 매칭하여 기업 역량 진단, 소비자 리서치, 브랜드·마케팅 전략 수립, 제품· 서비스 개선 등 맞춤 컨설팅 지원을 제공합니다.
text
-2024년 섬유 패션 기술력 향상 및 패션산업 지식기반화 구축 사업
중소 섬유 패션·신발 업체의 해외 수출기반 강화 및 일자리 창출을 위해 시장 정보 및 기획·디자인·봉제·마케팅 역량 강화 지원을 하는 사업입니다. 사업 내용은 글로벌 선도지원, 지속 가능한 발전 추진, 균형잡힌 스트림 경쟁력 확보, 디지털 전환 촉진으로 이루어져 있습니다.
이점: 균형 잡힌 스트림(섬유 생산 과정 전반의 가치 사슬) 경쟁력을 확보함으로써, 기업들이 원료 확보, 제조, 유통, 판매에 이르기까지 모든 단계에서 효율성을 높일 수 있습니다. 이에 따 생산비 절감, 품질 관리, 물류 효율화 등의 효과를 얻을 수 있습니다. 또한 기획, 디자인, 봉제와 같은 핵심 역량을 강화할 수 있도록 지원함으로써, 기업들은 고품질의 제품을 생산하고 소비자의 요구에 부응하는 디자인을 제공할 수 있습니다. 이는 브랜드 가치를 높이고 시장 내에서 차별성을 확보하는 데 기여합니다.
Current status of domestic waste clothing, waste fiber generation and processing
According to statistics from the Ministry of Environment, the amount of domestic waste clothing separated as recyclable resources reached 106,536 tons in 2022, and the amount of waste textiles reached 12,680 tons. The amount of waste textiles classified as mixed waste, such as volume-based disposal methods, amounted to 368,397 tons, of which only 43,835 tons were recycled. This indicates that only about 11.9% of the total mixed waste textiles were recycled, showing that the recycling rate is very low.
Used clothing generated in the country is recycled through clothing collection boxes set up by individual entrepreneurs for profit, or the remaining clothing is exported after processes such as washing, repair, and modification by collection companies. According to OEC data, as of 2022, South Korea ranks fifth in the world in exports of secondhand clothing, with major export destinations being Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Chile. This indicates that it is difficult to handle large quantities of clothing through methods other than export.
Exporting second-hand clothing can also cause environmental issues. In many developing countries, imported used clothes are not properly disposed of and contribute to environmental pollution. Clothing made from synthetic fibers takes a long time to decompose, leading to water and soil contamination problems.
A representative example of this is Ghana in Africa. The beaches near the capital of Ghana, Accra, are covered with thousands of tons of clothing that have been washed ashore. This clothing waste reportedly originates from the Kantamanto market, which is the largest second-hand clothing market internationally. Approximately 15 million garments enter the Kantamanto market each week, which is said to be equivalent to the amount of clothes that half of the population of Ghana would represent. Of the many clothes that come into Ghana, about 40% are sent to landfills, where they accumulate, with some eventually flowing into rivers and the sea, causing environmental pollution due to microplastics, and emitting a large amount of carbon dioxide during the incineration and landfilling process.
Recently, as the trend of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has spread, consumers view purchasing second-hand clothing as a way to protect the environment. Accordingly, many fashion companies are entering the second-hand clothing market, which is further promoting the growth of the second-hand clothing market.
지속 가능한 디자인으로 제품·서비스 고도화 및 혁신역량 강화를 지원하여 지속 가능한 생태계 조성 및 디자인 저변 확대를 목적으로 사업입니다. 디자인 전문가팀을 매칭하여 기업 역량 진단, 소비자 리서치, 브랜드·마케팅 전략 수립, 제품· 서비스 개선 등 맞춤 컨설팅 지원을 제공합니다.
text
-2024년 섬유 패션 기술력 향상 및 패션산업 지식기반화 구축 사업
중소 섬유 패션·신발 업체의 해외 수출기반 강화 및 일자리 창출을 위해 시장 정보 및 기획·디자인·봉제·마케팅 역량 강화 지원을 하는 사업입니다. 사업 내용은 글로벌 선도지원, 지속 가능한 발전 추진, 균형잡힌 스트림 경쟁력 확보, 디지털 전환 촉진으로 이루어져 있습니다.
이점: 균형 잡힌 스트림(섬유 생산 과정 전반의 가치 사슬) 경쟁력을 확보함으로써, 기업들이 원료 확보, 제조, 유통, 판매에 이르기까지 모든 단계에서 효율성을 높일 수 있습니다. 이에 따 생산비 절감, 품질 관리, 물류 효율화 등의 효과를 얻을 수 있습니다. 또한 기획, 디자인, 봉제와 같은 핵심 역량을 강화할 수 있도록 지원함으로써, 기업들은 고품질의 제품을 생산하고 소비자의 요구에 부응하는 디자인을 제공할 수 있습니다. 이는 브랜드 가치를 높이고 시장 내에서 차별성을 확보하는 데 기여합니다.
Current status of domestic waste clothing, waste fiber generation and processing
According to statistics from the Ministry of Environment, the amount of domestic waste clothing separated as recyclable resources reached 106,536 tons in 2022, and the amount of waste textiles reached 12,680 tons. The amount of waste textiles classified as mixed waste, such as volume-based disposal methods, amounted to 368,397 tons, of which only 43,835 tons were recycled. This indicates that only about 11.9% of the total mixed waste textiles were recycled, showing that the recycling rate is very low.
Used clothing generated in the country is recycled through clothing collection boxes set up by individual entrepreneurs for profit, or the remaining clothing is exported after processes such as washing, repair, and modification by collection companies. According to OEC data, as of 2022, South Korea ranks fifth in the world in exports of secondhand clothing, with major export destinations being Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Chile. This indicates that it is difficult to handle large quantities of clothing through methods other than export.
Exporting second-hand clothing can also cause environmental issues. In many developing countries, imported used clothes are not properly disposed of and contribute to environmental pollution. Clothing made from synthetic fibers takes a long time to decompose, leading to water and soil contamination problems.
A representative example of this is Ghana in Africa. The beaches near the capital of Ghana, Accra, are covered with thousands of tons of clothing that have been washed ashore. This clothing waste reportedly originates from the Kantamanto market, which is the largest second-hand clothing market internationally. Approximately 15 million garments enter the Kantamanto market each week, which is said to be equivalent to the amount of clothes that half of the population of Ghana would represent. Of the many clothes that come into Ghana, about 40% are sent to landfills, where they accumulate, with some eventually flowing into rivers and the sea, causing environmental pollution due to microplastics, and emitting a large amount of carbon dioxide during the incineration and landfilling process.
Recently, as the trend of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has spread, consumers view purchasing second-hand clothing as a way to protect the environment. Accordingly, many fashion companies are entering the second-hand clothing market, which is further promoting the growth of the second-hand clothing market.
지속 가능한 디자인으로 제품·서비스 고도화 및 혁신역량 강화를 지원하여 지속 가능한 생태계 조성 및 디자인 저변 확대를 목적으로 사업입니다. 디자인 전문가팀을 매칭하여 기업 역량 진단, 소비자 리서치, 브랜드·마케팅 전략 수립, 제품· 서비스 개선 등 맞춤 컨설팅 지원을 제공합니다.
text
-2024년 섬유 패션 기술력 향상 및 패션산업 지식기반화 구축 사업
중소 섬유 패션·신발 업체의 해외 수출기반 강화 및 일자리 창출을 위해 시장 정보 및 기획·디자인·봉제·마케팅 역량 강화 지원을 하는 사업입니다. 사업 내용은 글로벌 선도지원, 지속 가능한 발전 추진, 균형잡힌 스트림 경쟁력 확보, 디지털 전환 촉진으로 이루어져 있습니다.
이점: 균형 잡힌 스트림(섬유 생산 과정 전반의 가치 사슬) 경쟁력을 확보함으로써, 기업들이 원료 확보, 제조, 유통, 판매에 이르기까지 모든 단계에서 효율성을 높일 수 있습니다. 이에 따 생산비 절감, 품질 관리, 물류 효율화 등의 효과를 얻을 수 있습니다. 또한 기획, 디자인, 봉제와 같은 핵심 역량을 강화할 수 있도록 지원함으로써, 기업들은 고품질의 제품을 생산하고 소비자의 요구에 부응하는 디자인을 제공할 수 있습니다. 이는 브랜드 가치를 높이고 시장 내에서 차별성을 확보하는 데 기여합니다.
Status of waste in the fashion industry
Overproduction: Fast fashion brands like Shein, H&M, and Zara mass-produce to reflect the rapid changes in consumer trends. This mass production acts as a strategy to maximize company profits but also leads to significant inventory. With hundreds of new designs released each season, consumers are encouraged to make purchases, but unsold inventory eventually ends up being incinerated or sent to landfills. This is one of the main causes of resource waste and environmental pollution.
Consumer Culture: Fast fashion is easily accessible to consumers due to its low prices and quick trend cycles. However, these consumption patterns shorten the lifespan of clothing and lead consumers to easily discard clothes whenever trends change. This results in more clothing being converted into waste. The characteristics of fast fashion create a culture of 'disposable fashion,' which is far from sustainable consumption.
Resource Waste in Manufacturing Processes: The manufacturing processes in the fashion industry use a large amount of raw materials and energy. For example, the production of cotton needed for making clothes requires vast quantities of water, and the manufacturing of synthetic fibers uses non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. This leads to waste of water, energy, and other natural resources during the production process, and moreover, the chemicals used in dyeing and finishing processes can cause water pollution, which exacerbates overall environmental issues.
- 국내 섬유 패션산업 현황
국내에서는 친환경 전환의 필요성에 대한 인식은 확산하고 있지만, 아직 핵심 기술과 대응 역량이 부족한 상황인데요. 대기업을 중심으로 ESG 경영이 확대되고 있는 상황 속에서 염색 및 가공 분야에서는 여전히 오염 배출이 지속되고 있습니다. 또한 친환경 섬유 제조 기술은 아직 초기 단계에 머물러 있으며, 재활용을 촉진할 수 있는 사회 기반 시스템 역시 미흡한 상태입니다.
- 비전과 목표
text
- 추진 전략
● 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발
정부는 글로벌 수준의 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발을 추진하고 있습니다. 재활용 섬유, 비건 가죽 소재(버섯 등 식물 기반), 생분해 섬유 등 다양한 소재의 연구와 상용화 기술 확보를 목표로 하고 있으며, 2030년까지 개발한 기술들을 실현하려는 계획을 세우고 있는데요. 이를 위해 정부는 기업의 시설 투자를 세제·금융적으로 지원하고, 기업들의 기술 개발 및 상용화 과정에서 발생하는 애로 사항을 모니터링하고 해결할 방침입니다.
● 친환경·저탄소 생산 공정 전환
섬유 제조 공정에서 발생하는 오염 물질을 줄이기 위한 친환경 공정 전환 역시 중점적으로 추진됩니다. 특히 염색, 가공, 복합재 제조 분야에서 오염물질과 에너지를 절감할 수 있는 기술 개발에 총 310억 원을 투자할 계획인데요. 2025년부터는 물을 사용하지 않는 염색 기술과 같은 혁신적인 공정 전환을 통해 저탄소 공정으로의 전환을 촉진할 예정이며 또한, 2026년까지 200개 이상의 중소기업이 에너지 효율을 높일 수 있도록 폐열 회수 설비 및 에너지 관리 설비 설치를 지원할 계획입니다.
● 자원 순환형 섬유패션산업 기반 구축
정부는 섬유패션산업이 처음부터 친환경적으로 개발할 수 있도록 다양한 자원 순환형 시스템을 구축할 예정입니다. 이를 위해 올해부터 산·학·연·관 협의체인 '섬유패션산업 순환경제포럼'을 운영하고, 2025년부터는 K-Eco Design 가이드라인을 도입하여 친환경 소재 사용을 장려하고 재활용을 유도할 것입니다. 또한, 올해부터 친환경 섬유 제품의 제조 및 마케팅을 통합적으로 지원하며, 폐의류 재사용 및 업사이클링 시범 사업도 추진할 계획입니다. 그리고 2026년까지는 섬유패션기업의 공정 특성을 반영한 탄소 배출량 측정 표준모델을 구축하여, 기업들이 자발적으로 탄소 배출을 관리하고 개선할 수 있도록 도울 것입니다.
Status of waste in the fashion industry
Overproduction: Fast fashion brands like Shein, H&M, and Zara mass-produce to reflect the rapid changes in consumer trends. This mass production acts as a strategy to maximize company profits but also leads to significant inventory. With hundreds of new designs released each season, consumers are encouraged to make purchases, but unsold inventory eventually ends up being incinerated or sent to landfills. This is one of the main causes of resource waste and environmental pollution.
Consumer Culture: Fast fashion is easily accessible to consumers due to its low prices and quick trend cycles. However, these consumption patterns shorten the lifespan of clothing and lead consumers to easily discard clothes whenever trends change. This results in more clothing being converted into waste. The characteristics of fast fashion create a culture of 'disposable fashion,' which is far from sustainable consumption.
Resource Waste in Manufacturing Processes: The manufacturing processes in the fashion industry use a large amount of raw materials and energy. For example, the production of cotton needed for making clothes requires vast quantities of water, and the manufacturing of synthetic fibers uses non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. This leads to waste of water, energy, and other natural resources during the production process, and moreover, the chemicals used in dyeing and finishing processes can cause water pollution, which exacerbates overall environmental issues.
- 국내 섬유 패션산업 현황
국내에서는 친환경 전환의 필요성에 대한 인식은 확산하고 있지만, 아직 핵심 기술과 대응 역량이 부족한 상황인데요. 대기업을 중심으로 ESG 경영이 확대되고 있는 상황 속에서 염색 및 가공 분야에서는 여전히 오염 배출이 지속되고 있습니다. 또한 친환경 섬유 제조 기술은 아직 초기 단계에 머물러 있으며, 재활용을 촉진할 수 있는 사회 기반 시스템 역시 미흡한 상태입니다.
- 비전과 목표
text
- 추진 전략
● 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발
정부는 글로벌 수준의 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발을 추진하고 있습니다. 재활용 섬유, 비건 가죽 소재(버섯 등 식물 기반), 생분해 섬유 등 다양한 소재의 연구와 상용화 기술 확보를 목표로 하고 있으며, 2030년까지 개발한 기술들을 실현하려는 계획을 세우고 있는데요. 이를 위해 정부는 기업의 시설 투자를 세제·금융적으로 지원하고, 기업들의 기술 개발 및 상용화 과정에서 발생하는 애로 사항을 모니터링하고 해결할 방침입니다.
● 친환경·저탄소 생산 공정 전환
섬유 제조 공정에서 발생하는 오염 물질을 줄이기 위한 친환경 공정 전환 역시 중점적으로 추진됩니다. 특히 염색, 가공, 복합재 제조 분야에서 오염물질과 에너지를 절감할 수 있는 기술 개발에 총 310억 원을 투자할 계획인데요. 2025년부터는 물을 사용하지 않는 염색 기술과 같은 혁신적인 공정 전환을 통해 저탄소 공정으로의 전환을 촉진할 예정이며 또한, 2026년까지 200개 이상의 중소기업이 에너지 효율을 높일 수 있도록 폐열 회수 설비 및 에너지 관리 설비 설치를 지원할 계획입니다.
● 자원 순환형 섬유패션산업 기반 구축
정부는 섬유패션산업이 처음부터 친환경적으로 개발할 수 있도록 다양한 자원 순환형 시스템을 구축할 예정입니다. 이를 위해 올해부터 산·학·연·관 협의체인 '섬유패션산업 순환경제포럼'을 운영하고, 2025년부터는 K-Eco Design 가이드라인을 도입하여 친환경 소재 사용을 장려하고 재활용을 유도할 것입니다. 또한, 올해부터 친환경 섬유 제품의 제조 및 마케팅을 통합적으로 지원하며, 폐의류 재사용 및 업사이클링 시범 사업도 추진할 계획입니다. 그리고 2026년까지는 섬유패션기업의 공정 특성을 반영한 탄소 배출량 측정 표준모델을 구축하여, 기업들이 자발적으로 탄소 배출을 관리하고 개선할 수 있도록 도울 것입니다.
Status of waste in the fashion industry
Overproduction: Fast fashion brands like Shein, H&M, and Zara mass-produce to reflect the rapid changes in consumer trends. This mass production acts as a strategy to maximize company profits but also leads to significant inventory. With hundreds of new designs released each season, consumers are encouraged to make purchases, but unsold inventory eventually ends up being incinerated or sent to landfills. This is one of the main causes of resource waste and environmental pollution.
Consumer Culture: Fast fashion is easily accessible to consumers due to its low prices and quick trend cycles. However, these consumption patterns shorten the lifespan of clothing and lead consumers to easily discard clothes whenever trends change. This results in more clothing being converted into waste. The characteristics of fast fashion create a culture of 'disposable fashion,' which is far from sustainable consumption.
Resource Waste in Manufacturing Processes: The manufacturing processes in the fashion industry use a large amount of raw materials and energy. For example, the production of cotton needed for making clothes requires vast quantities of water, and the manufacturing of synthetic fibers uses non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. This leads to waste of water, energy, and other natural resources during the production process, and moreover, the chemicals used in dyeing and finishing processes can cause water pollution, which exacerbates overall environmental issues.
- 국내 섬유 패션산업 현황
국내에서는 친환경 전환의 필요성에 대한 인식은 확산하고 있지만, 아직 핵심 기술과 대응 역량이 부족한 상황인데요. 대기업을 중심으로 ESG 경영이 확대되고 있는 상황 속에서 염색 및 가공 분야에서는 여전히 오염 배출이 지속되고 있습니다. 또한 친환경 섬유 제조 기술은 아직 초기 단계에 머물러 있으며, 재활용을 촉진할 수 있는 사회 기반 시스템 역시 미흡한 상태입니다.
- 비전과 목표
text
- 추진 전략
● 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발
정부는 글로벌 수준의 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발을 추진하고 있습니다. 재활용 섬유, 비건 가죽 소재(버섯 등 식물 기반), 생분해 섬유 등 다양한 소재의 연구와 상용화 기술 확보를 목표로 하고 있으며, 2030년까지 개발한 기술들을 실현하려는 계획을 세우고 있는데요. 이를 위해 정부는 기업의 시설 투자를 세제·금융적으로 지원하고, 기업들의 기술 개발 및 상용화 과정에서 발생하는 애로 사항을 모니터링하고 해결할 방침입니다.
● 친환경·저탄소 생산 공정 전환
섬유 제조 공정에서 발생하는 오염 물질을 줄이기 위한 친환경 공정 전환 역시 중점적으로 추진됩니다. 특히 염색, 가공, 복합재 제조 분야에서 오염물질과 에너지를 절감할 수 있는 기술 개발에 총 310억 원을 투자할 계획인데요. 2025년부터는 물을 사용하지 않는 염색 기술과 같은 혁신적인 공정 전환을 통해 저탄소 공정으로의 전환을 촉진할 예정이며 또한, 2026년까지 200개 이상의 중소기업이 에너지 효율을 높일 수 있도록 폐열 회수 설비 및 에너지 관리 설비 설치를 지원할 계획입니다.
● 자원 순환형 섬유패션산업 기반 구축
정부는 섬유패션산업이 처음부터 친환경적으로 개발할 수 있도록 다양한 자원 순환형 시스템을 구축할 예정입니다. 이를 위해 올해부터 산·학·연·관 협의체인 '섬유패션산업 순환경제포럼'을 운영하고, 2025년부터는 K-Eco Design 가이드라인을 도입하여 친환경 소재 사용을 장려하고 재활용을 유도할 것입니다. 또한, 올해부터 친환경 섬유 제품의 제조 및 마케팅을 통합적으로 지원하며, 폐의류 재사용 및 업사이클링 시범 사업도 추진할 계획입니다. 그리고 2026년까지는 섬유패션기업의 공정 특성을 반영한 탄소 배출량 측정 표준모델을 구축하여, 기업들이 자발적으로 탄소 배출을 관리하고 개선할 수 있도록 도울 것입니다.
Status of waste in the fashion industry
Overproduction: Fast fashion brands like Shein, H&M, and Zara mass-produce to reflect the rapid changes in consumer trends. This mass production acts as a strategy to maximize company profits but also leads to significant inventory. With hundreds of new designs released each season, consumers are encouraged to make purchases, but unsold inventory eventually ends up being incinerated or sent to landfills. This is one of the main causes of resource waste and environmental pollution.
Consumer Culture: Fast fashion is easily accessible to consumers due to its low prices and quick trend cycles. However, these consumption patterns shorten the lifespan of clothing and lead consumers to easily discard clothes whenever trends change. This results in more clothing being converted into waste. The characteristics of fast fashion create a culture of 'disposable fashion,' which is far from sustainable consumption.
Resource Waste in Manufacturing Processes: The manufacturing processes in the fashion industry use a large amount of raw materials and energy. For example, the production of cotton needed for making clothes requires vast quantities of water, and the manufacturing of synthetic fibers uses non-renewable resources like fossil fuels. This leads to waste of water, energy, and other natural resources during the production process, and moreover, the chemicals used in dyeing and finishing processes can cause water pollution, which exacerbates overall environmental issues.
- 국내 섬유 패션산업 현황
국내에서는 친환경 전환의 필요성에 대한 인식은 확산하고 있지만, 아직 핵심 기술과 대응 역량이 부족한 상황인데요. 대기업을 중심으로 ESG 경영이 확대되고 있는 상황 속에서 염색 및 가공 분야에서는 여전히 오염 배출이 지속되고 있습니다. 또한 친환경 섬유 제조 기술은 아직 초기 단계에 머물러 있으며, 재활용을 촉진할 수 있는 사회 기반 시스템 역시 미흡한 상태입니다.
- 비전과 목표
text
- 추진 전략
● 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발
정부는 글로벌 수준의 친환경 섬유 소재 기술 개발을 추진하고 있습니다. 재활용 섬유, 비건 가죽 소재(버섯 등 식물 기반), 생분해 섬유 등 다양한 소재의 연구와 상용화 기술 확보를 목표로 하고 있으며, 2030년까지 개발한 기술들을 실현하려는 계획을 세우고 있는데요. 이를 위해 정부는 기업의 시설 투자를 세제·금융적으로 지원하고, 기업들의 기술 개발 및 상용화 과정에서 발생하는 애로 사항을 모니터링하고 해결할 방침입니다.
● 친환경·저탄소 생산 공정 전환
섬유 제조 공정에서 발생하는 오염 물질을 줄이기 위한 친환경 공정 전환 역시 중점적으로 추진됩니다. 특히 염색, 가공, 복합재 제조 분야에서 오염물질과 에너지를 절감할 수 있는 기술 개발에 총 310억 원을 투자할 계획인데요. 2025년부터는 물을 사용하지 않는 염색 기술과 같은 혁신적인 공정 전환을 통해 저탄소 공정으로의 전환을 촉진할 예정이며 또한, 2026년까지 200개 이상의 중소기업이 에너지 효율을 높일 수 있도록 폐열 회수 설비 및 에너지 관리 설비 설치를 지원할 계획입니다.
● 자원 순환형 섬유패션산업 기반 구축
정부는 섬유패션산업이 처음부터 친환경적으로 개발할 수 있도록 다양한 자원 순환형 시스템을 구축할 예정입니다. 이를 위해 올해부터 산·학·연·관 협의체인 '섬유패션산업 순환경제포럼'을 운영하고, 2025년부터는 K-Eco Design 가이드라인을 도입하여 친환경 소재 사용을 장려하고 재활용을 유도할 것입니다. 또한, 올해부터 친환경 섬유 제품의 제조 및 마케팅을 통합적으로 지원하며, 폐의류 재사용 및 업사이클링 시범 사업도 추진할 계획입니다. 그리고 2026년까지는 섬유패션기업의 공정 특성을 반영한 탄소 배출량 측정 표준모델을 구축하여, 기업들이 자발적으로 탄소 배출을 관리하고 개선할 수 있도록 도울 것입니다.
Solutions to the clothing waste problem in the fashion industry
In the fashion industry, many products are being created using upcycling and recycling, as well as Zero-Waste design, to address the issue of clothing waste.
Upcycling: Upcycling is the process of transforming used products or materials into new products. It reduces waste of resources and saves the energy needed to create new products. An example of a brand that is creating such upcycled products is Reformation.
Recycling: Recycling is the process of collecting used products and reprocessing them into new products. This allows for the reuse of raw materials and reduces waste. An example of a fashion brand that creates recycling products is Kolon Sport.
Kollong Sports developed 'Kollong Nylon' in collaboration with Kollong Global and the Italian yarn manufacturer Aquafil in 2021, using Aquafil's recycled nylon 'Econyl' to create a fabric suitable for use by Kollong Sports. Through the development of recycled materials, Kollong Sports was able to save 70,000 barrels of crude oil for every ton of Econyl produced, as well as reduce approximately 65,000 tons of carbon emissions.
결국, 한국의 패션기업들이 이러한 지원을 적극적으로 활용하고, ESG 경영을 실천하는 선도적인 역할을 하게 된다면, 이는 단순한 산업적 성장에 그치지 않고, 더 나아가 환경을 고려한 지속 가능한 미래를 만들어가는 중요한 전환점이 될 것입니다.
Solutions to the clothing waste problem in the fashion industry
In the fashion industry, many products are being created using upcycling and recycling, as well as Zero-Waste design, to address the issue of clothing waste.
Upcycling: Upcycling is the process of transforming used products or materials into new products. It reduces waste of resources and saves the energy needed to create new products. An example of a brand that is creating such upcycled products is Reformation.
Recycling: Recycling is the process of collecting used products and reprocessing them into new products. This allows for the reuse of raw materials and reduces waste. An example of a fashion brand that creates recycling products is Kolon Sport.
Kollong Sports developed 'Kollong Nylon' in collaboration with Kollong Global and the Italian yarn manufacturer Aquafil in 2021, using Aquafil's recycled nylon 'Econyl' to create a fabric suitable for use by Kollong Sports. Through the development of recycled materials, Kollong Sports was able to save 70,000 barrels of crude oil for every ton of Econyl produced, as well as reduce approximately 65,000 tons of carbon emissions.
결국, 한국의 패션기업들이 이러한 지원을 적극적으로 활용하고, ESG 경영을 실천하는 선도적인 역할을 하게 된다면, 이는 단순한 산업적 성장에 그치지 않고, 더 나아가 환경을 고려한 지속 가능한 미래를 만들어가는 중요한 전환점이 될 것입니다.
Solutions to the clothing waste problem in the fashion industry
In the fashion industry, many products are being created using upcycling and recycling, as well as Zero-Waste design, to address the issue of clothing waste.
Upcycling: Upcycling is the process of transforming used products or materials into new products. It reduces waste of resources and saves the energy needed to create new products. An example of a brand that is creating such upcycled products is Reformation.
Recycling: Recycling is the process of collecting used products and reprocessing them into new products. This allows for the reuse of raw materials and reduces waste. An example of a fashion brand that creates recycling products is Kolon Sport.
Kollong Sports developed 'Kollong Nylon' in collaboration with Kollong Global and the Italian yarn manufacturer Aquafil in 2021, using Aquafil's recycled nylon 'Econyl' to create a fabric suitable for use by Kollong Sports. Through the development of recycled materials, Kollong Sports was able to save 70,000 barrels of crude oil for every ton of Econyl produced, as well as reduce approximately 65,000 tons of carbon emissions.
결국, 한국의 패션기업들이 이러한 지원을 적극적으로 활용하고, ESG 경영을 실천하는 선도적인 역할을 하게 된다면, 이는 단순한 산업적 성장에 그치지 않고, 더 나아가 환경을 고려한 지속 가능한 미래를 만들어가는 중요한 전환점이 될 것입니다.
Solutions to the clothing waste problem in the fashion industry
In the fashion industry, many products are being created using upcycling and recycling, as well as Zero-Waste design, to address the issue of clothing waste.
Upcycling: Upcycling is the process of transforming used products or materials into new products. It reduces waste of resources and saves the energy needed to create new products. An example of a brand that is creating such upcycled products is Reformation.
Recycling: Recycling is the process of collecting used products and reprocessing them into new products. This allows for the reuse of raw materials and reduces waste. An example of a fashion brand that creates recycling products is Kolon Sport.
Kollong Sports developed 'Kollong Nylon' in collaboration with Kollong Global and the Italian yarn manufacturer Aquafil in 2021, using Aquafil's recycled nylon 'Econyl' to create a fabric suitable for use by Kollong Sports. Through the development of recycled materials, Kollong Sports was able to save 70,000 barrels of crude oil for every ton of Econyl produced, as well as reduce approximately 65,000 tons of carbon emissions.
결국, 한국의 패션기업들이 이러한 지원을 적극적으로 활용하고, ESG 경영을 실천하는 선도적인 역할을 하게 된다면, 이는 단순한 산업적 성장에 그치지 않고, 더 나아가 환경을 고려한 지속 가능한 미래를 만들어가는 중요한 전환점이 될 것입니다.
Source
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
Export status data for second-hand clothing in Korea, "OEC (The Observatory of Economic Complexity)"
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Solutions to the fashion industry’s clothing waste problems, regarding upcycling.)
"KOLON Sports develops recycled fiber 'KOLON Nylon'," ITN International Textile Newspaper
Introduction of the Malaika New York brand, 『ECONYL®』
Introduction to the Malaika New York brand, "Malaika New York homepage"
Source
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
Export status data for second-hand clothing in Korea, "OEC (The Observatory of Economic Complexity)"
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Solutions to the fashion industry’s clothing waste problems, regarding upcycling.)
"KOLON Sports develops recycled fiber 'KOLON Nylon'," ITN International Textile Newspaper
Introduction of the Malaika New York brand, 『ECONYL®』
Introduction to the Malaika New York brand, "Malaika New York homepage"
Source
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
Export status data for second-hand clothing in Korea, "OEC (The Observatory of Economic Complexity)"
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Solutions to the fashion industry’s clothing waste problems, regarding upcycling.)
"KOLON Sports develops recycled fiber 'KOLON Nylon'," ITN International Textile Newspaper
Introduction of the Malaika New York brand, 『ECONYL®』
Introduction to the Malaika New York brand, "Malaika New York homepage"
Source
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
Export status data for second-hand clothing in Korea, "OEC (The Observatory of Economic Complexity)"
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Status of domestic discarded clothing, waste fiber generation and processing)
(Solutions to the fashion industry’s clothing waste problems, regarding upcycling.)
"KOLON Sports develops recycled fiber 'KOLON Nylon'," ITN International Textile Newspaper
Introduction of the Malaika New York brand, 『ECONYL®』
Introduction to the Malaika New York brand, "Malaika New York homepage"