Synthetic fibers, long criticized for their harmful impact on the environment and human health, continue to be massively used by major clothing brands. A recent study conducted by the NGO Changing Markets Foundation and reported by *La Libre* warns about the growing dependence of the fashion industry on materials such as polyester, elastane, nylon, and acrylic.
Some of the largest fast-fashion brands, such as Zara, Shein, and Mango, are among the most criticized. In 2023, Zara used 212,886 tons of synthetic fibers, while Shein has the highest proportion of synthetic fibers in its catalog, with an alarming rate of 82%.
These materials are not only derived from petroleum, which worsens their carbon footprint, but they also release microplastics that pollute the environment and expose consumers to health risks. According to *La Libre*, inhaling these microplastics can lead to serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or asthma.
Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of these fibers, textile giants continue to favor them for economic reasons. Brands like Hugo Boss or Reformation, on the other hand, use much smaller volumes of these materials, positioning their practices as more responsible.
The study highlights a paradox of current fashion: buying low-cost clothing may seem like a good deal, but it hides considerable environmental and health costs.