TOKYO – Japan unveiled plans on January 2 to slash clothing waste by 25 percent by fiscal year 2030 compared to a decade earlier, tackling the fashion industry’s massive environmental toll from CO2-heavy production.
The initiative, detailed in an upcoming action plan by March, promotes reuse and recycling amid global textile waste woes. The United Nations Development Programme estimates the sector discards 93 million tonnes yearly, fueling pollution and about 10 percent of worldwide carbon emissions.
In Japan, 830,000 tonnes of mostly imported new clothing entered the market in 2024, per an Environment Ministry report. This process guzzled 8.38 billion cubic meters of water for dyeing and transport while emitting 96 million tonnes of CO2.
With limited resale or repurposing, around 570,000 tonnes, 90 percent from households, ended up incinerated or landfilled. The “circular fashion” strategy outlines five pillars: bolstering used clothing collection, expanding reuse, prolonging product life, and fostering collaboration across governments, businesses, and households.
Municipalities will boost collection and access for low-income citizens; apparel firms must prioritize repairable, recyclable designs.