Current Issues and Trends regarding Fashion and the Environment in Japan

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  • Okano Takahiro
    Task Force Leader of Fashion and Environment, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

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Other Title
  • ファッションと環境に関する日本の現状と課題

Abstract

<p>In addition to clarifying the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which has become an international issue, this article provides an overview of the current situation and specific issues surrounding clothing reuse. The article also suggests actions to be taken by consumers and companies in order to reach the shared goal of sustainable fashion.</p><p>　In Japan, 90% of clothing in the supply chain is discarded within a one-year period, and nearly 70% of this is not being put in reuse channels. Although clothing has traditionally been reused, the demand for used clothing, cloth, and recycled materials (i. e. reclaimed wool) has decreased, making it almost futile to try increasing collection of such items. While there are high expectations for a newly emerging method of reuse/recycling called ʻfiber to fiberʼ, there are still many problems to be resolved at present. First, there must be systems created for improved eco-design, including sorting and recycling technologies and creation of items that incorporate awareness of lifecycle and an ease of recycling right into the product design. Taking such issues into consideration, the Ministry of the Environment has called for both consumers and companies to take these five actions: 1) Wear clothes carefully for a long time; 2) Enjoy and take pride in reuse; 3) Buy with foresight; 4) Take note of what goes into making the clothes you wear; and 5) Think of recycled clothing as a resource.</p>

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