A Ripple Effect: Fashion’s Neglect of Water Threatens Our Future
Patrice Louvet, President & CEO, Ralph Lauren Corporation
Water is one of the fashion industry’s most used resources—and its most exploited. According to the George Washington University Environmental and Energy Law Department, it takes about 700 gallons of water to produce just one cotton T-shirt. Meanwhile, textile dyeing and finishing contribute to 20% of global industrial water pollution, threatening biodiversity and depleting already-scarce freshwater supplies. As populations grow and water quality continues to deteriorate, the industry’s unchecked consumption is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
Every year, the fashion industry wastes enough freshwater to meet the needs of millions. Yet, rather than acknowledging its role in this crisis, it continues to operate as if the planet’s resources are infinite. As climate change intensifies droughts and water scarcity, it is imperative that the fashion industry takes accountability. It’s time to take stock.
The Unsustainable Demand of Fashion
Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber in the fashion industry—and one of the most water-intensive. According to Water Direct, cotton farming accounts for 2.6% of global water consumption, placing immense strain on already-depleted water sources, particularly in dry and arid regions where the crop thrives. The industry’s reliance on cotton is not just a supply chain decision; it is a direct contributor to water insecurity.
Beyond cotton, the sheer volume of water used throughout textile production, from fiber treatment to garment finishing, further exacerbates the problem. If the industry does not rethink its materials and manufacturing processes, it will continue to drain freshwater resources at an unsustainable rate.
The Hidden Consequences of Fabric Dyeing
Water consumption is just one half of the story. The industry’s pollution problem is just as urgent. Textile dyeing and finishing processes release toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics into the environment, contaminating runoff and nearby bodies of water. These pollutants disrupt photosynthesis, inhibit plant growth, and destabilize food chains, creating a chain of negative effects as reported by Heal the Planet.
Moreover, many producers continue to release their untreated wastewater even with known consequences to the environment. The industry must adopt closed-loop water systems, ensuring that water used in production is purified and recycled rather than discarded. Additionally, cleaner dyeing technologies must replace hazardous chemical processes to mitigate long-term environmental harm.
Water Stewardship
Despite its significant role in the depletion of this scarce resource, fashion’s water impact remains shockingly underreported. According to a recent report from Planet Tracker, 90% of fashion brands fail to disclose any water-related risks in their supply chain documentation. Without transparency, there is no accountability and therefore, no change.
Addressing this crisis requires more than surface-level sustainability pledges. Companies must conduct comprehensive assessments of their entire supply chain, from water-intensive farming practices to the aquatic dead zones their pollution has created. The industry can no longer afford to ignore its impact. Water is not an infinite resource, and if the fashion industry does not act, the consequences will be irreversible.
For more information, reach out to pr@ralphlauren.com