When budget, aesthetics, and functionality collide in the fashion industry, the result is often an overreliance on synthetic materials. But what if there was another way?
“Recently, awareness of various polluting aspects of textile production, based on petroleum derivatives, has grown significantly…” – Patti & Acierno, 2022
The Ubiquity of Plastic in Fashion and Textiles
Plastic has revolutionized the fashion industry. Its versatility has led to the widespread use of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are now staples in modern clothing, especially bags and backpacks.
These synthetic fibers offer durability, flexibility, and affordability, making them an immediate choice for manufacturers. However, their benefits come with significant environmental costs. From microplastics released during washing to single-use plastic packaging, plastics are polluting our water systems, infiltrating the food chain, and contaminating ecosystems worldwide.
The challenge is clear: the ubiquity of plastic in fashion is both a modern marvel and a global crisis.
“Plastics have remained the material of choice… Biopolymers have emerged as promising green materials although they still have very low market uptake.” – Ncube, 2020
The Challenge of Going Plastic-Free
Eliminating plastic from fashion production is no small feat. Every component—from buttons to zippers to thread—often contains plastic. Moreover, synthetic materials possess properties that are difficult to replicate with natural alternatives: water resistance, elasticity, and durability.
The fashion industry’s dependence on plastic stems from its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Billions of products are produced annually with synthetic components, making any deviation a significant financial and logistical challenge. Yet, the urgency to address this issue cannot be overstated.
“The fashion industry is facing increasing global scrutiny of its environmentally polluting supply chain operations… over 92 million tonnes of waste produced per year and 79 trillion litres of water consumed.” – K. Niinimäki et al., 2020
Cora + Spink’s Approach
At Cora + Spink, we took a radical yet staged approach to address our reliance on synthetics. Transitioning to 99% plastic-free production has been a monumental challenge—and a triumph.
From day one, we’ve bucked industry norms. To eliminate plastic, we had to innovate. Metal clips replaced plastic ones, and sustainable paper packaging became the standard. Developing alternatives required resources, ingenuity, and persistence—traits many businesses lack the desire or means to cultivate.
Today, that final 1% represents areas where innovation is still catching up. Our journey underscores the necessity for industry-wide change and highlights the road ahead.
“The fashion industry has to play an important role in the path towards sustainability and the circular economy… microplastic generation.” – Valentina Jacometti, 2019
The Misunderstood Narrative of Plastic
Plastic itself is not the enemy. It’s a versatile material that has driven progress across industries. The problem lies in overreliance on single-use plastics, poor waste management, and the greenwashing of recycling initiatives.
Recycling’s negative impacts—including the release of volatile organic compounds and downcycling into less useful products—are often overlooked. Meanwhile, global waste management systems remain overwhelmed. The 2018 ban on plastic waste imports by China exposed the fragility of these systems and the need for sustainable solutions.
For Cora + Spink, being 99% plastic-free isn’t just marketing; it’s a commitment to planetary health.
Innovations at Cora + Spink
From replacing Velcro to redesigning swing ticket laminations, every detail matters. These innovations reflect our commitment to minimizing plastic use and rethinking design.
Ready to join the movement? Discover how Cora + Spink is leading the charge in sustainable fashion. Explore Our Collection
