Mass production of textiles and clothing
Share
Why are clothes so cheap - and who pays the price?
Have you ever wondered how a new T-shirt can be sold for less than five euros? The answer lies in the mass production of textiles - a phenomenon that has reshaped our consumption habits, but also leaves its mark on the environment and human rights.
Faster, more, cheaper
Mass production means a huge scale: globally, about 127 million tonnes of textile fibres are used per year (2024). The fast fashion model is based on a continuous stream of new products, which fuels buying instead of actual need.
To minimize prices, production is moved to countries where wages are low and working conditions are often inadequate. A piece of clothing can travel thousands of kilometres before it ends up on a shelf – and often gets forgotten in the back of a wardrobe.
The environment pays a heavy price
The textile industry is one of the world's most polluting sectors. It is the second largest consumer of water and accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions – more than international aviation and shipping combined.
For example, the production of one cotton T-shirt requires 1426–2700 litres of water, which is the same amount a person drinks in about 2–2.5 years. Additionally, 85% of textiles end up in landfills or incineration annually.
In the EU, 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste are generated annually, of which clothes and footwear alone account for 5.2 million tonnes – 12 kg per person.
Are there alternatives?
Yes, there are. More and more people are looking for more sustainable alternatives: locally produced, made from recycled materials, and durable products. Quality, origin, and story are starting to matter more than price.
At Maallinen Design, we believe that less is more. We use leftover and recycled fabrics, produce in small batches, and focus on durability – both in use and in style.
Mass production is not a law of nature. It is a choice, as is more sustainable consumption.
"There is no planet B"
Sources:
https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/
https://www.stjm.fi/tekstiili-ja-muotiala-suomessa/tilastot/kuitujen-tuotanto/
https://www.choose-greener.com/fi/5-yksinkertaista-kestavaa-elamantapaa-vinkkeja/