The Downfall of Fast Fashion and Indestructible Pantyhose
Today’s fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste. According UNEP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry is responsible for 10 % of annual global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Based on current growth rates, the fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions will surge more than 50 % by 2030. Nearly three-fifths of all clothing produced ends up in incinerators or landfills within a couple years of being made. Additionally, the manufacturing processes destroy local water systems due to the use of toxic dyes and chemicals. These issues are without mention of the incredible human toll on low-wage workers.
This model is environmentally and more recently economically unsustainable, as evidenced by the recent bankruptcy of Forever21, a fast fashion icon.
At ArcTern Ventures, we are investing in breakthrough technology startups solving climate change and sustainability, which includes solutions for sustainable fashion. We are evaluating many exciting investments in the space, including: emerging clothing sharing, rental, subscription, and logistical models; technologies for recycling and circularity; advanced materials for longer-lasting more durable products; biomaterials that can be easily composted; and other radical innovations.
Recently, we led a USD$10 million Series A investment in Sheertex, a Canadian startup that has developed ultra-durable, unbreakable-in-human-hands, rip and snag proof sheer pantyhose using proprietary fiber that is 10X stronger than steel, lightweight, anti-microbial, water-resistant, and cool to the touch. Its first time use in apparel — a significant departure from typical bulletproof vest and climbing equipment applications — has been enabled by the company’s textile technology and proprietary manufacturing process innovations.
Every year, 2 billion pairs of pantyhose are manufactured, with an average wear life of less than twice (some tear before their first wear) and disposed in a landfill, where they take a century or more to decompose. Now, thanks to Sheertex, pantyhose can last as long as pair of jeans and be easily recycled at their end of life, allowing the transition of this disposable good into a significantly more durable apparel staple.
Fashion must become more sustainable and we at ArcTern plan to boldly invest in this rapidly changing sector.
