'Textile waste threatening blue economy, marine life'

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has warned that the rising tide of textile and fashion waste flooding oceans poses a growing threat not only to marine life but also to Pakistan's economy, climate resilience, and future generations.

In a statement on Saturday marking World Cleanup Day 2025, themed "Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste Through Circular Fashion," the minister stressed urgent action for sustainable practices. He said protecting oceans is vital to secure the future for coming generations. World Cleanup Day is a global initiative against solid waste and marine debris, with this year's focus on textile pollution.

Chaudhry noted that the prime minister's commitment to prioritising climate change highlights the need for sustainable policies to protect the environment, economy, and citizens.

"The health of our oceans is directly linked to the wellbeing of our people, economy, and planet. I urge industries, policymakers, and citizens to recognise the dangers of textile and fashion waste and collaborate to build a circular economy that protects both livelihoods and biodiversity," he said.

Pakistan's textile and fashion sector, one of the world's largest and the source of nearly 60% of exports, generates significant waste and pollution. Studies show textile waste contributes heavily to microplastic contamination in rivers and seas, threatening marine life including fish, corals, and coastal ecosystems.

Every year, tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills and waterways, eventually flowing into the Arabian Sea. Microfibers from synthetic fabrics are consumed by marine animals, disrupting food chains and placing added stress on species already endangered by climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss.

The minister said the issue also damages the economy. Pakistan's blue economy, including fisheries, shipping, tourism, and coastal industries, faces heavy losses from polluted waters and degraded habitats. Pollution-related losses in fisheries alone exceed $200 million annually, while coastal tourism potential remains largely untapped. If unchecked, financial losses will rise further.

Globally, the fashion industry loses about $500 billion each year due to underutilisation and lack of recycling. For Pakistan, adopting circular fashion is both an environmental and economic necessity.

He added that textile waste is tied to climate change. The sector is a major consumer of water and emitter of greenhouse gases. Discarded textiles in landfills release methane, worsening global warming impacts on coastal communities already vulnerable to rising seas and extreme weather.

Chaudhry said circular fashion, with longer-lasting, reusable, repairable, and recyclable products, offers a path to cut emissions, conserve resources, and adapt to climate risks. For Pakistan, a frontline state in the climate crisis, this approach is vital.