The fashion industry, while glamorous and trend-setting, grapples with a significant problem that remains largely behind the scenes: deadstock. Each year, over 2 billion pounds of fabric globally are wasted during the design process, accounting for 12% of all fabric produced. Deadstock often results from surplus materials left unused or discarded due to rapid changes in seasonal trends. This practice contributes heavily to the industry’s environmental footprint, further fueled by the rise of fast fashion.

Understanding Deadstock’s Environmental and Economic Toll

Deadstock fabric isn’t just an issue of excess materials—it comes with steep financial and environmental costs. The estimated value of the global pre-consumer textile waste problem stands at $1.77 trillion, representing resources that could have been allocated to more sustainable uses. With fast fashion brands accelerating production to meet ever-shifting consumer demands, the cycle of waste perpetuates. Much of this deadstock is ultimately burned or ends up in landfills, exacerbating an already significant waste issue.

The environmental impact extends to water and carbon emissions as well. The fashion industry’s output is linked to 10% of the world’s annual carbon emissions. Additionally, it requires an immense 26.4 trillion gallons of water annually—for perspective, a single cotton shirt alone needs about 2,700 liters of water to be produced. This use of water, especially in regions already facing scarcity, heightens concerns about the unsustainable practices surrounding textile manufacturing.

A Problem That Lasts: Synthetic Deadstock and Microplastics

Synthetic fibers, often found in deadstock, compound the issue by persisting in the environment for decades. Materials like polyester and acrylic take 80 to 800 years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics as they break down. As synthetic fabrics shed microplastics during washing, they contribute around 10% of the microplastics in our oceans annually, further polluting marine ecosystems and the water supply.

An Emerging Shift: Rethinking Deadstock as a Resource

The awareness around deadstock is growing, with calls to reclaim unused fabric as a valuable resource. Rather than viewing these fabrics as disposable, the industry is beginning to explore creative avenues for repurposing deadstock. By transforming surplus fabric into unique, limited-edition designs or recycled products, brands are not only reducing waste but also promoting a culture of mindful fashion.

Shifting the mindset around deadstock requires collective action—from producers committed to efficient, low-waste designs to consumers choosing sustainable options and supporting brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. This change could help reduce the industry’s environmental impact, offering a more sustainable path forward. In a world where every piece of fabric counts, deadstock could become the starting point for a fashion industry that values sustainability as highly as style.