evidence: Every year, the fashion industry generates 10% of the world’s global carbon emissions. It’s why UCL scientists have pioneered a more sustainable method to help make propylene – a common ingredient in the fabrics and plastics of the clothes and shoes we wear. Find out more... [...] According to the United Nations Environment Program, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions. That means it causes more upset to the climate than than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. And the problem is set to grow. [...] It’s just clothes – how hard can it be? In fact, it’s a complicated business, with many of the most polluting aspects of the industry not obvious to the average shopper. Take polypropylene – a plastic made from fossil fuels that is usually associated with the chemical industry. In fact, an increasing amount of polypropylene is made into artificial fabric, and much of that fabric is bought and used by clothing manufacturers. And, because of its source and the way it is made, polypropylene apparel comes with a colossal carbon footprint.