XIII International Conference on

Industrial Engineering and Environmental Protection

IIZS 2023
October 5-6, 2023, Zrenjanin, Serbia

FOSSIL FASHION: TEXTILE MATERIALS FROM THE OIL AND THE

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Valentina Bozoki1, Ineta Nemeša1, Marija Pešić1, Nadiia Bukhonka1, Dejan

Bajić1
1University of Novi Sad, Technical Faculty “Mihajlo Pupin”, Zrenjanin, Serbia

e-mail: valentina.bozoki10@gmail.com

Abstract: In this paper, the significant influence of petroleum on the manufacture of textile materials
and its effects on the environment are discussed. Focusing on various facets of this subject, we examine
alternative materials and sustainable production methods, investigate the pollution and negative effects
of plastics and synthetic fibers on the environment. This paper also explores the global dimension of the
problem and the role of innovation and technology in reducing the impact of petroleum materials.
Through these thematic analyses, the work calls for awareness raising, consumer education and global
cooperation as key factors in achieving a more sustainable use of textile materials and a more
responsible attitude towards the environment.
Key words: petroleum, textile materials, sustainable

INTRODUCTION

Oil has evolved into a fundamental component of modern life in the age of pervasive industrial
production and the consumer culture. Its function extends well beyond providing energy for our
houses and vehicles, deeply affecting many aspects of our everyday life. The textile industry
is one of the most noticeable sectors where oil is important. However, with the growing global
interest in preserving the natural environment, the question arises about the impact of these
materials on the ecology and sustainability of our planet. The bulk of today's clothing is created
from fossil fuels; nearly two-thirds (69%) of the materials used to make clothing come from
limited resources like crude oil and natural gas. Polyester dominates here, making up more
than half (56%) of the textiles we use today, well outpacing nylon, acrylic, and elastane [1].
In the continuation of this paper, we will delve deeper into how petroleum is used to create
synthetic textile materials and how these materials affect the environment. We will consider
alternatives to petroleum materials, including sustainable materials and recycling. This paper
aims to provide a deeper insight into the issue of the impact of oil on textile materials and
environmental responsibility and to encourage thinking about the ways in which we can reduce
the negative impact of oil materials on our planet and support sustainable fashion.

THE ROLE OF OIL IN TEXTILES

The textile industry, as one of the most important branches of production worldwide, depends
on different raw materials to create diverse and functional materials. Among these raw
materials, oil plays a key role. Oil is the basic resource for the production of synthetic textile
materials such as polyester, nylon (polyamide), acrylic and others. Synthetic materials are
popular for their durability, strength and ability to retain their shape [1].
Petrochemicals undergo extensive processing to create synthetics. Most frequently, polymer
chips or granules are melted and then extruded to create very long, fine filaments that are
wrapped together to make nylon and polyester yarns. PET, which is a byproduct of the
production of crude oil and natural gas, is often used to make polyester. The textile industry,
which uses 15% of all plastic, is the greatest consumer of plastic after packaging and
construction since the majority of garments on the market are made of plastic. As a result, the
issue of synthetics is tightly related to the problems with plastics at all points in their lifecycle,

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 XIII International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Environmental Protection IIZS 2023
Technical Faculty “Mihajlo Pupin” Zrenjanin, October 5-6, 2023, Zrenjanin, Serbia

from production to use to disposal, and is also firmly tied to the growing issue of plastic pollution
[1].

Nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polyolefin account for around 98 percent of the total volume of
synthetic fiber manufacturing, making them the most important synthetic fibers. Polyester
alone is given responsibility for 60% of the total. The majority of these fibers are acknowledged
as having promise as profitable commercial goods. The categorization of synthetic fibers may
be seen in Fig. 1. [2].

Fig. 1. The categorization of synthetic fibers

Technical textile materials used in clothing for sports activities, outdoor adventures and military
purposes are often made from petroleum derivatives. These materials provide protection from
the elements as well as certain performances such as water or fire resistance. In addition to
their functional use, petroleum products are frequently employed in the fashion industry to
create premium apparel and accessories. Another petroleum-derived substance called
elastane gives tights and other items of clothing more elasticity and flexibility. Petroleum-based
ingredients are frequently found in the dyes and inks used to print on and decorate textiles [3].
Although petroleum is a crucial component in the development of diverse and useful textile
materials, it is vital to take into account its effects on the environment and investigate
alternatives that can lessen these effects. In the parts that follow, we will go into further depth
about this.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SYNTHETICS

The textile industry, which plays a key role in everyday life, cannot be imagined without the
use of various materials. However, in recent decades, synthetic textile materials, which are
often produced from petroleum or its derivatives, have become an indispensable part of the
fashion industry. Synthetic materials provide durability, functionality and design variety, but
their use has a profound environmental impact on our planet.
One of the most significant problems associated with synthetic materials is microplastic
pollution. During the production, wearing and washing of clothing made from synthetics, tiny
pieces of plastic, known as microplastics, are released into the environment. These
microplastics can end up in rivers, lakes and oceans, posing a serious threat to animals that
feed on the microscopic organisms and ecosystems as a whole [4].
Microfibers are released from synthetic fabrics during washing, with waste water being the
main channel for leakage into the aquatic environment. Microfibers are spread in water, air,
and soil throughout the production of textiles, wearing of clothing, and end-of-life disposal,
however. Although microfiber shedding lessens with each wash, it also increases with the
aging of textiles and the wear and tear on clothing. Fast fashion is therefore responsible for a
disproportionately high amount of microfiber release because the majority of its clothing are

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 XIII International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Environmental Protection IIZS 2023
Technical Faculty “Mihajlo Pupin” Zrenjanin, October 5-6, 2023, Zrenjanin, Serbia

made of synthetic fibers and undergo several initial washes due to their short lifespan and
rapid deterioration [5].
The production of synthetic textile materials requires large amounts of water and the use of
chemicals such as dyes and fixatives. Wastewater from factories often ends up in water bodies,
causing water pollution and seriously harming local ecosystems. Polyester, nylon, and
spandex are examples of synthetic fibers that are generated from synthetic materials, which
are often created by chemical processes. Synthetic fibers are not biodegradable since they
are manufactured from polymers that are present in natural gas and petroleum byproducts.
These fabrics can be likened to plastic in that they will eventually break down into smaller bits,
although it may take them up to 200 years to completely degrade in landfills [6].

Fig. 2. Microplastics

The production of synthetic materials requires enormous amounts of energy, often with the
use of fossil fuels. This leads to the emission of greenhouse gases and contributes to the global
problem of climate change. Most of the world's energy still comes from fossil fuels such as
coal, oil and natural gas. Using these resources to power factories that produce synthetic
materials generates greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane
(CH4). These gases contribute to climate change and global warming. The production of
synthetic materials often involves processes that require high temperatures and cooling. These
processes require a significant amount of energy, especially in factories that use outdated
technology [7].

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

As a result of the environmental and social issues connected to traditional textile manufacturing
processes, sustainable production has become a crucial topic in the textile industry. With this
strategy, we hope to reduce the harm that textile production does to the environment, preserve
resources, and support moral and ethical manufacturing practices.
Resource efficiency is one of the guiding concepts of sustainable manufacturing. This entails
lowering the amount of energy, water, and raw materials used during production. To reduce
waste and resource depletion, textile businesses are increasingly implementing techniques
like closed-loop systems, where materials are recycled and reused. The use of environmentally
friendly and ethically obtained resources is prioritized in sustainable production. Some
examples of sustainable textile materials are organic cotton, hemp, Tencel (produced from
wood pulp obtained sustainably), and recycled fibers. These materials frequently follow fair
labor standards and are grown or produced in a way that has no negative impact on the
environment [8].
Detergents, finishing agents, and dyes used in the creation of textiles can all have a negative
impact on the environment. Sustainable production places a strong emphasis on using safe,

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Technical Faculty “Mihajlo Pupin” Zrenjanin, October 5-6, 2023, Zrenjanin, Serbia

non-toxic substitutes and on implementing effective wastewater treatment systems to reduce

chemical contamination. Textile producers are increasingly relying on renewable energy
sources like solar and wind power to lessen their carbon footprint. Energy-efficient construction
is a priority when designing sustainable manufacturing facilities, and several tactics are
employed to constantly monitor and reduce carbon emissions [8].
Beyond environmental issues, sustainability in the textile sector also includes moral labor
standards. This entails making certain that employees receive fair pay, have safe working
conditions, and have their rights upheld throughout the supply chain. In order to do this, ethical
certifications like Fair Trade and different labor norms are essential. The shift to a circular
economy model is a crucial component of sustainable manufacturing. This entails creating
items and materials that can be recycled, repurposed, or reused in order to cut down on waste
and increase the lifespan of textiles. Recycling initiatives for clothing and textiles are spreading
more widely [9].
For production to be sustainable, there must be transparency across the supply chain. More
and more companies are disclosing details on the sources of their raw materials, their
production methods, and their dedication to sustainability. Consumers are better able to make
educated decisions because to this transparency, which also helps companies that share their

Fig. 3. Sustainable fashion

values [9].
In the textile sector, sustainable manufacturing is a multidimensional strategy that takes
ethical, social, and environmental concerns into account. The industry can lessen its negative
effects on the environment and help to create a future that is more responsible and sustainable
by implementing these ideas and practices. It also meets the rising customer demand for
environmentally friendly and morally responsible products, making it an essential part of the
contemporary textile business [9].

CONCLUSION

The textile industry, as one of the largest and most influential industries in the world, plays a
key role in our lives. However, this industry also brings with it numerous environmental and
social challenges. The discussion on sustainable fashion and sustainable textile production is
a response to these challenges and explores ways in which we can transform this industry
towards a more positive impact on the planet and society. Synthetic materials, often derived
from petroleum, play a key role in the textile industry, but also have a significant environmental

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Technical Faculty “Mihajlo Pupin” Zrenjanin, October 5-6, 2023, Zrenjanin, Serbia

impact due to microplastics, high energy consumption and the need for chemicals. These
materials often form the foundation of many fashion pieces, including clothing, footwear and
accessories. Sustainable fashion, on the other hand, is an approach to fashion that focuses
on reducing the negative impact on the environment and society. These include the use of
sustainable materials, recycling, waste reduction, use of renewable energy and ethical work
practices. Sustainable fashion is not only a trend, but also a response to the growing concern
of consumers for the planet and people.

REFERENCES

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[3] Milanović, D. (n.y.). Organizational structures. Available at:
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[6] What happens to our clothes at the end of their lives? , (n.y.), Available at:
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