Ocean acidification x fashion industry

OCEAN ACIDIFICATION X

FASHION INDUSTRY

Carolina Magnolfi
Ecosystems & Economics
Master in Sustainability in Fashion and Creative Industries
July 2025

WHAT IS OCEAN

ACIDIFICATION?

Ocean acidification is the process by which excess atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by seawater, forming carbonic acid and lowering the ocean’s pH. This rising acidity poses a major threat to marine ecosystems, especially organisms like corals, shellfish, and plankton that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. Since the Industrial Revolution, ocean pH has decreased from 8.2 to 8.1—and projections suggest it may drop to 7.67 by 2100 if CO2 emissions continue.

Consequences for Marine Organisms

CO2 Emissions from Fashion Supply Chains

How Fashion Fuels Ocean Acidification

Empowering Consumers

before

after

Consequences for Marine Organisms

Ocean acidification is already affecting many marine species, particularly organisms such as oysters and corals that build hard shells and skeletons by combining calcium and carbonate from seawater. However, as acidification increases, available carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) bind with the excess hydrogen ions, resulting in fewer carbonate ions available for calcifying organisms to construct and maintain their shells, skeletons, and other calcium carbonate-based structures. If the pH drops too low, existing shells and skeletons can even begin to dissolve, leading to the collapse of coral reefs and the ecosystems that depend on them.

CO₂ Emissions from Fashion Supply Chains

How Fashion Fuels Ocean Acidification

CO2 Emissions from Synthetic Fiber Production

Producing synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels, is an energy-intensive process that releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide ( $C O_{2}$ ) into the atmosphere. This $C O_{2}$ is subsequently absorbed by our oceans, directly contributing to their acidification.

Dyeing & Finishing Processes

Many textile dyeing and finishing processes consume vast amounts of energy and chemicals. The energy used, often sourced from fossil fuels, increases $C O_{2}$ emissions. Indirectly, chemical pollution released can harm marine ecosystems, including organisms crucial for absorbing $C O_{2}$ from the atmosphere, thereby reducing the ocean’s natural capacity to mitigate acidification.

Deforestation for Cellulosic Fibers

Fibers such as rayon, modal, and lyocell are produced from wood pulp. If their production is not sustainable, it can lead to deforestation. Reduced forest cover means less $C O_{2}$ is absorbed from the atmosphere by terrestrial ecosystems, leaving more to be absorbed by our oceans, which intensifies acidification.

Supply Chain Emissions

The globalized textile industry involves complex supply chains, with raw materials and finished goods often traveling across continents. Shipping, air freight, and road transport, frequently powered by fossil fuels, emit large quantities of greenhouse gases, including $C O_{2}$ .

Consumers and brands both have a role in ocean protection

Decarbonize Production & Supply Chains

BRANDS CAN:

Innovate for Sustainable Materials & Processes

Embrace Circularity & Extend Product Lifecycles

Embrace Secondhand, Repair & Recycle

CONSUMERS CAN:

Buy Less, Choose Well, Make It Last

Support Sustainable & Transparent Brands

Tackling fashion’s impact on ocean acidification is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. Reducing emissions across the supply chain is not just possible—it’s essential for a more resilient and regenerative future.

Resources

Ocean acidification. (2024, May 29). https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/ocean-acidification

Tackling fashion’s environmental impact through regulation. (n.d.). Retrieved 4 June 2025, from https://impact.economist.com/ocean/sustainable-ocean-economy/tackling-fashions-environmental-impact-through-regulation

Perspectives on Plastic Waste Management: Challenges and Possible Solutions to Ensure Its Sustainable Use. (n.d.). Retrieved 26 June 2025, from https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/9/5/77?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T., & Gwilt, A. (2020). The environmental price of fast fashion. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1, 189–200. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0039-9

Duvel, A. (n.d.). Ocean Acidification and the Effects on Aquaculture.

Bandera, G. (n.d.). How the fashion industry pollutes our water. FairPlanet. Retrieved 26 June 2025, from https://www.fairplanet.org/story/how-the-fashion-industry-pollutes-our-water/

Ocean Acidification Definition and Causes: An In-Depth Exploration. (2023, June 12). College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. https://colsa.unh.edu/blog/2023/12/ocean-acidification-definition-causes-depth-exploration

How the Fashion Industry Is Tackling Three Major Impacts. (n.d.). Retrieved 24 June 2025, from https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/748526-how-fashion-industry-tackling-three-major-impacts-our-ocean-bringing-hope#