Circular Textiles and SDG 12
Danika Gupta

The Sustainable Development Goals and SDG 12

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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [1]. These 17 global goals serve as a blueprint to address pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental sustainability. The SDGs succeeded the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were established in 2000 and set to expire in 2015. The SDGs are not binding, but countries are expected to set up frameworks to address them all and in combination. Unlike the MDGs, which focused primarily on social issues, the SDGs emphasize a broader and more interconnected approach, addressing economic, social, and environmental sustainability [1]. The SDGs also apply to all countries, while the MDGs were only intended to drive action in developing countries [1]. In this paper, we examine one of the SDGs, SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production. 

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SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, was created to promote sustainable practices in how resources are used, manufactured, and disposed of. The United Nations introduction to SDG 12 states: “ If the global population reaches 9.8 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets will be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles” [2].  SDG 12 aims to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and encourage businesses and consumers to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors. This goal is crucial in balancing economic growth with the conservation of natural resources to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. For example, in textile production, between 80-100 billion new garments are made annually, expected to grow to 150 billion in the coming decade. If this trend continues, by 2100, there will be 2600 garments for every living person. This is a perfect example of poor balance between consumption and production, resulting in numerous planetary damages, from garment landfills big enough to be seen from space, to 20% of global water pollution caused by textile dye. SDG12, implemented, will address concerns such as these.

 

SDG 12 builds upon the principles of MDG 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability, which aimed to integrate sustainable development into national policies and reduce biodiversity loss. However, while MDG 7 focused primarily on environmental conservation, SDG 12 expands this concept by addressing the entire lifecycle of goods and services—from production to consumption and waste management [3]. It introduces a more comprehensive approach that includes sustainable business practices, circular economy principles, and ethical consumerism. 

 

This article describes SDG 12, the reasons why it is critical, the current state of implementation, issues and challenges, and recommendations for meeting SDG 12 goals by 2023.  Across the paper, tangible issues and progress on SDG 12 are highlighted via a details for a single example - textile pollution, serving as an ilustration of a problem that this SDG seeks to address.

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Why SDG 12

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Several critical global challenges necessitated the establishment of SDG 12. The first is Resource Depletion. Overuse of natural resources, such as water, fossil fuels, and minerals, has led to shortages and environmental degradation. The textile economy described above is a perfect example. Entire water bodies (such as the Aral Sea) have been depleted for cotton production, generating both water shortages and health issuers in the region.  The second is Waste and Pollution: The global economy generates 2.24 billion tons of solid waste annually, with only 19% being recycled (World Bank, 2023). Continuing our textile example, the United States recently noted that other nations are refusing their textile waste, which has historically caused health and other issues in the recipient countris. Unsustainable Consumption Patterns: High-income countries consume resources at a rate that would require multiple Earths to sustain if replicated worldwide. Continuing our textile example, the rise of fast fashion has led to aggravated consumption patterns, where clothes are discarded after 7-10 wears. Finally, unsustainable production and consumption patterns contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, driving global warming and extreme weather events.

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Current Status and Progress (2025)

 

Since 2015, efforts to achieve SDG 12 have increased worldwide. Governments and businesses have implemented policies to promote sustainable practices, and consumer awareness about ethical consumption has risen. However, progress has been slow, and key challenges remain. For example, according to the UN Sustainable Development Report (2024) Global material consumption increased from 73.2 billion tons in 2010 to 95.1 billion tons in 2023, indicating unsustainable production trends. The textile example shown above is a specific item in this trend, with the fashion industry alone contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions. Food waste remains a major issue, with 931 million tons of food wasted annually (FAO, 2023). Fast fashion and electronic waste are growing concerns.

 

Implementing SDG12 is challenged by Lack of policies and enforcement: Many developing nations struggle with waste management infrastructure and policy implementation. Corporate resistance: Some industries prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability. Consumer behavior: Changing consumer habits and promoting ethical purchasing choices remains a challenge. Returning to our textile example, even legislation in California, USA on textile circularity struggled due to unclear enforcement guidelines and corporate pushback. Some progress has been made, however, with the European Union furthering legislation on circular textile economy. Other areas of consumption face similar challenges of spotty legislation and poor integration with corporate interested and consumer practices.

However, organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and NGOs such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation have played significant roles in advancing SDG 12. UNEP has led global initiatives on circular economy strategies, while the Ellen MacArthur Foundation promotes sustainable business models and waste reduction practices. In the textile arena, for example, The MacArthur Foundation has published data and educated the public on worrying consumption and manufacturing trends. 

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Recommendations (2030)

 

To meet SDG 12 targets by 2030, the following actions should be prioritized. Governments should Implement strict regulations on waste management, incentivize sustainable businesses, and support circular economy initiatives. Businesses will need to  shift towards sustainable sourcing, reduce packaging waste, and adopt transparent supply chain practices. Studies suggest that consumers are open to sustainable products, in some cases even willing to pay a premium for such products. Consumers will need to choose eco-friendly products, reduce food waste, and participate in recycling programs. A connection between these initiatives to form a holistic strategy is also necessary, since these processes tend to be disconnected from one another and also disconnected between local communities, national structures and global processes. This connection is critical because each area of overmanufacturing and overconsumption crosses national boundaries. For example, returning to our textile example, clothes manufactured by fast fashion companies in europe and asia are purchased by consumers in the west, discarded, and landfilled in south america. Resolving such issues requires multi-level coordination. 

Completing the process of circularity also requires promoting innovation via nvestments in sustainable technology and hnhancing public awareness via educational campaigns to encourage responsible consumption. Such campaigns can show individuals how to contribute in their daily lives, for example by reducing single-use plastics and opting for sustainable alternatives. Supporting second-hand and upcycled clothing initiatives, advocating for local businesses that prioritize sustainable production and organizing community workshops on waste reduction and recycling.

 

Case Study: The Circular Economy in the Netherlands: 

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The Netherlands has emerged as a leader in sustainable consumption by adopting a circular economy model. The government has set a goal to become 100% circular by 2050, focusing on reducing waste, reusing materials, and designing products for longevity.. Following our textile example, the Dutch Circular Textile Initiative aims to transition the Netherlands' textile industry to a fully circular model by 2050, focusing on reducing waste, increasing recycling, and promoting sustainable materials. The initiative includes policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), circular design principles, and collaborations across the textile value chain to facilitate innovation, reduce overproduction, and improve transparency in the industry. In other areas, companies like Fairphone [6], a sustainable electronics company, exemplify responsible production by creating modular, repairable smartphones

 

Conclusion

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Achieving SDG 12 is essential for a sustainable future. While progress has been made, global consumption patterns remain unsustainable. Governments, businesses, and individuals must take urgent action to ensure that by 2030, responsible consumption and production become the norm, reducing environmental harm while promoting economic and social well-being. By integrating policies, promoting innovation, and encouraging sustainable behaviors, the world can move closer to realizing the vision set forth in SDG 12.

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References 

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[1] United Nations. (n.d.). Development agenda (retired). United Nations. Retrieved [date], from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda-retired/
 

[2] United Nations. (n.d.). Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. United Nations. Retrieved [date], from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/#:~:text=Goal%2012%3A%20Ensure%20sustainable%20consumption%20and%20production%20patterns&text=Goal%2012%20is%20about%20ensuring,populations%20are%20continuing%20to%20grow
 

[3] United Nations Development Programme. (n.d.). From MDGs to SDGs: What are the Sustainable Development Goals? Local 2030. Retrieved [date], from https://www.local2030.org/library/251/From-MDGs-to-SDGs-What-are-the-Sustainable-Development-Goals.pdf
 

[4] Government of the Netherlands. (n.d.). Circular Dutch economy by 2050. Government of the Netherlands. Retrieved [date], from https://www.government.nl/topics/circular-economy/circular-dutch-economy-by-2050
 

[5] European Circular Economy Platform. (2024, December). Circulaire textielgids. Retrieved [date], from https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/2025-01/Circulaire-textielgids-december-2024.pdf
 

[6] Fairphone. (n.d.). Fairphone homepage. Retrieved [date], from https://www.fairphone.com/nl