An archaeological approach to fashion waste

The fashion industry is known for significantly impacting the environment, with its supply chain producing waste, water and air pollution, and microplastics. The issue of textile and clothing waste has become a primary global concern. The fashion industry must contribute to the journey towards sustainability and recognise the value of waste. This can be achieved by establishing a circular economy and emphasising the cultural significance of garbage. An effective way to address the issue of fashion waste is to approach it from an archaeological perspective, as Foucault (1969) suggested in L’Archéologie du Savoir. It is also essential to consider the concept of nature emphasised by Timothy Morton (2007), which asserts that nature is a human construct and, therefore, artificial. The general perception of waste is that it is a material that is unwanted or unusable. However, this study seeks to highlight its value by examining the correlation between waste in the fashion industry and its cultural significance. Extensive research has been carried out on the impact of fashion industry waste on the environment, focusing on its effects on the sea and its disposal. The research focuses on four case studies, including two non-profit organisations, a start-up, and a consortium. This research aims to explore the archaeological aspects of fashion waste and contribute to cultural sustainability. It emphasises the importance of conducting thorough research and categorising fashion waste materials, which can provide insights into their post-waste life and promote customer awareness.