Textiles are deeply connected to global agriculture, through the land, water, chemicals and farming systems behind the fibres we wear.

Our new report, developed in partnership with researchers at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, examines the environmental impact of fashion-related agriculture across major natural fibres, from cotton and leather to wool, linen and wood-based fibres. It also explores the scientific evidence behind more sustainable agricultural systems, with a particular focus on biodynamic farming.

The research estimates that the fashion industry has the potential to influence approximately 30% of agricultural land worldwide, revealing both the scale of its impact and the opportunity for change.

Authors: Clara Cecil, Megan Siyi Liu and Sam Fankhauser, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford.

Arizona Muse and Heleen Petzer, DIRT Charity.

Editorial & Production Lead: Lea Lorena Mahlke, DIRT Charity.

Academic Review Leads: Lucy Erickson and Dr Anupama Sen, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford.

Media Relations and Communications: Eco Age.

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