The Relationship between Fast Fashion Growth and Environmental Degradation: The Role of Sustainability Using ARDL Model

An Empirical Study of China's Apparel Sector (1990-2022)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the dynamic relationship between the growth of the fast fashion economy in the apparel sector and the deterioration of environmental quality in China over the period 1990–2023, highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability within this vital industry. The research employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine both the short- and long-run relationships between economic growth variables—such as the scale of fast fashion production—and environmental degradation indicators, including carbon dioxide emissions, water pollution, and natural resource consumption.

The results reveal a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between the increase in fast fashion production and the deterioration of environmental indicators, confirming that the rapid industrial expansion of this sector has exacerbated pollution and resource depletion problems in China. According to 2025 statistics, China accounts for approximately 60% of global fast fashion production, generating revenues exceeding USD 86 billion in 2022 and producing around 22 million tons of textile waste annually, with a recycling rate of about 25%, reflecting growing efforts to foster a circular economy.

The study underscores the importance of integrating environmental sustainability practices by improving resource-use efficiency, promoting the circular economy, enforcing stricter environmental policies, and increasing sustainable consumer awareness to reduce the environmental footprint of the fast fashion industry. Furthermore, it demonstrates that implementing sustainability strategies and clean technologies within China’s five-year development plans constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.