Japan targets 25% clothing waste cut by 2030

January 04, 2026

Japan has unveiled an ambitious strategy to cut clothing waste by 25% by fiscal year 2030, compared with levels recorded a decade earlier, as part of a broader effort to curb the environmental damage caused by carbon-intensive garment manufacturing.

The initiative focuses on expanding clothing reuse and textile recycling, responding to a growing global crisis in fashion waste. The fashion industry is estimated to generate approximately 92 million tons of textile waste every year worldwide, making it one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation.

Excessive clothing production has also become a major driver of climate change. The apparel sector is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions, largely due to energy-intensive manufacturing, dyeing, and transportation processes.

Under a new national action plan scheduled for completion by March, the Japanese government will push for stronger collaboration between local governments, private companies, and households to reduce textile waste and encourage sustainable fashion practices.

According to data from Japan’s Environment Ministry, an estimated 820,000 tons of new clothing entered the domestic market in 2024, with the majority sourced from overseas manufacturers. The report also revealed that clothing supplied to Japan consumed over 8.38 billion cubic meters of water annually, while generating approximately 95 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Despite the growth of resale and recycling markets, reuse remains limited. In 2024 alone, roughly 560,000 tons of apparel were either incinerated or sent to landfills, with household waste accounting for nearly 90% of the total.

To accelerate the transition toward circular fashion, the upcoming policy framework will introduce five core initiatives, including improved systems for collecting used clothing, expanded reuse channels, and measures to extend the lifespan of garments.

The plan will clearly define responsibilities for national and local governments, businesses, and consumers. Municipal authorities will be urged to boost clothing collection programs and improve access to secondhand apparel for residents, while fashion brands will be encouraged to design garments that are easier to repair, recycle, or repurpose.

Consumers will also play a key role, with households encouraged to recycle unwanted clothing and prioritize environmentally responsible fashion choices when purchasing new items.