September 16th is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
A date that reminds us: Environmental problems are man-made – but also solvable.
A brief look back: the CFC drama
In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) destroy the ozone layer – that ultra-thin protective layer that shields us from harmful UV radiation. For decades, CFCs were standard in refrigerators, spray cans, and foams.
The result: an ever-growing "ozone hole" over Antarctica.
But unlike many current crises, something remarkable happened: the world responded. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was adopted, which drastically limited the production and use of CFCs worldwide. The classic spray cans that used to be in almost every bathroom disappeared or were replaced by CFC-free versions. Many still remember the "ozone hole hairspray" issue in the 80s/90s.
And behold: today the ozone layer is considered "on the path to recovery." Proof that international cooperation works.
From CFCs to CO₂ – the next big challenge
While the CFC chapter gives hope, the topic of CO₂ shows us the next major challenge.
CO₂ does not directly destroy the ozone layer – but it changes temperature conditions in the atmosphere:
• In the troposphere (below, where we live) it gets warmer.
• In the stratosphere (above, where the ozone layer is) it gets colder.
This cooling intensifies chemical processes that use remaining pollutants like CFC residues or nitrogen oxides to break down ozone. The consequence: the healing of the ozone layer is slowed – while the climate continues to warm due to rising CO₂ levels.
CO₂ is therefore not the "ozone killer" like CFCs were – but it makes life difficult for the ozone layer and at the same time worsens the climate crisis. And the tricky part: it is invisible, omnipresent, and found in almost everything – from energy to mobility to clothing.
Those who live in a glass house should plant trees
CO₂ is produced wherever fossil fuels like coal, oil, or gas are burned – in power plants, cars, heating, or industry. The fashion industry alone is responsible for about 10% of global CO₂ emissions. That means it emits more than international flights and all shipping combined. A shocking figure for an industry often focused only on fast trends and short life cycles.
This so-called greenhouse gas accumulates in the atmosphere, forming an invisible blanket around the Earth that prevents heat from escaping. This is exactly what we call the greenhouse effect.
Fortunately, there are natural opponents: trees, forests, seagrass meadows, and peatlands. They act like climate power plants because they absorb CO₂ from the air and store the carbon in their wood, roots, or soil. In return, they release oxygen – the vital substance we breathe. A single large tree can bind up to 10 kg of CO₂ per year and simultaneously produce oxygen for several people.
This makes it clear: reforestation, healthy seas, and intact ecosystems are more than just beautiful nature – they are key allies in the fight against the climate crisis.
What we do – and what remains
Since our founding 10 years ago, wijld has therefore focused on materials that save enormous amounts of CO₂ compared to conventional cotton or polyester. The reason lies in the origin of the fiber: our wood fiber is made from fast-growing wood. While cotton grows and is processed in water- and energy-intensive processes, wood already binds CO₂ during its growth.
Additionally, in fiber production we use the solvent NMMO, which is almost 100% recycled. This creates an almost closed loop that minimizes emissions and avoids waste.
Specifically, we save about 75% CO₂ in fiber production compared to cotton.
We show that fashion can not only be beautiful but also take responsibility.
Just as the Montreal Protocol once got the ozone hole under control, today we must act boldly on CO₂ – as a society, as companies, as consumers.
A reason for hope
Ozone Layer Day reminds us: even global environmental problems can be solved if we come together. What CFCs were back then, CO₂ is today.
And if we show the same determination, we can master this challenge too.
Until then, we will continue to help reduce fashion’s footprint – shirt by shirt, fiber by fiber.
