September 16 is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
A date that reminds us: Environmental problems are man-made—but they can also be solved.
A brief look back: the CFC crisis
In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were destroying the ozone layer—the ultra-thin protective layer that shields us from dangerous UV radiation. For decades, CFCs were standard in refrigerators, aerosol 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, sharply restricting the production and use of CFCs worldwide. The classic aerosol cans that once stood in almost every bathroom disappeared or were replaced with CFC-free versions. Many people still remember the “ozone-hole hairspray” debate of the 1980s and ’90s.
And sure enough: Today, the ozone layer is considered to be “on the road to recovery.” Proof that international cooperation works.
From CFCs to CO₂—the next major challenge
While the CFC chapter gives us hope, the issue 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 located), it gets colder.
This cooling intensifies chemical processes that use remaining pollutants, such as CFC residues or nitrogen oxides, to break down ozone. The result: The recovery of the ozone layer is slowed—while the climate continues to warm due to rising CO₂ levels.
CO₂ is therefore not the “ozone killer” that CFCs were—but it makes life harder for the ozone layer while also intensifying the climate crisis. And the tricky part: It is invisible, everywhere, and involved in almost everything—from energy and mobility to clothing.
If you live in a glass house, plant trees
CO₂ is generated wherever fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or gas are burned—in power plants, cars, heating systems, or industry. The fashion industry alone is responsible for around 10% of global CO₂ emissions. That is more than international flights and all shipping combined. A shocking figure for an industry that often focuses only on fast trends and short life cycles.
This so-called greenhouse gas accumulates in the atmosphere, wrapping around the Earth like an invisible blanket and preventing heat from escaping. This is precisely what we call the greenhouse effect.
Fortunately, there are natural counterforces: trees, forests, seagrass meadows, and wetlands. 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 while producing enough oxygen for several people.
It becomes clear: Reforestation, healthy oceans, and intact ecosystems are more than beautiful nature—they are key allies in the fight against the climate crisis.
What we do—and what remains
That is why, since our founding 10 years ago, we at wijld have focused on materials that save enormous amounts of CO₂ compared with conventional cotton or polyester. The reason lies in the origin of the fiber: Our wood fiber is made from fast-growing wood. While cotton is grown and processed using water- and energy-intensive methods, the wood already absorbs CO₂ as it grows.
In addition, we use the solvent NMMO to produce the fiber, and almost 100% of it is reused. This creates an almost closed loop that minimizes emissions and prevents waste.
Specifically, our fiber production saves around 75% CO₂ compared with cotton.
This shows that fashion can be not only beautiful, but also responsible.
Just as the Montreal Protocol once brought the ozone hole under control, we must act boldly on CO₂ today—as a society, as businesses, and as consumers.
A reason for hope
The Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer reminds us: Even global environmental problems can be solved when we join forces. What CFCs were back then, CO₂ is today.
And if we show the same determination, we can overcome this challenge too.
Until then, we will continue helping to make fashion’s footprint smaller—shirt by shirt, fiber by fiber.
