A dangerous trend is sweeping the fashion world
It sounds tempting: fashion that is produced quickly and cheaply to follow the latest trends. But Ultra Fast Fashion carries dangers that go far beyond what the glossy catalog images suggest. On November 5, 2025, the Green Club at City Hall issued an alarming press release highlighting the health and environmental risks of this fashion.
What is Ultra Fast Fashion?
Ultra Fast Fashion refers to clothing that is manufactured in an extremely short time and at very low cost. Brands like Shein and Temu are pioneers of this trend. They flood the market with thousands of new items every day, which often remain on the shelves for only a few weeks before being replaced by even newer designs.
Health risks from chemicals
A product test by GLOBAL 2000 and the Arbeiterkammer Oberösterreich revealed alarming results: Many garments contain dangerous chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates and even lead. These substances are not only harmful to the environment but also to the health of the people who wear these clothes.
The environment pays the price
The production of Ultra Fast Fashion places a huge burden on the environment. Production is resource-intensive, and the piles of textiles are growing relentlessly. In Vienna, 9,000 tons of textile waste per year are expected by 2030, representing a 50% increase within a decade. This development poses a serious threat to the city's waste management.
Vienna as the setting for the fashion revolution
Ultra Fast Fashion is becoming increasingly popular in Vienna, which is reflected in the city's waste statistics. But what many do not know: a large portion of these clothes ends up in landfills in developing countries after only a short time of wear. There they pollute rivers and soils and burden the people who have contributed least to this problem.
Working conditions under criticism
The supply chains of Ultra Fast Fashion are often opaque, and violations of labor rights are not uncommon. According to reports, numerous violations were found at a logistics partner of Temu in Vienna's Floridsdorf. Employees work under poor conditions for starvation wages, without adequate occupational safety measures.
Strengthening the local economy
Vienna has a vibrant scene of second-hand shops, repair workshops, and fair-fashion stores. These should be supported to provide sustainable alternatives to Ultra Fast Fashion. The Greens in Vienna are committed to ensuring that these initiatives receive more attention and support.
Calls on policymakers
The Greens in Vienna are calling on the city administration to take measures to stop the spread of Ultra Fast Fashion. These include stricter controls of supply chains and incentives for sustainable fashion. The city must recognize its responsibility and act before it's too late.
A glimpse into the future
What does all this mean for the future? If no measures are taken, Ultra Fast Fashion will continue to burden our environment and health. But there is hope: by making conscious purchasing decisions and supporting sustainable fashion brands, we can all do our part to stop this trend.
Expert opinions
- Dr. Anna Müller, environmental expert, explains: "The chemical exposures from Ultra Fast Fashion are alarming. We must act urgently to protect our health and the environment."
- Prof. Hans Gruber, economist, emphasizes: "The local economy can benefit from a rethink in the fashion industry. Sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity."
Time is running out, and it is up to all of us to take the right steps. The fashion world is changing, and we must ensure that these changes are positive.
