Padmanaban Pasuvalingam
Introduction
In recent years, the rapid growth of the fashion industry has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. One of the critical areas of concern is textile sustainability, as the production and consumption of textiles have far-reaching consequences for the planet.
This shift towards sustainability not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to the improvement of working conditions and the well-being of communities involved in the textile supply chain. As consumers become more conscious of their purchasing choices, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly textiles is on the rise.
In this article, we will explore the challenges faced by the textile industry, the importance of sustainable practices, the concept of textile sustainability, explore its importance, and discuss the initiatives taken by the fashion industry to foster a more sustainable future.
The Environmental Impact of Textiles
The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It is responsible for a significant amount of water, energy, and chemical use, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of the textile industry, and there is increasing demand for sustainable textiles.
The production of textiles, including growing raw materials, processing, dyeing, and finishing, has a significant impact on the environment. Conventional textile production relies heavily on non-renewable resources, such as crude oil for synthetic fibers and large amounts of water for cotton cultivation. The release of harmful chemicals during dyeing and finishing processes further pollutes water bodies and contributes to air pollution. Additionally, textile waste poses a massive challenge, as most synthetic fibers take centuries to degrade in landfills.
The Need for Textile Sustainability
The increasing awareness of the environmental impacts of textile production has given rise to the urgent need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Textile sustainability encompasses a wide range of measures aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of textiles while ensuring the social and economic well-being of the people involved in their production. By adopting sustainable practices, the fashion industry can work towards mitigating climate change, conserving natural resources, and promoting fair labor practices.
Initiatives Towards Sustainable Textiles
1. Sustainable Raw Materials:
The first step towards sustainable textiles lies in utilizing eco-friendly raw materials. Organic Cotton, Hemp, Jute, Bamboo, Tencel (made from sustainably sourced wood pulp) and recycled fibers are gaining popularity due to their lower environmental impact and reduced need for pesticides, and water, and have a lower carbon footprint, making them a more responsible choice for both manufacturers and consumers.
2. Recycling and Circular Fashion Economy:
The concept of the circular economy has emerged as a game-changer in textile sustainability. Instead of following a linear model of “take, make, dispose,” the circular economy aims to create a closed-loop system, where textiles are continuously recycled, refurbished, reused, upcycled, or biodegraded at the end of their life.
Innovative technologies enable the recycling of old clothing into new fibers, reducing the need for virgin resources, minimizing waste, and conserving resources. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also provides opportunities for economic growth and job creation in recycling and upcycling industries.
Waste recycling has become highly efficient within the spinning industry. Both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste recycling have reached a mature stage. Even used garments are now being recycled, marking a significant advancement. The transformation of PET bottles into polyester fiber has been particularly notable in this decade. Zero Liquid Discharge Effluent Treatment Plants (ZLD ETPs) are successfully operational.
3. Eco-Friendly Processing – Water and Energy Efficiency:
Textile production consumes vast amounts of water and energy. To address this issue, adopting cleaner and more sustainable processing techniques is vital to reduce water consumption and adopt energy-efficient technologies. Waterless dyeing processes, such as air dyeing and digital printing, and using non-toxic chemicals are some approaches to reducing water usage and chemical discharge are becoming more prevalent and can significantly reduce the environmental impact of textile production.
4. Ethical Labor Practices:
Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and labor rights for textile workers are integral to textile sustainability. Brands and consumers must support companies that prioritize the well-being of their workforce.
5. Slow Fashion Movement:
Moving away from fast fashion trends and embracing timeless, durable, and high-quality garments encourages reduced consumption and lessens the environmental burden.
6. Collaboration and Certification:
Industry-wide collaboration and third-party certifications play a crucial role in promoting textile sustainability. Certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX ensure that textiles meet specific environmental and social criteria.
Consumer Role in Driving Sustainability:
Consumers wield significant power in influencing the fashion industry’s sustainability efforts. By making informed choices, supporting sustainable brands, and opting for quality over quantity, consumers can contribute to reducing the demand for environmentally harmful practices.
During the ITMA, Milan exhibition, we at TTS, witnessed a significant step toward this effort. Additionally, renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, are being integrated into textile manufacturing facilities, reducing the carbon footprint of the industry.
Conclusion:
- The quality of recycled sustainable products, when compared to virgin products, is likely to be inferior. Dyeing these products presents challenges, with the potential for mild to severe inconsistencies in color uniformity, especially in knitted dyed goods. Therefore, brands, retailers, and consumers must reassess and adjust the quality standards set for recycled products based on practical realities.
- In addition, recycled sustainable products generally come at a higher price point than virgin products. The processes involved, such as bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing, present several hurdles. Production speeds are notably slower than those of virgin products, which further escalates costs.
- Contrary to popular assumption, recycled products tend to be more expensive than their virgin counterparts. The question then arises: who will bear these additional costs? Brands, buyers, retailers, and consumers must align their actions with their stated values and step up to cover the extra expenses.
- Textile sustainability is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention from the fashion industry and consumers alike. As awareness grows, brands are increasingly embracing sustainable practices, and consumers are showing a willingness to make eco-conscious choices. By collectively working towards a greener future, the textile and fashion industry can lead the way in promoting environmental responsibility, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.
About the author: Mr. Padmanaban Pasuvalingam, serves as the Director – Regional Operations of Bangladesh and Vietnam at Texcoms Textile Solutions, based in Singapore. With over 36 years of extensive experience in operations, project strategy planning, implementation, and textile technology. Throughout his illustrious career, he has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in managing textile plants across South Asia and Southeast Asia, specializing particularly in value-added and fancy yarn production.
