Green Thinking in Textiles: Insights on how today’s sustainability impacts tomorrow’s textiles

 

The ‘Go Green’ initiative, which is commonly discussed as part of industrialisation and automation, is neither hype nor an exaggeration.
The textile industry is one of the largest industries in the world (approx. US$ 3 trillion), with an average contribution of approx. 2% of the GDP and employing more than 20 million people worldwide. Each process in the product lifecycle of textiles - be it yarn spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, braiding, etc. has a certain impact on the environment. When it comes to sustainability, this can be broken down to 5 different aspects:

Using Renewable/Eco-Friendly Raw Materials

Sustainability has been significantly attained in this aspect. Organic Cotton, Jute, Hemp, Bamboo, Wool, Sea Weed, Oil-based Fibres, Wood-based Cellulosic and other naturally-occurring materials are being constantly introduced by big and small brands. Brands like Nike and Prada have committed to the mission of using completely eco-friendly material and clothing by 2030.

Increasing Production Efficiency through Improved Processes

The focus of increasing efficiency through sustainable processes has led to manufacturers bringing in innovation to production lines, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and even labour management.

Increasing the lifespan of clothing or recycling of existing textiles

A major part of the textiles, especially apparel and clothing, is the shortened lifespan of textiles usage. With easy availability through e-commerce and online shops, the higher purchasing power of the new customer-base, and heavy competition, the lifespan of a garment has reduced from the average of 3 years to 1 year in the past 5 years. But many brands are coming up which are completely focussed on providing sustainable clothing and recyclable clothing for sale.

Proper treatment and disposal of byproducts and ancillary wastage

The textile industry is prone to a lot of ancillary wastage. The process of manufacturing had its own drawbacks, with a lot of water and air-pollution being caused, the use of harmful chemicals in the dyeing processes, and growing mounds of non-degradable synthetics. However, in recent times, the increased use of degradable/compostable materials has helped reduce these issues. Besides, government regulations and strict guidelines issued by governing bodies have helped to curb these problems drastically.

Increasing the lifespan of clothing or recycling of existing textiles

A major part of the textiles, especially apparel and clothing, is the shortened lifespan of textiles usage. With easy availability through e-commerce and online shops, the higher purchasing power of the new customer-base, and heavy competition, the lifespan of a garment has reduced from the average of 3 years to 1 year in the past 5 years. But many brands are coming up which are completely focussed on providing sustainable clothing and recyclable clothing for sale.

Proper treatment and disposal of byproducts and ancillary wastage

The textile industry is prone to a lot of ancillary wastage. The process of manufacturing had its own drawbacks, with a lot of water and air-pollution being caused, the use of harmful chemicals in the dyeing processes, and growing mounds of non-degradable synthetics. However, in recent times, the increased use of degradable/compostable materials has helped reduce these issues. Besides, government regulations and strict guidelines issued by governing bodies have helped to curb these problems drastically.

 
Creating the right environment (Environment Management Systems)

On the company level, businesses can ensure good practices and ethics to bring about a sustainable future in their business. This can include proper treatment of pollutants, replenishing naturally-occurring raw materials like wood through plantation drives, turning towards solar, wind, or other sources of non-polluting energies to run factories and so on.

Though the textile industry will boom considering the increased use of textiles and clothing in our day-to-day lives, it is necessary for the industry to proactively take steps towards sustainability. The green initiative is becoming more and more important as days go by. The modern-day business will run primarily on the ideology of sustainability and those who fail to recognise it may soon find it the hard way out.