Carbon emissions discussed at Prime Source Forum
Carbon emissions and other sustainability-related issues were placed on the agenda at this year's Prime Source Forum, held in Hong Kong early this April.
Speakers at the forum agreed on the growing importance of sustainability in the global textile and garment supply chain, following the mounting awareness among consumers.
Alice Cohen from the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) at the unit of EU & International Sustainable Consumption and Production told ATA Journal that the UK government launched a sustainable clothing action plan at the recent London Fashion Week early this year, involving about 30 organizations, companies and overseas partners, including Marks and Spencer, Nike and Tesco.
Sustainable clothing refers to those products that maximize its benefits while minimizing disadvantages not limited to the environment, but can also include other aspects that help a business develop sustainably (i.e. capable of developing in the long run).
Both retailers and manufacturers (particularly those with dyeing and laundering facilities) can contribute to reduction of carbon (CO2) emissions in logistics and manufacturing processes, according to Jacqui Dixon, Director of CSR Asia.
Dr John R Easton, at the DyStar Textiles Services (Ecology Solutions) of DyStar UK Limited, identified key drivers of sustainability clothing: laws (e.g. REACH), labels, and logos for presentation.
There are challenges, however. Dr Easton observed that the textile and garment supply chain is lengthy and complex with different languages among various communities along the textile and apparel supply chain. Future approaches may lie in the areas of tracing and reporting, accountability, and benchmarking. What the industry will need include a framework, partners (in the industry) and a concerted communicative language in the pursuit of sustainability. He expected the industry to move from making and following restricted substances lists to the seek of eco-efficiency; for instance, how much quantity of wastes is generated in manufacturing a unit of fabrics, and how effectively can a user reduce wastes from that level through resource optimization.
Ms Dixon from the CSR Asia said that a partnership approach between retailers and manufacturers is essential so that it will not serve as a pleasing policy.
Last but not the least comes the consideration of cost.
Although consumers in developed countries in general show a higher level of awareness and preference in sustainable clothing, it may take time for them to get ready to pay the pollution caused in manufacturing clothes they buy and wear. Dr Easton added that questions like who picks up the bill and who takes home the reward deserve more thoughts.
A further report on more eco-efficient chemicals are covered in Chemicals and Auxiliary column.
Eco-friendly finishing solutions presented
From left: Sharon Chung, Pascal Renger, Stefan Koebrich and Helen Ke from Huntsman |
At Huntsman, social and environmental responsibility is a founding philosophy based on the platform of Responsible Care. Innovations are designed to be sustainable – by minimizing inputs whilst maximizing benefits. At the China Interdye 2009 this April, Huntsman Textile Effects introduced a number of eco-friendly finishing solutions, including the DuPont Capstone products, Gentle Power Bleach and Silpure.
Stefan Koebrich, Regional Technical Manager, Pretreatment & Whiteners, Asia Pacific, Huntsman Textile Effects said: "Innovation and eco-friendliness are interlocking in Huntsman's continuous R&D efforts. We are committed to offering energy-saving and eco-friendly solutions so as to achieve environmentally responsible manufacturing process in the textile and garment sector. This will help our clients deliver maximum performance, yet at less investment costs and with minimal environmental footprint on Earth."
Europe promotes sustainable apparel consumption
The European Commission and the European retail sector launched a Retail Forum as part of their drive to promote more environmentally sustainable consumption patterns this March. Meanwhile, the Retailers' Environmental Action Plan (REAP) was launched.
The forum aimed to generate a better understanding of the practical measures needed to promote sustainable consumption and production. Over time the result should be greater availability of environment-friendly and energy-efficient products in shops and better information to consumers on how to use products (e.g. apparel) in the most ecological way.
Representative of the European Retail Round Table (ERRT), Pierre-Olivier Beckers from , President and CEO, Delhaize Group, commented: "Despite the very difficult economic climate, the move towards sustainable consumption will only deepen and accelerate... Indeed, the younger generation of consumers and of our staff associates are even more demanding in terms of what they want us to do. They will keep the pressure on us into the future, a pressure we accept and welcome."
|
| We are collecting readers' comment for improving our website. If you are willing to help, please CLICK HERE to complete a survey. Your comments matter. |
|
|
|
|
| Copyright © Adsale Publishing Limited. Any party needs to reprint any part of the content should get the written approval from Adsale Publishing Ltd and quote the source "ATA Journal for Asia on Textile & Apparel", Adsale Textile English Website - www.AdsaleATA.com. We reserve the right to take legal action against any party who reprints any part of this article without acknowledgement. For enquiry, please contact Editorial Department. |
Write a mail to the editor : 
