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| Distribution of water, energy & chemical use in textile processing (% of total use) |
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Throughout the supply chain, there is interest in conserving resources and reducing the textile industry’s environmental footprint. Every stage of a textile product’s life cycle has environmental impacts — from fiber production through manufacturing and retailing to laundering and disposal by consumers. Of particular concern is the use of water, energy, and chemicals (WEC) in textile processing, an area where technological advances offer significant savings in resources and environmental benefits. In cotton textile processing, dyeing and finishing have the largest WEC requirements and therefore offer the greatest scope for reductions.
36% consumers willing to pay more for greener clothing
Research by Cotton Incorporated indicates that while consumers have become more environmentally aware, their understanding of textile manufacturing and its effects on the environment is limited, as is their willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly textile products. According to Cotton Incorporated’s 2010 Environment Survey, 36% of consumers said they would be willing to pay extra for environmentally friendly clothing.
Apparel supply chain gets greener
Despite limits on consumer awareness and motivation, it is in the textile industry’s interest to adopt practices to reduce the use of water, energy, and chemicals, especially in dyeing and finishing. Cotton Incorporated recently surveyed representatives of global mills, brands, and retailers about their motivations for adopting sustainable cotton technologies and practices. About two-thirds of these companies are currently implementing sustainable practices or technologies (61%) and/or working with supply chain partners that are implementing them (66%). When asked to identify the main reason for their interest in sustainability, the most common response was concern for the environment — 42% said that it was better for the environment. Another 14% cited supply chain customer demand, and 11% said it would provide a competitive advantage; 16% said they were still exploring the potential benefits.
During the winter of 2008-09, Cotton Incorporated conducted in-depth interviews with more than 40 global cotton textile processing companies that account for over 75% of global textile processing. These companies manufacture a wide range of woven, knit, denim, and yarn products and have implemented changes in their processes, dyes and chemicals, equipment, and control systems that significantly reduce requirements for water, energy, and chemicals.
Advances in making dyeing technology more environmentally friendly have not been limited to improvements in dyestuffs and equipment. In addition, the plants that are the most advanced in reducing WEC pursue a combination of options including high-efficiency management practices, process control, special processes, and treatment and recycling of wastewater. Each plant adopts options compatible with its particular product offerings, economic circumstances, environmental regulations, and supply-chain requirements. Achieving these WEC reductions has required plants to learn and adapt to new processes and practices and to implement creative means for ensuring acceptable economic returns.
The cotton textile industry can reduce its WEC environmental footprint at least 50% by employing technologies currently used in modern plants. The cooperation throughout the supply chain from fiber to finished product is critical to encouraging and supporting these efforts.
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