Today's fashion industry plays a vital role in the global
economy as it employs many people, holds the growing fashion trends, and
assists in taking it to a different stage. An attractive product is not made
just like that. It requires much sacrifice, hard work, proper planning, raw
material sourcing, infrastructure and human resources. However, it is also
associated with several problems, like air and water pollution, labour abuse,
and animal cruelty.
In recent years, there has been a growing campaign towards
sustainable and ethical fashion, which aims to encourage gentle and socially
responsible practices in the industry. This includes using sustainable raw materials,
reducing pollution and promoting fair labour practices. The shift towards
sustainable and ethical fashion is accelerating, with many customers demanding
greater transparency and accountability from fashion brands.
The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is known for being one of the most
polluting industries in the world, with high levels of greenhouse gas
emissions, water pollution, and waste generation. We can present the whole
issue of pollution through the following five segments.
Fast
Fashion
Fast fashion is a business model that produces inexpensive
clothing quickly in response to the latest trends and demand. This model
encourages consumers to buy more clothes and dispatch them quickly, resulting
in much more waste.
Synthetic
materials
Many clothing items are made from synthetic fibres like
polyester, acrylic, and nylon, derived from non-renewable resources like
petroleum. The production of these materials requires a lot of energy and emits
large amounts of greenhouse gases.
Water Usage
The fashion industry is a significant consumer of water,
with some estimates suggesting that it takes 2,700 litres of water to produce a
single cotton T-shirt. Without water, washing, dyeing and finishing are
impossible in the textile industries. The water used in textile production is
often polluted with chemicals, dyes, and other harmful substances. Sometimes
the water is not adequately treated and is discharged into the river directly.
Chemicals
and Dyes
The production of different types of textiles like yarn,
fabric, and clothing involves using chemicals and dyes, which can be toxic and
pollute water and the environment. The dyes are used to dye the textile, and
chemicals are used to fix and finish it.
Transportation
The global nature of the fashion industry means that clothes
are often transported long distances, resulting in significant carbon
emissions. The chain includes manufacturers, buyers and distributors. And to
maintain the chain, different types of transportation systems are used. In this
way, transportation causes the pollution of the environment.
What is Eco-Friendly Practices?
Eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry refer to
sustainable and environmentally conscious methods of designing, producing, and
selling clothing, footwear, and accessories. These practices aim to reduce the environment
pollution by the fashion industry and promote sustainable and ethical fashion.
7 Best Eco-Friendly Practices in The Fashion Industry
Many efforts are underway to promote sustainability in the
industry and reduce its environmental impact. Now we will discuss how to
introduce Eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry.
1. Sustainable
Materials in Fashion
Sustainable materials in fashion are materials that are
produced in an environmentally responsible way and have a lower environmental
impact than traditional materials. These materials are often made from natural
and renewable resources or recycled materials and are designed to be more
durable and long-lasting than conventional materials.
Here are some examples of sustainable materials in fashion:
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and
fertilizers, making it a more environmentally friendly option than conventional
cotton, which uses much more pesticides and fertilizers. However, it has some
drawbacks, like less production, more life cycle, and cost; consciousness is
growing among consumers about the use of organic cotton products.
Hemp
Hemp is a durable and sustainable fibre that requires less
water and fewer pesticides than traditional crops like cotton. It can be used
to make fabrics and other fashionable products. It is heat resistor, breathable
and has anti-bacterial properties.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic
bottles, packets and other waste materials. It has a lower carbon footprint
than traditional polyester and reduces waste by shifting plastic from
landfills. The apparel or other products made from recycled polyester bears a
specific logo so consumers can easily recognize it.
Tencel
Tencel is a fibre made from renewable raw materials like
beech wood. It requires less water and energy than conventional materials and
is biodegradable. Its manufacturing process is the same as viscose or rayon
fibre. It is 100% biodegradable, has good absorbency, and an impressive
nano-fibril structure results in a smooth surface.
Pinatex
Pinatex is a sustainable material made from pineapple leaf
fibres. It is an alternative to leather products like bags, shoes, wallets,
watch bands, and seat covers. It reduces waste by utilizing pineapple waste. It
is also low in cost.
Linen
Linen fibre is a sustainable textile fibre derived from the
stems of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Flax is a plant that has been
used for thousands of years to produce fabric and clothing due to its strength,
durability, and natural beauty.
Linen fibres are longer and more substantial than cotton
fibres, making them famous for high-quality clothing and household textiles.
Linen fabrics are breathable, absorbent, and calm, making them ideal for warm
weather or people who tend to overheat at night.
2. Water
Conservation in Fashion
Water conservation in fashion refers to implementing
measures to reduce the amount of water used in textile production and minimize
water pollution. The fashion industry is a significant consumer of water, with
textile production requiring large amounts of water for dyeing, finishing, and
washing. Here are some examples of water conservation practices in the fashion
industry:
Low-Water Dyeing
Implementing low-water dyeing techniques, such as air or
foam dyeing, reduces the amount of water used in the dyeing process. These
techniques also reduce the chemicals and energy required in the dyeing process.
This reduces the water pollution.
Waterless Textile Processing
Waterless textile processing techniques, such as laser
cutting, laser washing in denim eliminate the need for water in finishing and
cutting processes, reducing water usage and waste.
Closed-Loop Water Systems
Closed-loop systems help mitigate the environmental impact
of water usage by reducing the demand for freshwater resources and minimizing
wastewater discharge. It can reduce water usage by up to 90%.
Water Stewardship
Adopting water stewardship practices, such as implementing
water-saving technologies and monitoring water usage, helps fashion brands to
reduce their water footprint and promote responsible water management.
3. Renewable
Energy in Fashion
Renewable energy in fashion refers to using clean and
sustainable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, to
power fashion companies' manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations.
Renewable energy sources are an important part of sustainable practices in the
fashion industry. They help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize
environmental impact, and promote a more sustainable future.
Here are some examples of how renewable energy can be used
in the fashion industry:
Solar Power
Manufacturing companies can install solar panels in their
manufacturing facilities and warehouses to generate electricity from the sun.
This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions.
The machinery employed with raw material production cannot run through solar
panels. Still, they can run the low energy-consuming options like lights, or
fans can run with solar panels.
Wind Power
Wind turbines can be used to generate electricity for
fashion companies, particularly those located in windy areas. This clean and
renewable energy source does not produce greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydroelectric Power
Some fashion companies can also use hydroelectric power to
generate electricity. This involves harnessing the power of moving water from
rivers or waterfalls to turn turbines and generate electricity.
Energy Efficiency
Fashion companies can also improve their energy efficiency
by using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, implementing energy
management systems, and reducing energy waste.
4. Circular
Fashion
Circular fashion refers to designing, producing, and
consuming clothing in a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes
the use of resources. It aims to create a circular economy for fashion, in
which products are reused, repaired, and recycled rather than disposed of after
a single use.
Here are some examples of circular fashion practices:
Design for Circular
Designing products with circularity in mind using recyclable
or biodegradable materials and creating easily disassembled products for reuse
or recycling. Such as, we can reuse polyester fibre called recycled polyester,
in clothing. You can find the recycled polyester fibre tag on the garment label
made from recycled polyester.
Product Life Extension
Extending the life of products through repair,
refurbishment, or upcycling reduces waste and extends the product's useful
life, such as we can use different clothing to make rugs.
Rental and Resale
Offering rental and resale options for clothing, allowing
products to be used by multiple customers, reducing the need for new products,
and minimizing waste. Such as, second-hand garments are sold in poor economic
countries.
Recycling and Upcycling
Recycling materials to create new products, such as turning
discarded fabrics into new garments or upcycling products by repurposing them
into new designs.
Waste Reduction
Reducing waste by using modern cutting technologies that
maximize fabric utilization, creating products on demand, and minimizing
leftover fabric waste.
5. Eco-Friendly
Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging in fashion refers to using
sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials and practices for packaging
fashion products. Traditional packaging materials, such as plastic and paper,
can have a significant environmental impact due to their production, use, and
disposal. Eco-friendly packaging in fashion aims to minimize this impact and
promote more sustainable packaging practices.
Here are some examples of eco-friendly packaging practices
in fashion:
Biodegradable Materials
Using biodegradable materials, such as corn starch or
plant-based plastics, for packaging instead of traditional plastic materials
such as PVC. These materials break down naturally and do not harm the
environment seriously.
Recyclable Materials
Use recyclable materials, such as paper or cardboard,
instead of polybag packaging. These materials can be reused or recycled after
use, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
Minimal Packaging
Using minimal packaging for fashion products, such as
reducing the amount of paper, plastic, or other materials used, reduces waste
and minimizes environmental impact. You may find unnecessary hang tags or
plastic clips in the apparel packaging, which the manufacturers may avoid.
Sustainable Production
Using sustainable production methods for packaging, such as
using renewable energy sources like solar panels or reducing the amount of
water and energy used in production systems.
Branding and Marketing
Using eco-friendly packaging as part of the brand's marketing
and communication strategy promotes the company's commitment to sustainability
and environmental responsibility. This packaging may be indicated through a
recycling logo.
6. Slow
Fashion
Slow fashion is a movement that promotes sustainable and ethical
fashion practices by prioritizing quality over quantity and encouraging
consumers to buy and wear clothing for extended periods. It is the antithesis
of fast fashion, which focuses on producing cheap, trendy clothing quickly and
on a large scale.
The slow fashion movement aims to create a more sustainable
and ethical fashion industry by promoting the following practices:
Sustainable Materials
Using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, BCI
cotton or recycled polyester, and natural dyes from plants or animals, have a
lower environmental impact than traditional materials that slow down fast
fashion.
Ethical Production
Prioritizing fair labor practices and ethical production
methods, such as safe working conditions, fair wages, and transparency in the
supply chain.
Quality over Quantity
Focusing on producing high-quality, timeless designs made to
last rather than having trendy, disposable clothing that is quickly discarded.
We should never forget that quality costs less.
Local Production
Supporting local and small-scale production, reducing the
environmental impact of transportation, and promoting local economies. For
example, American clothing demand can be reduced by its local fashion houses.
Consumer Education
Educating consumers about sustainable fashion practices and
the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry. This should be the
first on the priority list.
7. The
Role of Technology in Creating Eco-Friendly Fashion
Technology is vital in creating eco-friendly fashion by
enabling fashion brands to use sustainable materials and production methods,
reducing waste, and improving supply chain transparency. Here are some examples
of how technology is used in creating eco-friendly fashion:
Sustainable Materials
Technology is being used to develop new sustainable
materials, such as plant-based materials, recycled fibres, organic fibres, and
biodegradable fabrics. Innovations in material science and technology make it
possible to create sustainable alternatives to traditional materials, reducing
the fashion industry's environmental impact. Now a day, the use of organic
cotton and recycled polyester in clothing has lightened the hope of
consciousness both in the fashion industry and the consumers.
3D Printing
3D printing technology creates prototypes and samples,
reducing the need for physical prototypes and minimizing waste. It also allows
for more precise production, reducing material waste. Already some countries
are using this technology in their fashion industry.
Digital Design and Printing
Digital design tools and digital printing technology are
being used in many textile industries to reduce the amount of fabric waste
during production. Digital printing allows for more accurate and efficient use
of fabric, minimizing wastewater and reducing the environmental impact of the
production process.
Supply Chain Transparency
Technology improves supply chain transparency, allowing
brands and consumers to trace the origin of materials and products, ensuring
ethical and sustainable production practices.
Recycling and Upcycling
Technology is being used to develop new recycling and
upcycling methods, allowing for the creation of new products from recycled or
upcycled materials. This reduces waste and promotes a circular economy for
fashion.
Conclusion
By adopting eco-friendly practices, the fashion
industry can reduce its environmental impact and promote a more sustainable and
ethical future for fashion production and consumption. Consumers can also play
a role by making informed choices about the clothing they purchase, supporting
sustainable and ethical fashion brands, and prioritizing quality over quantity.
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