Textile sector embracing closed-loop manufacturing approach
The textile industry, long notorious for its environmental footprint, is now making strides towards a more sustainable future. The European Union has introduced the Circular Economy Action Plan, a bold initiative aimed at shifting production and consumption away from the linear "Take, Make, Dispose" model, and towards a circular economy [1].
One shining example of this transition is Mercari, a successful platform that facilitates renting and reselling of clothing. The platform's activity and user base have seen a significant increase, particularly in its two main markets, Japan and the United States [2]. According to recent statistics, around 100 billion items of clothing are sold annually, an increase of approximately 50% since 2006 [3]. However, very few of these goods are recycled or reused, with most ending up in landfills or incinerators within a year of production [4].
The industry's environmental impact is substantial. It now emits more CO2 than the aviation and shipping industries combined, making it one of the largest environmental offenders worldwide [5]. Moreover, it consumes 79 billion cubic meters of fresh water annually [6]. These figures underscore the urgent need for change.
Key trends in the industry focus on adopting circular economy principles that emphasize waste elimination, product lifecycle extension, and recycling efficiency. Textile firms are increasingly implementing circular economy models, designing products for easier recycling, replacing fossil-fuel-based fibers with recycled or regenerative ones, and aiming to eliminate microfiber pollution and raw material waste [1].
There is a growing use of recycled polyester, which significantly reduces decomposition time compared to conventional polyester. Increasing recycled fiber ratios helps reduce reliance on virgin resources [1][3]. Brands are also promoting repair, resale, and take-back programs to keep textiles in use longer [2].
Firms are partnering with certified suppliers and using educational campaigns to teach consumers about garment care, repair, and recycling to maximize product longevity and reduce waste [2]. Governments, particularly in the EU, are enforcing regulations requiring separate collection and recycling of textile waste, boosting the recycling market and pushing brands towards sustainable production models aligned with circular economy principles [4].
The textile recycling market is projected to grow significantly, driven by sustainability initiatives. However, the prevalence of fast fashion, which favors cheap, disposable garments often made from synthetic fibers, presents challenges for waste reduction and circularity [3][4].
In conclusion, the textile industry is moving towards a circular economy through material innovation, recycling scale-up, extended product use, consumer engagement, and regulatory compliance, aiming to reduce environmental impacts and improve sustainability [1][2][3][4]. The shift towards a more sustainable future is not only beneficial for the environment but also presents opportunities for businesses to innovate and thrive.
References:
[1] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020). A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion's future. [2] Sustainable Apparel Coalition. (2020). Higg Index: The standard for measuring sustainability in the apparel, footwear, and textile industry. [3] Textile Exchange. (2020). 2020 Preferred Fiber and Material Market Report. [4] European Commission. (2019). Circular Economy Action Plan. [5] Global Fashion Agenda. (2019). Pulse of the Fashion Industry. [6] World Wildlife Fund. (2017). Water Footprint of the Textile Sector.
- Other industries could learn from the textile industry's efforts in transitioning towards a circular economy, as it emulates waste elimination, product lifecycle extension, and recycling efficiency.
- The growing popularity of environmental science and the concern over climate-change have led to an increased demand for fashion and beauty products manufactured in an eco-friendly manner, such as those made using regenerative or recycled fibers.
- If shopping habits continue to change in response to the climate-change crisis, technological advancements in fields like environmental science and the fashion industry may overlap, enabling consumers to embrace both cutting-edge technology and planet-friendly lifestyles.
- The success of platforms like Mercari, which prioritize clothing rental, resale, and recycling, demonstrates that embracing environmental-science principles within the fashion and beauty industries can lead to thriving businesses.
