What does sustainability in the clothing industry mean?

Sustainability in the clothing industry refers to the ability to create and manufacture garments while minimising negative impacts on the environment, society, and economy. This includes reducing the use of natural resources, such as water and energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminating harmful chemicals and waste.

Sustainable clothing also involves fair labour practices, ethical sourcing of materials, and supporting local communities. It aims to promote a circular economy where clothes are designed to be reused, recycled or upcycled, and the end-of-life disposal is minimised.

Overall, sustainability in the clothing industry is about creating clothing that has a positive impact on people, the planet, and profit, while meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The clothing industry is one of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution worldwide. The industry is responsible for a considerable amount of greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, waste, and other negative environmental impacts. The fast fashion industry, in particular, has been criticised for its unsustainable practices, including the overproduction of clothing, the use of non-renewable resources, and the exploitation of workers in developing countries.

Sustainability is a pressing issue for the clothing industry, and it is vital that we take steps to reduce its impact on the environment. In this blog, we will discuss the key sustainability issues facing the clothing industry and what can be done to address them.

Overproduction

One of the most significant sustainability issues facing the clothing industry is overproduction. Fast fashion brands produce an overwhelming amount of clothing each year, much of which ends up in landfills or incinerators. In fact, the clothing industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than the emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined (Source).

To address this issue, clothing brands must reduce their production levels and prioritise quality over quantity. Instead of churning out new collections every few weeks, brands should focus on producing timeless, durable pieces that can be worn for years to come. Consumers can also do their part by shopping less frequently and investing in high-quality pieces that will last longer.

Use of Non-renewable resources

Another significant sustainability issue in the clothing industry is the use of non-renewable resources. The production of textiles requires vast amounts of water, energy, and other resources. For example, it takes around 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt (Source). Additionally, synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are made from fossil fuels and are not biodegradable.

To reduce the industry's reliance on non-renewable resources, brands can switch to more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. These materials require less water and energy to produce and are biodegradable. Consumers can also do their part by choosing clothing made from sustainable materials and avoiding synthetic fabrics whenever possible.

What is organic cotton?

Organic cotton is cotton that is grown without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds. Instead, organic cotton farmers use natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and natural pest control to grow the cotton.

The production of organic cotton also prohibits the use of toxic chemicals and requires the use of natural dyes for colouring the fabric which results in lower environmental impact compared to conventional cotton production.

In addition, organic cotton farming supports the health and well-being of farmers and workers, as they are not exposed to harmful chemicals. It also promotes fair labour practices, as organic cotton farmers are typically paid fair wages and have safe working conditions.

Overall, organic cotton is a more sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional cotton and is becoming increasingly popular in the clothing industry.

Water Pollution

The clothing industry is also responsible for significant water pollution. The textile dyeing and finishing process is one of the most polluting processes in the clothing supply chain. The process involves the use of a vast amount of water and chemicals, which are often discharged into nearby waterways, causing severe pollution.

To address this issue, clothing brands must adopt more sustainable dyeing and finishing processes. This can include the use of natural dyes, which are less harmful to the environment, and the implementation of closed-loop systems, which can recycle water and minimise chemical waste.

Waste

The clothing industry is also a significant contributor to waste. In fact, it is estimated that around 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year (Source), with most of it ending up in landfills or incinerators. The production of clothing also generates a considerable amount of waste, including fabric scraps, packaging, and unsold stock.

To reduce waste in the clothing industry, brands can adopt a circular economy model, which involves designing products with the end of life in mind. This can include using recycled materials, designing products to be easily disassembled and repaired, and implementing take-back programs to recycle old clothing. Consumers can also do their part by donating or recycling their clothing instead of throwing it away.

Worker Exploitation

The clothing industry is also known for its exploitation of workers, particularly in developing countries. Many clothing brands outsource their production to factories in countries with lower labour costs, where workers are often paid low wages and work in unsafe conditions.

Who needs to step up?

The Clothing industry, Governments, Global Organisations, Startups, NGOs, Researchers, Consumers and other stakeholders should come together and make collective efforts to mitigate the negative impact of this sector on the environment and on the workers of this field. Glitter is good until it makes one blind!