The environmental impact of fabric
The environmental impacts involved in the manufacture of clothing can vary substantially from fabric to fabric. For example, when cotton is grown it can use significant volumes of water and use large amounts of fertilizer, pesticide and herbicides. However, the production of synthetic fibres involves the generation of GHG emissions from the processing of fossil fuels. For all fibres the dyeing and finishing processes can involve heavy water use resulting in hazardous waste from chemicals used in pre-treatment. The consumer use phase uses a lot of energy as well. This is from washing the clothes (hot water heating) and drying the clothes during use. All these processes contribute to significant environmental impacts. Try and choose low environmental impact sustainable fabrics. Below we explain how.
Photo credit: Green Embassy Haute Couture Eco-Fashion
Below is a table that outlines the environmental impact of various fabrics. In this table we look at energy use, water use, greenhouse gases, wastewater and direct land use. As you can see no fabric is equal. Low environmental impact sustainable fabrics are the best. The bottom of the table has more favourable fabrics.
In our last blog we discuss the carbon footprint of various fabrics and where along the value chain energy is used and thus CO2 created.
It is apparent that for the most part, natural fibers such as wool, linen and hemp are superior as it relates to environmental impact.
Choose your wardrobe like you choose your diet
Choosing the right fabrics for the clothing you wear can make a big difference to your environmental impact. You know how people choose to be vegetarian or vegan instead of eating meat to reduce their carbon footprint? Well choosing the right sustainable type of clothing is basically very similar. Let me explain. Every single type of fabric has its own carbon footprint and there are huge differences among the various fabrics out there. Some synthetic fabrics, like nylon, polyester and acrylic, are made from petroleum based materials / fossil fuels and take a lot of energy to make and have a huge carbon footprint. Fabrics with a lower carbon footprint are the most sustainable way to go. Choose low environmental impact sustainable fabrics. These tend to by the more natural types of fabrics.
Here is your shopping list of fabrics to choose and those to avoid.
Shopping list for sustainable fabrics
Key take-aways:
- There are pros and cons to every fabric. It is not simple.
- Natural fabrics appear to be better when it comes to energy use, CO2 emissions and water emissions, but this can vary from fabric to fabric.
- Re-using clothing is a great option to reduce your environmental impact. Got to the thrift stores.
- As a brand, opt for low environmental fabrics or head in the direction of recycled polyester if polyester is necessary in your collections.
About the Author:
Lizzy Cross is the founder and CEO of MODA CIRCOLARE, a sustainable fashion consulting agency. Lizzy has over 15 years of experience in sustainability and environmental risk. She is a sustainability fashion expert and coach and helps fashion and apparel brands all over the world to embed sustainability and circularity into their business strategies. Lizzy has a master’s degree in Bio-Resource / Environmental Engineering and has taken Sustainable Business Strategy at Harvard Business School. Read more about sustainable fashion @modacircolare and at www.modacircolare.com
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