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[October Free Report] Textile Waste |
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by Shreya Kaushik | 01-03-2024 06:49
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Textile Waste
The textile industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors globally but at the same time it has also started to become a cause of concern for the environment. UN reports indicate that the fashion industry contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing the aviation and shipping sectors combined. Textile waste includes both pre-consumer waste generated during manufacturing processes and post-consumer waste, which includes discarded household articles and garments. In India, it amounts to over 1 million tons annually, with household sources being the primary contributors. From overconsumption of natural resources to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution, the textile industry poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability. The production of textiles requires vast amounts of water, land, and raw materials, contributing to water scarcity, land degradation, and depletion of natural resources. Furthermore, textile production and laundering processes release pollutants into water bodies, endangering aquatic ecosystems and human health. The proliferation of synthetic textiles alongside laundering contributes to the release of microplastics into the environment. These microplastics accumulate in oceans, posing threats to marine life and entering the food chain. On the technological front, mechanical recycling faces challenges such as the need for efficient cutting and preparation methods, complex transportation and feeding systems, and the limitations of tearing machines to produce recycled fibers of shorter lengths. Chemical recycling struggles with the complexity of breaking down different fibers economically and Supply-side issues include unpredictable waste volume and quality. From textile production to disposal, addressing every phase of the textile lifecycle calls for a comprehensive strategy to solve the problem of textile waste. The amount of waste produced in the textile industry can be decreased by implementing sustainable technology and processes. Ingenious recycling initiatives, such as those used by Patagonia and Eileen Fisher, involve gathering, sorting, and repurposing old clothing into brand-new apparel. Because it uses less virgin materials, this circular approach conserves resources and reduces waste. Technological advancements such as textile recycling technologies like chemical recycling and mechanical recycling can help us break down textile waste into raw materials that can be used to create new textiles. Companies like Evrnu and Worn Again Technologies are using these methods to transform old textiles into high-quality fibers for new garments, effectively closing the loop in the textile supply chain. Furthermore, improving consumer awareness and behavior can also play a crucial role in reducing textile waste such as educating consumers about sustainable fashion choices. So, let’s together join our hands to wear sustainable cloth!
References: [1] A. (2022, September 27). Textile recycling: Immediate challenges for the industry - Indian Textile Journal. Indian Textile Journal. https://indiantextilejournal.com/textile-recycling-immediate-challenges-for-the-industry/ [2] The impact of textile production and waste on the environment (infographics) | Topics | European Parliament. (n.d.). Topics | European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20201208STO93327/the-impact-of-textile-production-and-waste-on-the-environment-infographics [3] Johnson, C. (2023, August 30). The growing problem of textile waste in India: What you need to know - ET Edge Insights. ET Edge Insights. https://etinsights.et-edge.com/the-growing-problem-of-textile-waste-in-india-what-you-need-to-know/ [4] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/burgeoning-problem-textile-waste-need/ |
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Former E-gen Ambassador
Shreya Kaushik
Previous : [November Free Report] Revive:...
4 Comments
Thank you so much for your feedback, Mentor SangHyeon! :)
Posted 09-03-2024 21:40
An insightful examination of the environmental challenges posed by the textile industry and the innovative solutions being developed to address textile waste. I wonder what kind of eco-friendly fibers are available to reduce waste.
Posted 06-03-2024 04:51
Thank you so much for your feedback, Mentor Seeun! Glad to hear you use secondhand clothing stores! :)
Posted 02-03-2024 01:54
Hello, this is mentor Seeun.
The fashion industry produces a lot more waste than we anticipate.
I try to use secondhand clothing stores, and give away clothes I don??t wear anymore.
Thank you for your report.
Posted 02-03-2024 00:19