The need for Textiles Industry to embrace Sustainability
The effects of human caused climate change are happening NOW. Direct research evidence shows that Earth’s climate is significantly changing by getting warmer. This warming trend is of particular significance because it is unequivocally the result of human activity since the mid-20th century and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over millennia. Earth’s average surface temperature has risen about 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. Climate Action is the only solution for Climate Change.
It is estimated that the textiles industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions – more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Textiles industry is a major contributor to climate change. 150 million trees are logged and turned into fabric every year. If placed end to end, these trees would circle our earth’s equator 7 times over. Synthetic textiles affect the environment and climate throughout their life cycle through resource use and releases of pollutants. Between 200,000 and 500,000 tonnes of microplastics from textiles enter the marine environment each year, intoxicating aquatic life. It is reported that the textiles industry is accountable for over 20% of industrial water pollution in the world. Globally less than 1% of textiles are recycled and most of it ends up in landfills.
The ideal solution and the first step for the textiles industry to take is shift to sustainable sourcing. Sustainable sourcing is the combination of environment, social, and ethical factors in the entire sourcing process. It has always been perceived that adding sustainability to your process requires additional very high costs but not anymore. We have made sustainable sourcing possible for brands by streamlining all the processes using artificial intelligence. It is now a simplified operation providing economic benefit to all customers and suppliers alike while lowering prices and improved service levels.
Brands are working with us and committing to sustainability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water used in production, avoid plastics, eliminate child labour, tap into renewable sources, and sequester carbon. We believe there is no better landscape than transitioning to sustainability.