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Thursday | 9 January 2025 | Epaper
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Sustainable practices for a viable textile industry

Published : Thursday, 9 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 357
Rana Dutta
In today's world, consumers increasingly demand goods produced ethically and sustainably. For textile manufacturers, eco-friendly practices are not merely a responsibility but a strategic imperative. The global textile industry, a major contributor to the world economy, simultaneously shoulders a heavy environmental burden. 

Significant concerns include water consumption, chemical pollution, carbon emissions, and waste generation. As climate change and sustainability dominate global conversations, manufacturers face mounting pressure to innovate and reduce their environmental footprint. This shift towards sustainability is crucial for long-term success in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.
Let's critically discuss how the textile industry can achieve a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Sustainable sourcing and raw material innovation are paramount for mitigating the environmental impact of textile manufacturing. Prioritizing organic cotton cultivation eliminates the use of harmful synthetic inputs, safeguarding biodiversity, improving soil health, and reducing water consumption, significantly enhancing environmental sustainability. 

Embracing recycled fabrics, such as recycled polyester derived from plastic waste, minimizes the demand for virgin materials and lowers the carbon footprint. Exploring alternative natural fibers like hemp, bamboo, and Tencel, renowned for their lower water and pesticide requirements, offers a more sustainable pathway. Furthermore, innovative materials like mushroom leather and algae-based fibers present promising alternatives to traditional materials, offering biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. These approaches collectively contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible textile industry.

Mitigating the environmental impact of textile manufacturing, particularly in energy-intensive processes like dyeing and finishing, hinges on energy efficiency and the utilization of renewable energy sources. Implementing energy-efficient machinery, such as high-efficiency boilers and advanced dyeing machines, can drastically reduce electricity consumption. 

Traditional dyeing processes often rely on toxic chemicals and synthetic dyes, posing significant risks to both workers' health and the environment. Dyeing, bleaching, and finishing operations release harmful substances that contaminate water sources, damaging ecosystems and threatening nearby communities. Transitioning to natural dyes or non-toxic, plant-based alternatives, along with exploring technologies that minimize chemical usage, can substantially reduce environmental harm.

Similarly, many finishing treatments involve hazardous chemicals to enhance properties such as water resistance and flame retardancy. Manufacturers can mitigate these risks by opting for eco-friendly finishes, such as silicone-based coatings, which are less harmful to the environment. Adopting industry standards like GOTS or OEKO-TEX ensures compliance with rigorous environmental and chemical safety guidelines, promoting transparency and fostering consumer trust in responsibly produced textiles.

Rigorous chemical management practices, including proper storage, handling, and disposal protocols, are crucial to minimize the risk of spills, leaks, and emissions. Regular monitoring and employee training are essential to ensure safe chemical handling. Furthermore, promoting closed-loop systems that minimize chemical usage and maximize resource recovery significantly reduces environmental impact. These systems aim to recycle or recover chemicals for reuse, minimizing waste generation and reducing reliance on virgin materials.

Sustainable textile production hinges on waste reduction and a circular economy. This necessitates prioritizing reuse, recycling, and repurposing textiles to minimize landfill waste and conserve resources. Zero-waste manufacturing practices, such as optimized patterns, fabric scrap utilization, and digital printing, significantly reduce material waste during production. 
Extending product lifespans through durable designs, repair services, and take-back programs encourages consumers to recycle garments. Textile recycling, including the development of innovative textile-to-textile recycling technologies, facilitates the creation of a closed-loop production system. By embracing these strategies, the textile industry can transition towards a more sustainable and circular model, mitigating environmental impact and minimizing resource depletion.

To drive meaningful change, companies must go beyond merely adopting eco-friendly practices; they must also educate consumers about the environmental impact of their purchasing choices. By doing so, companies can encourage individuals to opt for more environmentally conscious products, creating a stronger market demand for eco-friendly offerings. 

As consumer awareness grows and demand for sustainable products surges, companies prioritizing eco-friendly practices will gain a significant competitive edge. The future of the textile industry hinges on its ability to innovate and adapt to the pressing need for environmental sustainability, ensuring a viable and responsible future for generations to come.

Ultimately, the textile industry's transition to sustainability hinges on a multi-pronged approach. Governments must lead by enacting robust environmental regulations, including stringent emissions standards and responsible waste disposal policies, while simultaneously incentivizing eco-friendly practices. Industry players must prioritize innovation, investing in sustainable materials, transparent supply chains, and ethical labor practices. Consumers hold significant power by supporting sustainable brands, demanding accountability, and actively participating in recycling initiatives. Education and awareness campaigns, spearheaded by governments, academia, NGOs, and businesses, are crucial to fostering a culture of responsible consumption. Through collective action, the textile industry can be transformed into a profitable, ethical, and environmentally sound sector, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

The writer is an Asst. Deputy Secretary,  Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA)


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