How are emissions affecting us?
Emissions are created by actions such as the burning of wood, fossil fuels and the releases of stored carbon into the atmosphere. A chemical reaction to the oxygen occurs which creates greenhouse gases. These emissions capture and release heat in the climate.
A contributor to the apparel industry is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity in countries such as China, India and Bangladesh. Also to transport goods through shipping via land, air or sea. The greater the production of goods, the greater the requirement for resources affecting the overall output of greenhouse gases.
Production of natural and synthetic fibres processes includes growers, processors of raw fibres, yarns, weavers, knitters, dyers, textiles and finishes all of which contribute to the release of greenhouse gases. Statistics show that 60% of fibre production is used for clothing.
What are the contributing factors?
Shipping and logistics of transferring stock produce a carbon footprint via truck, boat or air that contributes to the creation and release of greenhouse gases. Energy to operate garment care such as washing, drying, pressing and dyeing contributes to the creation and release of greenhouse gases. Up to 20% of wastewater pollution is caused by the textile dye process.
Textiles generate roughly 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 (10% greenhouse gases). The prediction of growth at the current rate is that by 2050 the textile industry will contribute 25% of the world’s carbon budget. The fast fashion model, from make to waste has seen a double in export since the year 2000 and global fibre production also doubled from 2020 to 2020.
How is the land and life affected?
Deforestation is the second largest driver behind greenhouse gas emissions globally. This process is used to extract wood pulp for cellulose-based fibres such as rayon, viscose or modal. Alternatively, garments deteriorating in a landfill or the process of incarceration causes hazardous chemicals that contribute to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Where do we go from here?
Experimentation with new materials and the inclusion of technology to develop new systems are being explored as alternative materials. For consumers, checking the product end-life expectancy by fibre content or brand awareness can help support the drive for a sustainable future.