Re-defining Synthetic Textile Products to be Eco-Conscious
Synthetic textiles have had a long run as the fabric of choice for consumers and businesses. In 2022 these fabrics had a total trade volume of $3.44 billion. It is the suitability of these textiles for versatile applications that have made their popularity soar. These fibres are so pervasive that you probably do not have to look far—chances are, the clothes you are wearing as you read this article are made from synthetic fibres.
Although synthetic textiles, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are known for their durability and affordability, these benefits come at a significant environmental cost. They are not biodegradable, which means they persist across landfills for countless years, taking up 5% of the landfill space. Their production involves energy-intensive processes using up non-renewable petroleum resources and releasing harmful greenhouse gases. Also, every time synthetic fabrics are washed, they shed microplastics that make their way into our waterways, threatening marine life and, ultimately, human health.
But there is good news! The fashion industry is ready to embrace sustainability. Innovators are working to develop eco-friendly alternatives and improve the environmental footprint of synthetic textiles. The focus now is not just on recycling and reducing waste, but also on ensuring that the synthetic textiles produced are eco-conscious from the outset.
Read on to find out how this can be achieved!
What are synthetic textiles?
These are fabrics or fibres created artificially through chemical processes. They are usually derived from petrochemicals or synthesised polymers from fossil fuels.
There are many kinds of synthetic textiles that are freely available. They include:
- Polyester: This textile is the most widely used across the fashion industry due to its durability and strength.
- Nylon: It has an elastic quality which makes it suitable for use in sportswear and hosiery.
- Acrylic: This wool-like textile is commonly used in sweaters, blankets, and upholstery.
Making Synthetic Textiles Eco-conscious
The long list of challenges and difficulties accompanying synthetic textiles serve as alarm bells for many of the brands in the fashion world. There has been talk about the need to shift to textiles that are more eco-friendly. This requires innovation on the brand’s part to replace harmful textiles with eco-friendly ones.
Innovations in Sustainable Synthetic Textiles
Recent advancements in innovations have revolutionised many industries and fashion is not one to be left behind. An important breakthrough is the development of biodegradable polymers, such as CELYSTM fully compostable fibre. This fabric has the ability to break down completely without the need for harmful chemicals, thus reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Another innovative alternative to petroleum-based synthetic textiles is introducing bio-based ones. Bio-based fibres will go a long way in making the textile industry eco-friendly. These fibres will make it possible for synthetic textiles to transition from relying on depleting fossil fuels to using renewable resources, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
Sustainable Production Processes
If the environmental footprint of the fashion industry is to be reduced, producing synthetic textiles in a sustainable way is essential. Here are some key steps that need to be taken.
- Using Recycled Materials:
In the production of synthetic textiles, recycled materials should be introduced as the main raw materials. This will help reduce the need for new materials and also help bring down waste generation significantly. An example is the manufacture of polyester from used PET bottles.
- Switching to Renewable Energy:
Using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels is a major step in the move towards sustainability. For example, solar or wind energy can be utilised in textile manufacturing centres.
- Conserving Water:
Recycling and reusing water within the production process can significantly cut down on water usage and pollution. A closed-loop system should be employed by all businesses to save precious water from being wasted.
Dyeing techniques that do not require water will also eliminate the need for harmful chemicals to be washed into waterbodies.
- Chemical Management:
Another important initiative is ensuring that any chemical waste is treated before being released into the environment to prevent pollution. This means that the business should use advanced filtration and treatment systems.
Ethical and Fair Labor Practices
For a brand or product to be considered eco-conscious, it has to pay heed to the people involved in the business. Ethical and fair labour practices mean that workers involved in the production process are treated with respect, paid fairly, and work in safe conditions. They should receive a basic wage that is sufficient to cover basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. The working conditions should be free from any hazard and the comfort of workers should be a priority. And most importantly, child labour or forced labour of any sort should be strictly prohibited.
Consumer Responsibility and Awareness
Transitioning to an eco-conscious brand is no easy feat and can not be done by the brand alone. It is important to rope in the support of the consumers and raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable synthetic textiles.
Customers should be encouraged to make mindful and well-thought-out purchase decisions. Impulse buying creates the need for more clothes and this heightened demand ends up in businesses producing cheaper clothes quickly. If consumers were to invest in pieces that are more durable and can be used in multiple ways, the vicious production cycle could be slowed down.
At the same time, it is imperative to educate consumers about the significance of reusing and recycling. They should be encouraged to recycle products once these clothes have reached the end of their life cycles. Renting centres can be set up so more options are available to buyers.
Conclusion
These are exciting times for the textile industry. Innovation and technical advancements have provided us with great opportunities to transform traditional practices into modern and sustainable ones. We have a chance to redefine synthetic textiles to be eco-conscious and change the way the fashion industry is perceived.
The incorporation of recycled and biodegradable fibres, and using energy-efficient production techniques, is a clear reflection of the industry’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. There is a general shift towards ensuring that water is conserved and waste generation is reduced.
The future of synthetic textiles lies in its ability to balance both its functionality and environmental responsibility so that it can make way for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
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