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What Are Sustainable Fabrics？How Are They Changing The Fashion Industry？
Definition of sustainable fabrics
In the textile industry, sustainable fabrics refer to fabrics that reduce damage to the environment throughout their life cycle, from raw material acquisition, production and processing, use to waste disposal, while taking into account social and economic sustainability. This is mainly achieved through the following ways:
² Environmentally friendly raw material acquisition: organically grown natural fibers, such as organic cotton, are used in the planting process without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which reduces the pollution of soil and water sources and avoids the potential harm of chemicals to the human body. There are also recycled fibers, such as recycled cotton and recycled polyester fibers, which are made from industrial or post-consumer waste, reducing the demand for new raw materials and reducing waste accumulation.
² Clean production and processing process: In fabric production, minimize the use of chemical agents, use environmentally friendly dyes and auxiliaries, reduce the pollution of wastewater discharge to the environment; and optimize production processes, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the production process.
How sustainable fabrics are changing the fashion industry
Promoting sustainable development of the industry:
Reduce environmental impact: The traditional fashion industry has a serious impact on the environment, and the use of sustainable fabrics can significantly reduce water consumption, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, alleviating the pressure of the fashion industry on the environment. For example, the use of organic cotton can reduce the use of a large amount of pesticides and fertilizers, and reduce the pollution of soil and water sources; the use of recycled fibers can reduce the amount of waste landfill and reduce damage to the environment.
Promote resource recycling: Recycled fibers and biodegradable materials in sustainable fabrics make resource utilization in the fashion industry more efficient and circular. For example, Econyl® fiber is made from nylon waste such as discarded fishing nets and carpets. After special treatment, it can be reused in clothing production, realizing the transformation of resources from waste to new products and reducing dependence on original resources.
Meet consumers' demand for environmental protection:
Conform to consumption trends: As consumers' environmental awareness continues to improve, more and more people tend to choose environmentally friendly and sustainable products. According to the data of the "2023 China Consumer Trend Report", 73.8% of consumers will give priority to green and environmentally friendly products or brands in their daily lives. Clothing made of sustainable fabrics just meets this market demand, winning more consumer recognition and market share for fashion brands.
Enhance brand image: Fashion brands that focus on the use of sustainable fabrics can often establish a good corporate social responsibility image and enhance brand reputation and loyalty. For example, Jiangnan Buyi's "Zero Waste Recycled Wool Coat" reflects the brand's active exploration of sustainable development and enhances the brand's image and value in the hearts of consumers.
How are sustainable fabrics made?
Sustainable fabric production tries to minimize impact on the environment and support ethical practices.For example, organic cotton farming uses no synthetic chemicals and requires around 93% less water than conventional cotton production, which means it is better for ecosystems and local communities.
The same is true for bamboo linen, which is produced by extracting cellulose from bamboo, a fast growing plant that uses fewer resources, as long as the process is managed responsibly.
These manufacturing methods prioritize the efficient use of resources while providing an ethical workforce that reduces carbon emissions and protects natural habitats. Advanced technologies are integrated to ensure sustainable materials remain at the forefront in performance and quality, and explore how innovation can support a greener future for the fashion industry.
The Role of Certifications in Identifying Sustainable Fabrics
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification will check whether the raw materials of the fabric are organically grown fibers (such as organic cotton), whether harmful chemicals are used in the processing, including various heavy metals, formaldehyde, etc., and whether the energy consumption and wastewater treatment in the production process meet environmental protection requirements. The certification body will send professionals to the production site for inspection, collect samples for laboratory testing, and then give certification after comprehensive evaluation.
Quality Assurance
Sustainable fabric certification ensures that fabrics meet a certain quality level. Certified fabrics are guaranteed in terms of physical properties, such as strength and durability. Taking organic cotton certification as an example, the certification body will specify the range of indicators such as the length and strength of organic cotton fibers. Because good quality fabrics can be used for a longer time, it reduces the waste of resources caused by frequent replacement of clothing and other textiles, which is itself an important manifestation of sustainability.
At the same time, certification can also ensure the safety of fabrics during wearing. For example, fabrics certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100 ensure that they do not contain chemicals that are harmful to the human body, such as certain carcinogenic dyes, allergenic chemical finishing agents, etc. Consumers can wear them with confidence to avoid potential risks to health caused by harmful substances in the fabrics.
Choosing Sustainable Fabrics: Tips for Conscious Consumers
² When choosing sustainable fabrics, prioritize natural fibers, such as organic cotton and organic linen. Linen and hemp are ancient fibers that use fewer resources than cotton, use less water, and don’t require artificial pesticides. For animal fibers, choose silk or alpaca, both of which are harvested without causing harm to animals and with minimal negative impact on the environment.
² Always analyze clothing labels and sustainability certifications. The Global Organic Textile Standard ensures that the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly; the Fairtrade mark verifies that labor practices are fair and wages are reasonable; and the Global Organic Textile Standard verifies organic farming. These certification standards also apply to textiles made from recycled plastic bottles and industrial waste, helping to reduce land pollution and avoid over-consumption of resources.
² Corporate transparency is also key. Favor brands that explain how their products are made, use renewable energy for production, and work to reduce their carbon footprint. These companies can help promote new sustainable textiles and raise overall standards in the fashion industry.
² The current paradigm shift is due to consumers who prefer fabrics with less environmental and social impact. And these brands have the ability to lead the change and help create green, high-quality and sustainable solutions for the fashion industry.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing sustainable fabrics, consumers play a crucial role by favoring those that are eco-friendly and socially responsible. By focusing on natural fibers, checking certifications, and supporting transparent brands that prioritize renewable energy use and carbon footprint reduction, we can drive the fashion industry towards more sustainable practices. Ultimately, this collective effort will contribute to creating a greener and better future for the fashion world, with brands leading the way in offering high-quality, sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and society at large.
