TEXTILES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
| The textile industry is one of the largest industries in the world. Significant environmental impacts can occur at every stage of the textile lifecycle, regardless of the fibre type (natural, man-made or synthetic). The environmental impact of a textile is determined by two main factors: Fibre composition: Is the fibre derived from a renewable or non-renewable resource? What chemicals are used in its production? How much energy and water is used in growing or producing the fibre? Is the fibre biodegradable or recyclable at the end of its life? |
| The major positive and negative aspects for each fibre type are summarised below, and identified as: |
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positive environmental aspect |
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negative environmental aspect |
NATURAL FIBRES Cotton Wool Flax, Ramie and Hemp Silk Bamboo |
MANMADE FIBRES Bamboo Rayon, Viscose and Acetate |
SYNTHETIC Polyester (PET) Recycled Polyester (Recycled PET) Olefin Nylon Acrylic Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Summary of the environmental impact of all fibre types HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Some impacts are unavoidable however it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of textiles. You can start by specifying textiles made from natural fibres with low pesticide residues that are grown on well-managed farms such as LIFE Textiles®, or synthetic fibres that contain recycled content and are free of hazardous substances. |