The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. In Europe, textile consumption has the fourth largest impact on the environment and climate change, after food, housing and mobility [1].

This is important because most fabrics are made of synthetic materials, which can be harmful to the environment if not recycled properly.

However, there are ways to make textiles more environmentally friendly and reduce your impact when it comes to your wardrobe. One way is to use hemp fabrics. Hemp is a natural fibre that grows without pesticides or herbicides and uses very little water. It can be recycled many times without losing its quality and does not harm the environment like synthetic fabrics do. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using hemp fabrics and how they can help us become more sustainable consumers!

THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE TEXTILE MARKET IN EUROPE

Every year, an average European throws away 11 kg of fabric [1]. Every second, clothes are put on a truck or burned all over the world. Textile production increased by almost half between 2000 and 2015, with consumption of clothing and footwear expected to rise by 63% by 2030 [1]. At the same time, overdevelopment has harmful consequences for resources, water use, energy consumption and climate change. The need to combat the production and use of textiles is now more urgent than ever.

The textile industry employs more than 1.5 million people in over 160,000 companies and generated a turnover of EUR 162 billion in 2019 [1]. The textile ecosystem, mainly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises, has been hit hard by the post-Covid-19 recovery, and to strengthen its resilience and increase its attractiveness for a talented and skilled workforce. Europe should be the cradle of innovative brands, creativity, knowledge and quality textiles.

RECYCLING RATES ARE LOW

Recovered materials are often not used efficiently, leading to losses due to further processing (e.g. converting into carpets). There are significant obstacles to efficient recycling, particularly at consumer level. The lack of clear rules means that many producers do not consider their activities as falling within the scope of what should be recycled.

4 ASPETTI CHE RENDONO L'INDUSTRIA TESSILE INQUINANTE

1. High use of synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics have become an everyday part of our lives, used in everything from clothing and household linen to furniture and car upholstery. Although these materials are cheap, they often come at a high price and have a significant impact on the environment. Synthetic fabrics, made from petroleum-based products, are produced through processes that require significant amounts of energy and generate pollution, contributing to global warming and pollution both inside and outside the factories where these fabrics are produced.

Furthermore, synthetic fabrics tend not to be biodegradable, so when they end up in landfills or the ocean, they continue to release toxic chemicals into the environment for years to come. They also release significant amounts of microplastics during washing, which end up in water cycles. Therefore, while synthetic fabrics seem like a useful material on the surface, their true cost is much higher due to their significant environmental impact.

2. Lack of cost-effective recycling techniques

There is a lack of recycling techniques in the textile industry which results in mountains of clothes being sent to landfill every year. The recycling process is expensive and time-consuming, so many companies simply choose to produce new garments. This is a wasteful approach that not only harms the environment, but also puts pressure on the world's limited resources.

It is estimated that recycling just one tonne of textile waste can save up to 25,000 litres of water and many tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, it can take centuries for textile fibres to degrade, and when they do, they release harmful chemicals into the environment. Although some textiles are made from more sustainable materials such as linen, bamboo and wool, most are still made from synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon. These materials are derived from fossil fuels, so their production creates a large carbon footprint.

3. Intensive use of water

The textile industry is one of the most water-intensive industries in the world. Not only is water used to produce raw materials such as cotton, but it is also used to dye fabric and clean production equipment. As a result, the textile industry is extremely polluting, with water treatment plants often struggling to cope with the enormous amount of water that flows through them every day.

Furthermore, water pollution caused by textile production often has serious consequences for the health of those living nearby, as people are exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins in their water supply. However, there are measures that can be taken to reduce both water consumption and water pollution in the textile industry. For example, companies can use up-to-date technology and equipment to manage water use more efficiently, while creating safer working environments for their employees. By prioritising sustainable practices in this sector, we can ensure that this vital industry remains environmentally responsible while meeting the growing global demand for clothing and textiles.

4. Human Rights and Environmental Laws

The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world due to the lack of human rights in the workforce. Many textile factories are located in developing countries, where workers, most of them women, do not receive adequate safety equipment or are not paid a livable wage. This often leads to dangerous and unhealthy working conditions. In addition, these factories often discharge waste water into local waterways, which can contaminate the water supply and cause health problems for the local population.

HOW CAN WE REDUCE TEXTILE POLLUTION?

Buying natural and environmentally friendly fabrics

As the demand for synthetic fabrics continues to grow, it is important to find ways to reduce their impact on the environment. One way to do this is to choose materials made from sustainable resources that can be easily recycled or composted. Another way to reduce the pollution impact of synthetic fabrics is to buy products made from natural fibres such as hemp, linen or wool. These fibres are biodegradable and do not release harmful chemicals into the environment. By making smart choices about the fabrics we use, we can help reduce pollution and protect our environment.

Cotton, on the other hand, is a natural fibre, but unfortunately not environmentally friendly, as it requires a lot of water for cultivation and chemical solvents for processing into fabric. We have elaborated on the difference between hemp and cotton in this article.

Separate collection of clothes

One solution to textile pollution is the use of machinery to recycle used textiles. There are a number of companies offering this service and it is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the problem of textile pollution. Recycling machines take used textiles and break them down into their component parts. The fibre is separated from the fabric and the fabric is recycled into new textile products. The fibre can be reused to make new textiles, or it can be used to make insulation, car parts or other products.

Recycling used textiles is not only good for the environment, it is also good for the economy. Recycled textiles are often cheaper than new products and can help reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. However, until recycling techniques become widespread in the textile industry, these benefits will remain out of reach.

Buying fewer clothes

To reduce textile pollution, we need to be aware of the clothes we buy and how much we consume. There are many ways in which we can consume less clothes. One way is to buy second-hand clothes or vitage items instead of new ones. Last but not least, you can donate or recycle your old clothes instead of throwing them away. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can help reduce textile pollution and make a difference for our planet.

WHY IS HEMP FABRIC THE MOST SUSTAINABLE CHOICE?

First of all, hemp is a sustainably grown crop that does not require the use of pesticides or harmful chemicals. It is also a natural weed killer, so it does not need herbicides to keep unwanted plants at bay. In addition, hemp grows quickly and densely, so it does not require large amounts of land to produce significant yields and needs only a fraction of the water compared to cotton. Consequently, hemp is a much more sustainable crop than many other plants commonly used to create textiles.

Secondly, hemp fabric is also strong and durable, so it does not have to be replaced as much as synthetic fabrics or cotton, which break easily, hemp fabric becomes stronger with age. This means that clothes made from hemp will last longer, which reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. Furthermore, the more you wear hemp clothes, the more comfortable they become! Finally, hemp fabric is heat-insulating, breathable and absorbent, which makes it more comfortable to wear even in hot weather.

Finally, hemp fabric is also naturally antibacterial and antifungal, which means it does not require the use of harsh chemicals to keep it clean. This is not only better for the environment, but also for your skin! Hemp fabric is a good choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies, as it does not irritate or cause reactions like some synthetic fabrics.

'LESS IS MORE', EVEN IN CLOTHING

So, the next time you are looking for new clothes, consider choosing hemp fabrics instead of conventional options. It is a more sustainable choice that will help reduce pollution and textile waste!

‍

References and insights:

[1] https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/textiles-strategy_it

Photo:

[F1] Sorapong Chaipanya, Pexels

[F2] Hermes Rivera, Unsplash

[F3] Alyssa Strohmann, Unsplash

© All rights reserved

‍